Discover the land of political history and fantastic nature at Phu Hin Rong Kla, Phetchabun
Phu Hin Rong Kla, a spectacular and pure nature sight, on the other hand, it is remarkable in the political story behind. The place that once was one of the most strategic bases of the Communist Party of Thailand or CPT in the northern territory of the country. Yet, the venue currently turns to be a fascinating natural and historical tourist attraction, top in mind for many travelers.
About the place
Formally known “Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park” located over the borderline of 3 provinces of Thailand namely Dan Sai district in Loei, Nakhon Thai in Phitsanulok, and Lom Sak in Phetchabun, covered approximately 307 sq.km of space. Proclaimed as a national park dated July 26, 1984, Phu Hin Rong Kla, the short name of this land, is unique with distinctive and marvelous natural character; furthermore, it is a land with the notable story behind as the significant battlefield caused by the unrest of political concept. It could say that Phu Hin Rong Kla is the only national park in Thailand that is valuable in both history and abundant natural resource.
About climate, Phu Hin Rong Kla is similar to Phu Kra Dueng, and Phu Luang since the height of these mountains is quite alike resulted in it is pleasant cold temperature most of the year, especially in the wintertime with the temperature at 4 degrees Celsius in average. While in the rains is between 18 – 25 degrees Celsius with lots of rainfall.
The Interesting Sightseeing in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, as well as a historical site, is unique in natural resource and beauty to other national parks generally in Thailand. So, the must-visit spots in this park categorized to 2 types which are the natural sightseeing and historic venues, including the camp base that once was a shelter and operation base for the communist terrorist in Thailand.
And the highlights that you cannot miss to check in while you are visiting here is “Lan Hin Poom” and “Pha Chu Thong” (the Flag Pole Cliff). Lan Hin Poom is the bizarre rock formation that assumed it occurred by natural erosion.
While the Flag Pole Cliff that is well-known locally “Pha Chu Thong” is about 500 meters from Lan Hin Poom. Along the walkway, you would be a delight with numerous beautiful flowers and canopy. However, the location of Pha Chu Thong is steep cliff features the stunning panoramic view and would be magnificent specifically during the sundown. Besides, the spot is also used to be the venue that communist terrorist called the red flag screened a hammer and a sickle every time they win the fight to government’ force, too.
Apart from that, for any tourist who visits the site in the rainy season and takes nature trail, you might spot the white Boesenbergia alba, a native wildflower that grows well in this region, dotting over the lush green grass carpet along the path.
The important places in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Historic Attractions
1. Battle Museum
The museum that also serves as a tourist information center is next to the national park office. The building displays the information about the battle between government’s army and the communist terrorist at the site in the early days with the info-graphic presentation. Collections of medical appliance, weapon, and publicity of communism, as well as, the exhibition of natural science of Phu Hin Rong Kla. More than that, the building has up to 80 pax conference hall for recapitulate or conference function purpose, plus as a contact center for the tourist, too.
2. Political and Military School
Located at the 4th km burrstone, the area covered with the verdant and dense forest. Political and Military School in the year 1970 was the location of “the three provinces administrative committee,” including Loei, Phetchabun, and Phitsanulok. And in 1977 is the year to establish the school provided education according to communism. For travelers who come to Phu Hin Rong Kla in the cold season, the Political and Military School is another must-visit site for your trip. At the time, the canopy of maple trees changes color, some fall on the ground while some are on the tree, creating a picturesque scene of this forest. The red leaf of maple enhances the venue even more fantastic to visit, doesn’t it? And to avoid any disappointment to miss it, please precheck with the park officials before you make a trip.
3. Water Turbine
Opposites to the Political and Military School is a large water turbine that was created with the idea to mix academic advancement and benefit from nature by engineering students who joined the Communist Party of Thailand after the October 6 event. The water vane housed in the southwest of national park about 3 km away from the State Power Office that served as the administration base with power to judge and punish wrongdoer or one who violates the rule of the party. There’s a jail to imprison the wrongdoer, also remains of fabric weaving building and mechanical repair shop.
4. State Hospital
About 2 km distant from the State Power Office to the north is “State Hospital,” a hospital in the heart of woodland with most of the necessary medical appliance. The building also contains compounding area, recovery room, operating room supported most of the body parts but the heart. Human resource at the hospital both doctors and nurses graduated in the intensive course in China. In the year 1977, the hospital opened dental department and pharmaceutical development lab and the medical appliance here mainly sourced from the urban. Additionally, the treatment here oriented in acupuncture and the use of herbs, as well.
5. Multi Purpose Court
A spacious rock ground is before the State Power Office served as recreation space among the member of the Communist Party of Thailand for leisure time and in any special occasion.
6. Communist Sematary
Graveyard of the People’s Liberation Army of Thailand, the Communist Party of Thailand that died from the fight with government’s armed force. Most of the area is near Multi-Purpose Court and Air raid shelters, the latter is space to hide from aerial bombing by the government’s army. Though there are many spots, only two locations opened to the visitors which are a spot about 200 meters from the Political and Military School that is a massive tunnel with many complicated nooks and up to 500 people of capacity. Another shelter is at the entrance of the State Power Office as a broad niche contained up to 200 people.
7. Moo Ban Muan chon (Mass Village)
Housing community of the mass consists of many villages, for example, Dao Daeng Village (the Red Star Village) and Dao Chai Village (the Star of Victory Village). Each one is about 40 – 50 families stood inside the dense forest along the road cut from Lom Kao district, the style of edifice in villages is compact wood house with no platform and thin flat wood board roofing that is well water-proof, plus air raid shelter nearby, too.
Natural Attractions
1. Lan Hin Taek (the Broken Rock Scenic Point)
300 meters away from Phatcharin Base is Lan Hin Taek or the Broken Rock Scenic Point, a wide rock yard covered approximately 64,000 sqm of space. Lan Hin Taek presented distinctive cracks and cavities on the rock surface, some are narrow enough to step over while some are too wide. About the depth of the crack is unexpectable. It presumed that this natural appearance caused by plate tectonics. Additionally, over the area of Lan Hin Taek covered by moss, lichens, fern, algae, and various kinds of orchid, too.
2. Lan Hin Poom (the Knotty Rock Court)
The venue is about 4 km away from the national park office, Lan Hin Poom is next to the cliff features the bizarre rock formations that assumed it caused by natural erosion. In the past, it was a nursing home for the patients at State Hospital because it’s proper location on the top of the mountain with fresh cool air.
3. Pha Choo Thong (the Flag Pole Cliff)
It is about 500 meters from Lan Hin Poom, Pha Choo Thong is high and steep cliff where the site is perfect to see the magnificent panorama, especially when the sun is setting that considered it is second to none to other viewpoints. Besides, the venue was the strategic point of the Communist Party of Thailand to call the red flag with hammer and sickle image whenever it gained a victory.
4. Rom Klao – Paradorn Waterfall
The fall is 600 meters distant from the Political and Military School and Water Turbine, and there’s a 400-meter walkway to reach Romklao Waterfall, and about 200 meters more will be Paradorn Waterfall. Although both waterfalls are look alike because they are from the same origin, the latter one is the shorter and stronger stream.
5. Sri Patcharin Waterfall
Named to remembrance to the soldiers from Sri Patcharin Camp in Khonkhaen province which is the first troop to encroach Phu Hin Rong Kla. The 20-meter high waterfall is similar to the famous Heaw Suwat Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, although it’s smaller. The large pool below the splash is perfect for enjoying water playing.
6. Pha Lad Waterfall
The waterfall is lower from the location of Huai Nam Sai Ranger Unit, to access the site has to cut through the Hmong Tribe Village in Ban Huai Nam Sai. From there is the path that leads to the dam that is a hydropower plant and about 2 km from the junction get the left lane and walks more 50 meters you will arrive at the destination. Even though it’s not high waterfall but large waterway with full of water all through the year, therefore the hydropower plant established nearby the site.
7. Tad Fa Waterfall
One of the highest waterfalls in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. However, there’s no proper route to access the fall, currently. Any tourist who would like to visit Tad Fa Waterfall needs to walk along the laterite road in about a kilometer and go on foot in the wood for more 300 meters. Once you hear the sound of splash from afar, keep walking for a moment, and you will arrive at the upper part of the fall. To witness the true beauty of Tad Fa Waterfall, you have to climb down along the narrow way to the best spot where you can see the magnificent performance of the splash soars from the cliff. Just so you know, Tad Fa Waterfall also called in the native language is “Dan – Go Sang Waterfall” which means a checking point of the Communist Party of Thailand that is a clump of bamboo.
8. Phu Phaeng Ma (the Horse Cliff Viewpoint)
Another must not miss a spot that we recommend you to check-in, although it’s a tough road to reach and needs a high-performance vehicle to bring you there. The mind-blowing scenery waits for you up there is worthwhile for you, indeed. The splendid landscape of curvy road heads to Phu Hin Rong Kla further is Phu Thab Burk, and Khao Nam Go that you will spot the cabbage farms by below. What a fantastic view! More than that, there’s camping site on Phu Phaeng Ma provides for the travelers who want to stay a night and get close to nature here, too. Anyone who interesting in camping experience here, please contact at Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.
9. Forestation Development Project under HM King Bhumibol’s Initiative at Phu Hin Rong Kla
One of the exciting sights within the area of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park that welcomes for the tourist to visit. Part of the land is next to cliff offers a spectacular view for the tourist to joy the moment with the green and abundant forest of the national park without any blockage. Pha Titanic (Titanic Cliff), Pha Phob Rak (the Cliff We found Love), Pha Bok Rak (the Cliff to Tell Love), Pha Khu Rak (the Lover Cliff), Pha Rak Yuen Yong (the Long Lasting Love Cliff), and Pha Salad Rak (the Goodbye Love cliff) are all creative titles of splendid precipice viewpoints that loftily stood in the property of Forestation Development Project under HM King Bhumibol’s Initiative at Phu Hin Rong Kla. And in the winter, the tourist will experience the highlight of the place that is vibrant “Straw Flower” or also known as “Everlasting Flower” meadow in various color. The prime time of the year that you can see the most magnificent flower field here is from November to January.
Tourist Facility at Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Today, the national park offers 9 cottage style accommodation to serve the tourist that each one is about 5 – 7 guests with THB1,000 – 1,600 per night of charge and 20-pax tent type with THB1,000 per night. Apart from that, a campsite, tourist center, restaurant, and camping space.
How to go to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
By Car:
The direction to go to Phu Hin Rong Kla is optional, anyhow the favorite one is highway number 12 route Phitsanulok – Lom Sak to Ban Yaeng Trisection that you will see a sign to go to the right lane. Then, you cross Ban Huai Teen Tang, Ban Huai Nam Sai, Patcharin Base, and enter Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. It is approximately 31 km in the distance.
Another favorite route is from Phetchabun on road number 21, crosses Lom Sak, Lom Kao district, and Ban Wang Barn, Ban Muaeng Baeng, and Ban Thab Burk and you will reach the destination. The way is about 104 km in the estimate, and also, it’s a steep and curvy lane that the driver should be conscientious.
