Tat Mok National Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: The Tat Mok Waterfall - Song Nang Waterfall nature trail is open for entry from 06:00 to 13:30

 

Tat Mok National Park is one of the most important natural attractions in Phetchabun Province. Located about 37 kilometers east of Phetchabun city, the park covers approximately 290 square kilometers of rugged mountain forests, rich watersheds, and scenic natural landscapes. It is a major source area for the Pa Sak River and Chi River systems and also serves as an ecological buffer between three important forest complexes: Nam Nao National Park, Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tabo-Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

The park was officially declared a national park in 1998 and became the 87th national park of Thailand. Its landscape is defined by complex mountain ranges, dense forest, streams, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Unlike a casual roadside attraction, Tat Mok National Park is best suited for travelers who appreciate forest ecosystems, short trekking routes, waterfalls, and quiet nature experiences.

 

The name “Tat Mok” comes from the character of its main waterfall. In Thai, “tat” refers to a cliff or rock ledge, while “mok” refers to mist. When water falls from a high cliff and strikes the ground below, it creates fine water spray that resembles mist. This natural phenomenon gives Tat Mok Waterfall and the national park their distinctive name.

 

The forest inside the park remains lush and diverse. Along the trail to the waterfalls, visitors can observe large forest trees, streamside vegetation, ferns, and several interesting plant species. The route is not only a path to a waterfall, but also a living classroom for learning about watershed forests, stream ecology, and the relationships between plants, water, and mountain terrain.

 

One of the easiest scenic stops in the park is the viewpoint around kilometer 3. From this point, visitors can see Phetchabun city below and enjoy broad views of the surrounding landscape. It is also a suitable sunset viewpoint and a good option for travelers who want to enjoy the scenery without taking the longer waterfall trail.

 

Tat Mok Waterfall is the main highlight of the park. It is located about 7 kilometers from the park office by car, followed by a walking trail of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 meters along a stream. The final section is steep and requires careful walking. The waterfall is a large single-drop waterfall that descends dramatically from a high cliff, with a reported height of about 750 meters. The water spray produced at the base of the cliff creates the misty atmosphere that gives the waterfall its name.

 

Visiting Tat Mok Waterfall requires reasonable physical fitness. The trail includes streamside sections, natural forest paths, and uphill portions. Visitors should wear proper walking shoes, bring drinking water, and start early enough to return before evening. During the rainy season, the trail may become slippery and water levels can change quickly, so visitors should follow park instructions closely.

 

Another major attraction is Song Nang Waterfall, located along the same walking route as Tat Mok Waterfall. It is about 2 kilometers from the parking area and consists of 12 waterfall levels. Each level varies in height, from small cascades to larger drops. Travelers who are physically prepared can explore the waterfall levels within a day, making this route suitable for nature lovers and waterfall enthusiasts.

 

Tat Mok National Park is more than a scenic waterfall destination. It is a protected watershed forest that helps sustain important river systems and surrounding ecosystems. Visitors should therefore treat the area with care by avoiding littering, staying on designated trails, not disturbing wildlife, and following national park regulations at all times.

 

The park also provides accommodation and camping areas for visitors who want to stay overnight. Staying inside the park allows travelers to experience the quiet atmosphere of the forest, cooler evening temperatures, and early morning nature. Advance contact with the park is recommended for accommodation, camping conditions, and trail access updates.

 

The best time to visit Tat Mok National Park is from the late rainy season to the cool season. During this period, the forest is green, the waterfalls are more impressive, and the weather is generally comfortable. However, travelers should check official park updates before visiting, especially during periods of heavy rain when trails may be temporarily restricted for safety.

 

Getting There from Phetchabun city is straightforward by private car. From Phetchabun Provincial Hall, drive east along Highway 2271 toward Ban Chaliang Lap for about 12 kilometers. At the junction, turn right toward Ban Nam Ron on Highway 2275 for about 200 meters, then turn left onto the local road from Ban Chaliang Lap to Tat Mok for another 12 kilometers to reach the visitor center. Continue for about 7 kilometers to the parking area. The road is paved, but some sections are steep and require careful driving.

 

From the parking area, visitors who wish to see Tat Mok Waterfall and Song Nang Waterfall must continue on foot for about 2 kilometers along the streamside nature trail. The walk should begin early in the day because trail entry is controlled for visitor safety. Travelers should allow enough time for both the outbound and return walk.

 

For families or travelers who prefer light sightseeing, the kilometer 3 viewpoint and visitor service areas are good alternatives. For waterfall visitors, good preparation is essential because the trail requires more effort than attractions that can be reached directly by car.

 

Tat Mok National Park is therefore ideal for nature-focused travelers, short-trek enthusiasts, waterfall lovers, and anyone interested in seeing one of Phetchabun’s most important forest landscapes. Its real value lies in the combination of high waterfalls, watershed forest, ecological richness, and the quiet atmosphere of a protected mountain area.

 

 

A: It is located in Na Pa Subdistrict, Mueang Phetchabun District, about 37 kilometers east of Phetchabun city.

 

A: The main highlights are Tat Mok Waterfall, Song Nang Waterfall, the kilometer 3 viewpoint, watershed forest, and the nature trail.

 

A: Visitors drive about 7 kilometers from the park office and then walk approximately 1,800 to 2,000 meters along the nature trail.

 

A: Yes, Song Nang Waterfall is located along the same walking route and consists of multiple waterfall levels.

 

A: Thai visitors pay 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. Foreign visitors pay 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children.

 

A: Yes, the park provides accommodation and camping areas. Visitors should contact the park in advance for availability and current conditions.

 

A: The late rainy season to the cool season is the best period, when the waterfalls are beautiful, the forest is lush, and the weather is pleasant.