PHETCHABUN

Phetchabun is rich with waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Dams have been built to prevent flooding and control irrigation, creating popular scenic picnic and recreation areas around the reservoirs.

However, it is the mountains that draw tourists. The rolling peaks of Khao Thor, known as Little Switzerland, were once a battlefield against communist insurgents. Today, its beautiful scenery and cool weather attracts many visitors, to see the mountain-top army base turned into a museum, and enjoy trekking in the open zoo and non-hunting areas.

The national parks of Phu Hin Rong Kla, with its stunning rock formations, and Nam Nao, whose forests are home to many large animals and birds, are now starting to attract more and more trekkers and eco-tourists.