Phu Thap Boek

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: Open All Day

 

Phu Thap Boek is one of the most famous mountain destinations in Phetchabun Province. Located in Wang Ban Subdistrict, Lom Kao District, it is about 40 kilometers from Lom Kao and approximately 90 kilometers from Phetchabun city. Rising about 1,768 meters above sea level, Phu Thap Boek is the highest point in Phetchabun and is widely known for its cool climate, sea of mist, mountain views, Hmong community, cabbage fields, and the famous “stars on the ground” night scenery.

 

The landscape of Phu Thap Boek is often described as a “sea of mountains,” with layers of the Phetchabun mountain range stretching across the horizon. In the early morning, clouds and mist often drift between the peaks, creating one of the most iconic sunrise scenes in the province.

 

Because of its high elevation and cool air currents, Phu Thap Boek enjoys a refreshing climate throughout the year. The weather becomes especially cold during winter, while the late rainy season to early winter is one of the best times to see thick mist and lush green mountain scenery.

 

Today, Phu Thap Boek is home to a Hmong hill tribe community in Ban Thap Boek, Moo 14 and Moo 16. The local community is closely connected with highland agriculture, especially cabbage farming. The large cabbage fields spread across the mountain slopes have become one of the most recognizable images of Phu Thap Boek.

 

During the late rainy season and early winter, the cabbage fields become beautifully green, creating a scenic pattern across the slopes. This agricultural landscape, combined with mist and mountain views, gives Phu Thap Boek a distinctive atmosphere that is different from other mountain viewpoints in Thailand.

 

From December to January, wild Himalayan cherry blossoms, often called Thailand’s sakura, bloom in shades of pink in some areas of the mountain. This seasonal flower adds color to the winter scenery and attracts many visitors who come to enjoy cool weather, misty views, and flower photography.

 

At night, visitors can look down toward Lom Sak District and see countless lights from houses and communities below. This sparkling view is often called “stars on the ground,” leading to the well-known phrase: “Sleep at Thap Boek, feel the cold, and watch the stars on the ground.”

 

Wat Pa Phu Thap Boek is another important site in the area. The temple features the Phra Maha Chedi Phothipakkhiyatham, also known as the 37-Spire Diamond Chedi. The chedi is about 40 meters wide, 40 meters long, and 80.09 meters high, and enshrines relics of the Lord Buddha and arahants. This makes the temple both a spiritual landmark and a scenic viewpoint.

 

Wat Pa Phu Thap Boek is also associated with an important event on September 9, 1999, when rainwater was collected at the mountain during a period of very cold weather. The water was later included in sacred water used for the royal ceremony celebrating His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday on December 5, 1999.

 

The Phetchabun Research Station, Thap Boek Experimental Plot of Kasetsart University, demonstrates the cultivation of cool-climate crops such as strawberries, pears, plums, and peaches. Seasonal fresh produce is sometimes available from the plots, giving visitors a chance to learn more about highland agriculture.

 

Phu Thap Boek’s viewpoint and camping area are popular for overnight stays. At an elevation of about 1,768 meters, visitors can enjoy panoramic views during the day, sunset over the mountains, stars in the sky, and the “stars on the ground” below at night.

 

Facilities in Ban Thap Boek include parking areas, toilets, restaurants, camping areas, and accommodations. Since Phu Thap Boek is highly popular, especially during winter and long holidays, travelers should plan ahead and prepare warm clothing.

 

Getting There From Phetchabun city, take Highway No. 21 for about 40 kilometers to Lom Sak intersection, then continue on Highway No. 203 for about 13 kilometers. Follow the signs to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park via Highways No. 2011 and 2331 for about 40 kilometers. From the park checkpoint area, turn right toward Ban Thap Boek for another 6 kilometers.

 

The road from Lom Kao to Phu Thap Boek is steep and winding. Large buses are not suitable for this route. Travelers using private cars or vans should check the vehicle condition, brakes, and tires before the trip and drive carefully, especially during rain, fog, or heavy traffic.

 

Another route is from Nakhon Thai District in Phitsanulok Province through Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. After passing the park headquarters for about 24 kilometers, visitors will reach Phu Thap Boek. This route is suitable for travelers who want to combine Phu Thap Boek with attractions in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.

 

In summary, Phu Thap Boek is a complete mountain destination in Phetchabun, combining cool weather, sea of mist, cabbage fields, Hmong culture, a mountaintop temple, camping areas, and night views of “stars on the ground.” It is ideal for travelers seeking both scenic beauty and highland local life.

 

 

A: Phu Thap Boek is located in Wang Ban Subdistrict, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province, about 40 kilometers from Lom Kao.

 

A: It is approximately 1,768 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Phetchabun Province.

 

A: The late rainy season to winter is best for sea of mist, cool weather, cabbage fields, and seasonal wild Himalayan cherry blossoms.

 

A: Highlights include the sea of mist, cabbage fields, Hmong village, Wat Pa Phu Thap Boek, the viewpoint, camping areas, and night views of stars on the ground.

 

A: Large buses are not suitable because the road is steep, narrow, and winding. A private car or well-maintained van is recommended.

 

A: Yes. There are several camping areas where visitors can enjoy cool weather, misty mornings, and night views from the mountain.