Khao Kho Mountain Loop — PhetchabunHighlands.
Distance
210 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,500 m
Khao Kho Mountain Loop — Phetchabun Highlands.
A one-day mountain loop through the Khao Kho range — Thailand's "Little Switzerland" — between Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. The highlands rise above 1,000m to a cool plateau of pine forest, sea-of-mist viewpoints, and small mountain resorts. Highway 12 between Phitsanulok and Lom Sak is one of Thailand's great long-distance scenic roads. Best November–February (cool season).
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance210 km
Days1
Total climb1,500 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Phitsanulok CityStart · Start in Phitsanulok, the historic Sukhothai-era city on the Nan River. Visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (housing one of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha images) before heading east on Highway 12. Fuel up.
Highway 12 Khek ValleyScenic Point · The road climbs out of the Nan plain into mixed teak and bamboo forest. Highway 12 is nicknamed Thailand's "King of Highways" — long sweeping curves with light traffic outside weekends.
Khao Kho District — Mountain CrossingMountain Pass · Climb into the Khao Kho range — "Switzerland of Thailand". Cool mountain air at 1,000m+, pine forest, and tight switchbacks. Mist often fills the valleys below in the early morning.
Khao Kho Wind Farm ViewpointPhoto Spot · Highland wind farm at 1,050m. 360-degree panoramic views over the Phetchabun valleys and the eastern ranges. Wind-gusty — anchor your bike before walking the ridge.
Lom Sak JunctionRestaurant · Lunch in Lom Sak at the Highway 12 / Route 21 junction. Famous for moo yang nam tok (grilled pork with "waterfall" sauce) and Northern Thai sticky rice.
Pa Sak River ValleyScenic Point · Descend south on Route 21 alongside the Pa Sak River. Tobacco fields and tamarind orchards line the route — Phetchabun is Thailand's tamarind capital.
Phetchabun TownEnd · End in Phetchabun, the provincial capital. Famous for ma kham wan (sweet tamarind) — the world's sweetest variety, grown only in this province.
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