Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูหินร่องกล้า) is a 307 km² national park located primarily in Phitsanulok and Loei Provinces, extending into the northern edge of Phetchabun Province near the border with Laos. Established on 26 July 1984 as Thailand's 48th national park, it sits in the forested Luang Prabang mountain range.

The park's name refers to its distinctive geology — "Phu Hin Rong Kla" describes the cracked and fractured rock formations that are the park's most famous feature. The park ranges from 500 m to 1,820 m in elevation, with Phu Man Khao being the highest peak. The landscape includes mixed deciduous forest, dry dipterocarp forest, hill evergreen forest, and conifer forest, with numerous streams and waterfalls.

The park has profound historical significance: from 1968 to 1982, it served as the headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand's insurgent forces. The Thai military eventually secured the area by winning over local Hmong communities, and the insurgents surrendered without further bloodshed. Today, a Thailand-Communism museum documents this chapter of Thai history. The park is cool year-round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C and occasionally dropping below freezing in winter. It receives about 289,000 visitors annually, making it one of the more popular parks in the region.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Phitsanulok (PHS, about 80 km southwest), with domestic flights from Bangkok.

By Car / Road

The park is about 80 km east of Phitsanulok town and about 50 km north of Phetchabun town. From Highway 12, take the road heading north toward Nakhon Thai district and then follow signs to the park entrance. A private vehicle is essential.

A vehicle is needed to reach the park's scattered attractions. The park road winds uphill through forest to the headquarters area at higher elevation. From there, short walks lead to the main rock formations and waterfalls.

• Lan Hin Taek (ลานหินแตก) — The park's most famous attraction: a vast area of cracked and split stone sheets that look like the earth has shattered. The fissures are covered with orchids, ferns, mosses, and lichens.

• Lan Hin Pum (ลานหินปุ่ม) — Natural rock formations with distinctive bumpy surfaces.

• Pha Chu Thong — A dramatic cliff with panoramic views over the forested mountains.

• Thailand-Communism Museum — A small museum documenting the 1968-1982 communist insurgency in the area, located at the former CPT headquarters.

• Namtok Man Daeng (น้ำตกหมันแดง) — A 32-tiered waterfall flowing year-round, the park's most impressive waterfall.

• Namtok Romklao and Pharadon — Additional waterfall attractions.

• Namtok Huai Khamin Noi — A smaller waterfall in a forest setting.

• Hiking on the cracked stone fields — Walking across Lan Hin Taek's surreal, fractured rock surface is the park's signature experience.

• Historical exploration — Visit the museum and former communist base areas to understand this unique chapter of Thai history.

• Waterfall trekking — Several trails lead to the parks 32-tiered Man Daeng waterfall and other cascades.

• Birdwatching — The park hosts about 260 bird species including silver-eared mesias, blue pittas, green cochoas, and Siamese firebacks.

• Wildlife viewing — Mammals include Asian black bears, Asian golden cats, leopards, Indochinese serows, and hog badgers.

The park headquarters area has a restaurant serving basic Thai food. Many visitors bring picnic provisions for the hiking areas.

Bring sufficient water, especially if hiking. The cool climate reduces water needs compared to lowland parks, but trails can still be taxing.

• Camping: Tent rental available at the park headquarters. Bring warm clothing — winter temperatures can drop below freezing.
• Bungalows: Park accommodation available for booking through the Department of National Parks.
• Outside the park: Guesthouses and resorts in Nakhon Thai district (Phitsanulok) and along the access road.

No significant shopping inside the park. The headquarters shop stocks basic snacks, drinks, and park souvenirs. For groceries and supplies, stock up in Phitsanulok (80 km southwest) or Phetchabun (70 km south) before your visit.

• Khao Kho National Park (southeast) — Adjacent park with mountain scenery, waterfalls, and the Khao Kho Memorial.
• Khao Kho district (30 km south) — Famous for sea-of-clouds viewpoints, Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaeo, and mountain resorts.
• Lom Sak (60 km south) — Transport hub with bus connections.
• Phetchabun (70 km south) — Provincial capital with historic temples.
• Phitsanulok (80 km southwest) — Major city with the famous Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple.
• Phu Kradueng National Park (100 km east, Loei Province) — Famous table-mountain national park.