PETCHABUN – Khao Kho National Park is facing a troubling situation, as tourists are shocked to see Khao Kho turning into a dumping ground. Black plastic bags litter the roads leading in and out of Khao Kho National Park.
In some spots, rubbish seeps out and releases a strong stench, staining the area’s reputation as a top spot for stunning sea-of-mist views.
On Sunday, tourists posted on Facebook photos that highlighted that Khao Kho, a well-known tourism destination for its fresh air and natural scenery, is battling a major waste problem. What was once a dream getaway now faces a mountain of rubbish sitting in the heart of the national park.
They said those who travel here hoping to enjoy cool weather and scenic views are met instead by overpowering smells and unsightly mess. Along Bung Nam Tao-Khao Kho Road, which connects Bung Nam Tao sub-district in Lom Sak district to the tourist areas of Khao Kho, the situation is clear.
From five to fifteen kilometres from Khao Kho (still within the national park), piles of garbage wrapped in black bags can be found in four or five main points, each holding a volume that rivals open landfills.
These piles contain foam boxes, food scraps, plastic bottles, personal items and even construction debris. The smell is hard to avoid. In some areas, dirty water runs down beside the road, risking contamination of water sources used by both locals and visitors.
This is not a new problem. The rubbish lining this road has been ongoing for years. In 2021, many complaints were made, prompting the local office to send workers for clean-ups and post warning signs. By February 2025, the trash was back in force, upsetting tourists and business owners once more.
Despite repeated efforts, the issue persists. Every time a cleanup is done, the same problems creep up again. If the problem isn’t tackled properly, the once-pristine mountains of Khao Kho may only be remembered for their rubbish, putting the area’s future as a leading nature retreat at risk.
Ms. Chanram Sridet, who heads the Khao Kho Subdistrict Administrative Organization, explained that the waste management issue is complicated. Khao Kho is a mountainous area and the headwaters for local streams, which means large-scale landfill sites can’t be created like in the lowlands.
“We oversee three sub-districts: Sadejphong, Rim Si Mueang, and Khao Kho. These are all tourist hotspots with many visitors and businesses. The volume of waste is far more than what our small team can handle,” Ms. Chanram shared.
She also explained that the local authority has had to sign agreements with private companies to transport waste to landfill sites in Tha I Bun, Lom Sak and Na Pa in Mueang Phetchabun, over 100 kilometres away. This adds significant costs and puts a heavy strain on the community.
Several other measures are underway. These include hiring private companies to collect household rubbish (charging forty baht per bag), promoting waste separation, encouraging families to sell dry recyclables, and turning organic waste into compost. There is also a push for tourists to bring their own rubbish bags and take their trash home.
Even with these steps, Ms. Chanram described these moves as mere “paracetamol” for the bigger health problem.
She stated that, even with only nine months left in her term, she plans to keep pushing ahead. The aim is for Khao Kho to become a model for tourism waste management within two years. Many challenges remain, but the goal is to restore Khao Kho’s status so it is known for its beauty, not as a dumping ground.
Khao Kho National Park
Khao Kho National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาค้อ) sits high in the Phetchabun Mountains in northern Thailand. The park is known for its cool weather, foggy valleys, thick forests, and viewpoint spots that often rise above the morning clouds.
Covering around 483 square kilometres, it draws visitors looking to escape the heat, soak in nature, and enjoy both adventure and history. The rolling forests are home to many animals and birds, from wild boar and muntjac deer to macaques and civets. While some areas have seen resorts and small communities spring up, plenty of quiet spaces remain for campers and walkers.
History
Originally opened as Namtok Than Thip Forest Park in 1995 at 14 square kilometres, the park was expanded and renamed in 2012 to become Thailand’s 125th national park. Between 1968 and 1981, these hills were a base for Communist Party fighters during unrest in Thailand.
Heavy fighting broke out here with the army, leaving scars on the land. Now, memorials and museums offer peaceful spaces for remembering all those affected during that period.
The park stretches across several districts of Phetchabun province, including Lom Kao, Lom Sak, Khao Kho, and Mueang Phetchabun. Its neighbours are Thung Salaeng Luang National Park to the west and Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park to the north.
Main Attractions
Nature, culture, and history meet at Khao Kho. Here are some highlights:
| Attraction | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Namtok Than Thip (Than Thip Waterfall) | The park’s main waterfall, standing 26m tall and 30m wide, with water dropping into inviting pools below. Easy to reach by car and a short 400m stroll. | Good for swimming and picnics, especially just after rain. |
| Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaeo | An eye-catching temple set into a cliff, its many colourful mosaic tiles making it stand out. | Impressive views and a peaceful spot to see Buddha statues. |
| Khao Kho Battlefield Memorial | At the highest point (around 1,368m), this site pays tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict, marked by a marble obelisk and displays. | See old photos, army uniforms, and vehicles from the CPT years. |
| Khao Kho Palace | A large royal palace that’s not used much these days, but offers great views and sits among pine trees. | Lovely building, great for photo stops. |
| Yod Pha That Peak | Hike this steep trail for sunrise or sunset and take in sweeping views from 1,078m up. | Famous for mist-filled valleys and gentle light. Rated 3.4/5 on AllTrails. |
You can also find caves, streams, cliffs, and well-known viewpoints like Khao Ya, the park’s most noticeable peak.
Activities
- Walking and Trekking: Paths suit all levels, from easy forest walks to tough climbs. Watch for more than 80 bird species and a wide range of butterflies. The Than Thip route is a top choice for spotting wildlife.
- Adventure Sports: Not far from the park, you’ll find kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, archery, and karting.
- Camping: Campsites are tidy, close to rivers, and best booked ahead (no pets allowed). Entry is about 100 baht per adult.
- Wildlife Watching: Look out at dawn or dusk for mammals. Guided tours can help you spot hidden animals.
Practical Information
- Getting There: Drive north from Phetchabun City (35 km on Route 21, then 20 km along Route 12). The main entrance is at 67 Moo 1, Sado Phong, Khao Kho District. You can also reach the park by bus from Bangkok to Phetchabun, then take a taxi.
- Fees: Entrance for foreigners is around 100–200 baht for adults, with reduced rates for children.
- Best Time to Visit: The Dry season gives clear skies and the best views. Visit outside of major holidays for a quieter stay.
- Tips: The roads wind, but are good for two-wheel drive cars. Pack layers, water, and insect repellent. Keep noise low, avoid smoking, and book campsites at the park’s visitor centre.
- Accommodation: There are plenty of places to stay, from cheap tents to stylish resorts. The At Tree Resort is a popular boutique option.
Khao Kho’s fresh air and peaceful setting make it perfect for a weekend break, blending fun and quiet. For a memorable start, aim for a sunrise trek to catch the famous sea of clouds.
