It’s been three years since the world was turned upside down by the pandemic, and I feel incredibly grateful to be able to travel again. I had the privilege of taking a trip to the beautiful town of Khao Kho, and it was an experience I will never forget. After a long 5.5 hour car drive, my friend and I finally reached our destination, and we were greeted by the picturesque town and the cool temperatures.

Each day was filled with adventure as we explored the local area, from catching breathtaking sunrises to trekking through the lush National Park. The natural beauty that surrounded us was simply awe-inspiring, and I found myself constantly reaching for my camera to capture the stunning views.

One of the highlights of the trip was waking up about 5:30am to catch sunrise at one beautiful spot located at Phu Thap Boek. It is a 1,768m high mountain in Phetchabun Province. The mountain was accessible by a car drive upward. Although this place is not widely known among foreign trackers. Nonetheless, for one who nature calls and seeks for somewhere, you must not miss this mountain. Immerse myself in the beauty of cold fresh air and greeted with bright orange sun was gorgeous. What a grand scene of panoramic vista.

After watching sunrise, we went trekking inside the national park located nearby, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. There are many viewpoints to go but we chose a few to visit. The cliff features of this bizarre rock formations is called Lan Hin Poom. It was really an unique element of the park. It was about 4km walk. The weather was cool that we trek with our jacket on without perspiring. Most importantly, humidity is LOW! The trail were surrounded by towering trees and the chirping of birds. We also had the chance to witness the stunning view from the dramatic cliff rock face.

In addition to the natural beauty, we also had the opportunity to sample the delicious local cuisine, from the tangy and spicy tom yum to the rich and flavorful khao Kho. The laid-back atmosphere of the small town only added to the overall tranquility of the trip.

Overall, this trip was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it reminded me of the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures in life. The memories I made on this trip will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure. If you’re looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway, Khao Kho is definitely worth a visit but be prepared for the long car drive up the hill from Bangkok.

The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark. – John Muir