Phu Hin Rong Kla
ภูหินร่องกล้า · Phitsanulok Province
Best Season
October to February
Score
7 / 10
Elevation
1,200 m
Area
307 km²
About Phu Hin Rong Kla
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park sits atop a mountain range straddling the border of Phitsanulok and Loei provinces in Thailand's lower north. Rising between 1,200 and 1,820 meters above sea level, the park occupies what was once the most secretive and strategically important stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT). From the late 1960s through the early 1980s, thousands of guerrilla fighters and student activists fleeing the 1976 Thammasat University massacre took refuge in these remote mountains.
Today, the ruins of the communist headquarters have been preserved as open-air historical exhibits. Visitors can walk through the old political school, the CPT administrative building, an arms storage bunker, a crude field hospital carved from rock, and a meeting hall where ideological classes were taught. The juxtaposition of these decaying Cold War relics against the pristine mountain forest is haunting and unlike anything else in Thailand.
Beyond the history, the park's natural beauty is extraordinary. The signature landscape is Lan Hin Pum, a vast field of oddly eroded rock formations resembling a stone garden. Lan Hin Taek is a dramatic rock fault line — a deep crevasse splitting the mountainside that was used by the CPT as a natural escape route. The Pha Chu Thong cliff offers sweeping views of the valleys below and is one of the best sunrise viewpoints in northern Thailand.
The highland savanna ecosystem supports wildflowers that bloom spectacularly from October to December. The cool season brings temperatures that can drop to near freezing at night. The park is remote and requires a car to reach, making it far less visited than more accessible national parks.
Historical Note
The Communist Party of Thailand established its headquarters at Phu Hin Rong Kla in 1968. After the October 6, 1976 massacre at Thammasat University, thousands of student activists fled to join the insurgency here. A government amnesty in 1980 ended the conflict, and the area was declared a national park in 1984.
Best time to visit: October to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
ภูหินร่องกล้า
Province
Phitsanulok
Region
Northern
Area
307 km²
Elevation
1,200 m
Established
1984
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Phu Hin Rong Kla. Grouped by category.
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at park restaurant | 50 | 100 |
| Meal at roadside restaurant | 40 | 80 |
| Coffee at park cafe | 30 | 50 |
| Water 1.5L | 15 | 20 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park bungalow per night (4-8 pax) | 800 | 2,000 |
| Resort near park per night | 800 | 2,500 |
| Homestay per night | 300 | 600 |
| National park camping | 30 | 225 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental per day (Phitsanulok) | 800 | 1,500 |
| Motorcycle rental per day | 200 | 300 |
| Gasoline round trip from Phitsanulok | 300 | 500 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile plan per month | 200 | 400 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entrance (foreigner) | 300 | 300 |
| Warm jacket rental | 50 | 100 |
Weather & Climate
October to February offers the best conditions — cool temperatures (5-20°C), clear skies, wildflower blooms, and the best visibility for sunrise viewpoints. The rainy season (June to September) brings mist and leeches. Bring warm clothing regardless of season.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 5 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 23 | 7 | 10 | 50% |
| Mar | 27 | 12 | 20 | 50% |
| Apr | 28 | 15 | 60 | 55% |
| May | 26 | 16 | 150 | 70% |
| Jun | 25 | 16 | 180 | 80% |
| Jul | 24 | 16 | 220 | 85% |
| Aug | 24 | 16 | 250 | 87% |
| Sep | 24 | 15 | 230 | 85% |
| Oct | 23 | 12 | 100 | 75% |
| Nov | 21 | 8 | 20 | 60% |
| Dec | 19 | 5 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
CPT Headquarters Ruins Tour
Walk through the preserved ruins of the Communist Party of Thailand headquarters — political school, admin building, arms bunker, and field hospital.
Lan Hin Pum (Stone Garden)
Vast field of surreal eroded rock formations resembling a stone garden. Easy walking trail.
Lan Hin Taek (Rock Fault Line)
Deep crevasse splitting the mountainside, once used by CPT guerrillas as an escape route.
Pha Chu Thong Sunrise Viewpoint
Sweeping cliff viewpoint offering one of the best sunrises in northern Thailand.
Highland Wildflower Walk
Pink Siamese tulips and orchids bloom across the cliff savanna from October to December.
Political School and Museum
Exhibits on the CPT insurgency and student movement of the 1970s.
Bird Watching on Highland Trails
Highland species including minivets and laughingthrushes not found at lower elevations.
Food Nearby
ข้าวซอย
Khao Soi
Northern curry noodles with coconut milk broth, available at roadside restaurants on the approach road.
40-60
Roadside restaurants on approach road
ไก่ย่าง
Kai Yang
Grilled chicken, a staple at village restaurants near the park entrance.
60-100
Village restaurants near park entrance
ส้มตำ
Som Tam
Green papaya salad available at the park restaurant and local vendors.
30-50
Park restaurant and local vendors
ปลานิลย่าง
Pla Nin Yang
Grilled tilapia, popular at restaurants near Nakhon Thai town.
80-120
Restaurants near Nakhon Thai town
ข้าวขาหมู
Khao Kha Moo
Braised pork leg on rice, found at Nakhon Thai morning market.
40-60
Nakhon Thai morning market
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
200 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 600
THB / night
Mid-Range
800 - 2,000
THB / night
Luxury
2,000 - 2,500
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Park bungalows must be booked in advance via the DNP website (nps.dnp.go.th). Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends and holidays.
Getting There from Bangkok
Phitsanulok Airport
Airport Code: PHS
Drive
5-6 hours via Phitsanulok
Fuel ~1,000 THB
Fly to Phitsanulok + car rental
1 hour flight + 2.5-3 hours drive
2,000-5,000 THB
Bus to Phitsanulok + local transport
5-6 hours + 2.5 hours
300-600 THB
Festivals & Events
Wildflower Season
Highland flowers bloom across the cliff savanna.
Sea of Mist Season
Best conditions for dramatic sunrise mist views from cliff viewpoints.
October 6 Memorial Visits
Some visitors come to reflect on the 1976 student movement history.
Practical Info
Hospital
Nakhon Thai Hospital (30 km)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai only; very little English spoken. Basic Thai phrases essential.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only. Bring sufficient supply as park shop has limited stock.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the communist guerrillas here?
The CPT used Phu Hin Rong Kla as its main headquarters from 1968 to the early 1980s. After the October 6, 1976 crackdown, thousands of student activists fled here. A government amnesty in 1980 ended the conflict, and the area became a national park in 1984.
How cold does it get?
In the cool season (November to February), nighttime temperatures can drop to 0-5°C. Daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and layers.
Do I need a car?
Strongly recommended. There is no regular public transport to the park. You can take a songthaew to Nakhon Thai and negotiate a ride the final 30 km, but having your own vehicle is far more practical.
Can I do this as a day trip from Phitsanulok?
Possible but tiring — 2.5-3 hours each way on mountain roads. An overnight stay is recommended to catch the sunrise at Pha Chu Thong.
How do I book park accommodation?
Through the DNP website at nps.dnp.go.th. Bungalows sleep 4-8 people and cost 800-2,000 THB. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends.