Phetchabun is the province situated almost at the middle point of Thailand, 346 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an overall area of 12,668 square kilometers, is administratively divided into 11 Amphoes : Muang, Lom Sak, Chon Daen, Lom Kao, Wichian Buri, Nong Phai, Si Thep, Bung Sam Phan, Wang Pong, Nam Nao and Khao Kho.

PHETCHABUN's ATTRACTIONS

Phetchabun City Pillar The pillar is housed in a shrine located in the heart of the city being a stone pillar brought over from Muang Si Thep by H.R.H. Prince Damrong Rachanuparp in the year 1804.

Wat Mahathat This monastery has been existing along with Petchabun town itself having a 3 - meter high Sukhothai style Phum Khao Binth design pagoda. In March 167, renovation was made by the Department of Fine Arts and several Buddha images of various periods were found.

Wat Traiphum is located on Phetcharat Rd., housing a Buddha image named Phra Buddha Maha Thammaracha which has also been existing along with Phetchabun. It is cast in the ornamental Lopburi style which has been found by the city inhabitants in the Pa Sak River in front of Wat Triphum and housed in this monastery. Later on, this Buddha image disappeared and found again at the bottom of Mae Nam Pa Sak at the very same location. Hence, it has become annual tradition of Phetchabun that Phra Buddha MahaThammaracha be celebrated in the procession around the city, during Sart Festival, until the procession arrives at the spot where the Buddha image was found. The Governor of Phetchabun, then, carries this Buddha image and dives into the river, an action believed to bring well-being to the city inhabitants.

Namtok Tat Mok is a very beautiful waterfall having twelve tiers, located at Mu 6, Tambon Na Pa. From the provincial hall, proceed on Phet Charoen Road to Ban Chalianglap for 12 kilometres. Switch to the route Huai Yai-Ban Nam Ron and travel along the dusty road for about 500 metres to arrive at the highway no. 2275. At this point, an entrance to the waterfall is seen on the right side. Further trip on a dire road along the mountain side for about 19 kilometres and walk on fog 1,800 metres approximately.

Chul Thai Silk Company Limited The area of this company used to be the most famous and largest tangerine plantation in Thailand. At present, the owner has given up operating the tangerine plantation by paying attention to sericulture and horse raising projects. Good genus of racing horses are imported from Ireland; Australia, England, etc., for racing horse breeding project. It is now a tourist attraction of Phetchabun.

Si Thep Historical Park Si thep city is situated 107 kms. from Petchabun township area on Phu Khae Lom Sak Road, 25 kms. from Amphoe Wichian Buri where an 8 kms. access road branches off, on the left, to Si Thep City which is approximately 1,000 years old. It was the city during the prosperous ancient Khmer period having a lot of archaeological ruins and objects. The Park is open daily from 8.30-16.30 hrs. Admission fee is 20 Baht.

B.N. Farm This farm is famous for cultivation of cold weather vegetables, located on Lom Sak Phitsanulok Road at Km. 100 where a 3 kms. access road branches off to the farm where visitors can sightsee and buy the farm produce.

Khao Kho This mountain used to be an important battle field. Within the area of this range outstanding spots that should be visited are general scenery, Kho Palace Khao Kho Monument viewing point at Itthi Base ( Weapon Museum Namtok Sidit etc. It is accessible via the same route to B.N. Farm. Continue the trip for another 26 kms. after B.N. farm. Accommodations are available along the way upto Khao Kho.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park This park is of tourist attraction same as Khao Kho, but different in details, i.e., the surrounding provides unusual sceneries. The area is of a large stone platform called 'Lap Hin Taek' and 'Lap Hin Pum' having long deep cracks in some dotted with small shrubs throunghout the entire area. There are ruins, originated by battles, left over to see such as, the Office of State Power, CT Hospital, etc. Phu Hin Rong Kla is accessible via Phetchabun - Lom Sak Route where a left turn is to be made through Highway No. 12 to Ban Yaeng and proceed on to Amphoe Nakhon Thai where an access road branches off to the park, a route more convenient than any other. Accommodation reservation can be made at the National Park Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.

Nam Nao National Park This national park is located at Km. 49 - 50 from Lom Sak to Chum Phae on Highway No. 12 linking northern region and northeastern region. Nam Nao National Park is very attractive place for sightseeing having all resources such as, waterfall, cave, various species of plants, etc. Because of its cold weather, the area has been originally called' the cold weather forest'. Accommodation reservation can be made at the National Park Division. Royal Forestry Department. Tel. 579-0529. 579-4842.