Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.30

 

Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area, also known as Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area, is a major protected natural area in Bueng Ngam Subdistrict, Nong Phok District, Roi Et Province. Covering approximately 151,242 rai, the area consists of steep and complex sandstone mountains, dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and dry dipterocarp forest. It is one of Roi Et’s important forest landscapes, serving as a wildlife habitat, conservation area, nature-study site, and ecotourism destination. Its best-known scenic spots include Pha Phu Thai, a sunrise viewpoint, and Pha Mok Mi Wai, a sunset viewpoint famous for mountain views and year-round misty atmosphere.

 

The area is especially striking because it reveals a side of Roi Et that many travelers do not expect. Roi Et is often associated with plains, rice fields, temples, and city landmarks, but Tham Pha Nam Thip shows the province’s mountain and forest character. Visitors encounter sandstone cliffs, valleys, forest trails, viewpoints, cool air, and a quieter natural atmosphere. This makes the site ideal for travelers who want to experience Roi Et beyond urban attractions and Buddhist monuments.

 

The names Pha Nam Thip and Tham Pha Nam Thip are connected with cliffs, water, and natural moisture in the landscape. The area is also associated with the older local names Mok Bo Wai and Mok Mi Wai. These names reflect the presence of mist that often remains over the forested mountains. The phrase Mok Mi Wai carries the feeling of mist that does not easily disappear, a fitting description for a humid and forested viewpoint where fog can appear frequently, especially during the rainy and cool seasons.

 

The ecological character of the area is diverse. Dry evergreen forest provides shade and moisture. Mixed deciduous forest changes with the seasons. Dry dipterocarp forest reflects the drier woodland ecology typical of parts of northeastern Thailand. These different forest types create habitats for many forms of life, including plants, birds, insects, fungi, medicinal plants, reptiles, and small mammals. A visit here gives travelers a direct view of the relationship between sandstone terrain, forest structure, humidity, and wildlife.

 

Wildlife reported in the area includes wild boar, barking deer, foxes, monkeys, squirrels, tree shrews, and other smaller animals. Visitors may not always see wildlife directly, but the forest sounds, bird calls, insect life, and natural traces around the trails show that the ecosystem is active. The value of the place lies not only in scenic beauty but also in its role as a protected habitat for animals and native forest life.

 

Pha Phu Thai and Pha Mok Mi Wai are the main natural highlights. Pha Phu Thai is suitable for sunrise viewing, offering a quiet start to the day with cool air and mountain scenery. Pha Mok Mi Wai is known as a sunset viewpoint where visitors can see forested hills, layered ridges, and wide natural views. During the wetter months and cool season, mist can cover the valleys and create a dramatic atmosphere. These viewpoints make the non-hunting area one of the most attractive nature destinations in Roi Et.

 

Pha Mok Mi Wai has become the most recognizable viewpoint in the area. It offers an open view across green forest and mountain slopes, with changing light throughout the day. Morning visits provide freshness, cool air, and mist. Late afternoon visits provide warm light and sunset color over the forest. For photographers and nature lovers, this viewpoint is one of Roi Et’s strongest landscape experiences.

 

The area also has two nature-study trails of approximately 2 km and 3 km. Visitors can walk these trails on their own within the designated routes. The trails are suitable for learning about forest types, sandstone ground, plants, slopes, and natural features of the protected area. While the distances are not extremely long, visitors should still walk carefully, stay on the trail, avoid removing plants or stones, and keep the area clean. Nature trails in protected areas are designed for learning, not for disturbance.

 

Accommodation and camping are available in the area. Visitors who want to stay overnight can use the accommodation and camping areas managed by the site. Staying in the forest allows travelers to experience evening light, night sounds, cool air, and the atmosphere of a protected landscape. Groups and visitors who need staff guidance should contact the area in advance. Advance contact is important for safety, coordination, accommodation, and proper management of nature-study activities.

 

Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area should be understood primarily as a conservation area. Tourism here must follow the principle of low impact. Appropriate activities include viewpoint visits, nature walks, photography, camping in permitted zones, and learning about forests and wildlife. Visitors must not hunt, feed wildlife, leave the trail, collect plants, remove stones, make loud noise, or light fires outside permitted areas. The area exists to protect wildlife and their habitats.

 

The best travel season is from the rainy season into the cool season, especially from October to February. During this period, humidity is higher, the forest is greener, and mist is more likely. Morning is best for mist and nature walking, while late afternoon is ideal for sunset views at Pha Mok Mi Wai. Visitors aiming for sunrise at Pha Phu Thai should plan very early, carry a flashlight, wear suitable footwear, and prepare warm clothing during the cool season.

 

Access to the area requires some planning because it is located on a mountain route away from Roi Et city. From Bangkok, travelers can drive to Khon Kaen using Highway 2, then continue toward Nong Phok District in Roi Et via Highways 209 and 2116. From Nong Phok District, travel about 9 km to Ban Tha Sa-at, then turn left and continue another 13 km to the Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area office.

 

Getting There from Roi Et city is easiest by private car, rental car, or local hired vehicle. Travel toward Nong Phok District, then continue to Ban Tha Sa-at and the non-hunting area office. Visitors without private transport can travel to Nong Phok first and then hire a local vehicle to the site. Return transport should be arranged clearly because the area is in a natural mountain setting where public transport is limited.

 

Drivers should make sure their vehicles are in good condition, especially brakes, tires, and fuel. Some sections of the route are hilly and winding. Drive at a safe speed, avoid overtaking on blind curves, and watch for animals that may cross the road. During rainy weather, additional care is needed because the road surface can become slippery and visibility may be reduced.

 

The destination is suitable for many kinds of travelers. Viewpoint lovers will enjoy Pha Mok Mi Wai and Pha Phu Thai. Nature learners can use the short trails. Campers can stay in the designated camping area. Families can introduce children to forests and wildlife. International travelers can experience Roi Et’s mountain landscape, which contrasts strongly with the province’s better-known city and temple attractions.

 

Visitors should prepare properly before entering the area. Recommended items include closed shoes or hiking shoes, breathable clothing, rain protection or warm clothing depending on the season, drinking water, flashlight, personal medicine, a personal trash bag, and a power bank. Those walking nature trails should avoid walking alone late in the day or after heavy rain. Longer activities should be reported to site staff.

 

Photography should focus on natural scenery, mist, forest light, viewpoints, trails, sunrise, and sunset. Drones and equipment that may disturb wildlife should not be used without permission. Visitors should not climb over barriers or stand near cliff edges for photographs. The beauty of the area depends on its quietness and ecological condition, so photography should never damage the place or increase risk.

 

Pha Phu Thai is a good place for sunrise. Watching the sun rise over mountain ridges in cool air gives the visit a calm and refreshing beginning. Visitors should check access conditions and ask staff for route guidance before going very early. A flashlight and warm clothing are useful during the cool season, and extra care is needed when driving or walking before full daylight.

 

Pha Mok Mi Wai is best for sunset and panoramic forest views. In the afternoon, the changing light over the mountain ridges creates beautiful layers of color. On humid days, mist may cover the valleys. On clear days, the viewpoint offers a wide open view of hills and forest. This combination makes it one of the most memorable scenic points in Roi Et Province.

 

The accommodation and camping areas make the destination flexible for overnight visitors. Staying overnight allows travelers to see sunset, night sky, and early morning mist without rushing. Campers should use only the permitted camping zone, keep noise low, manage food waste carefully, and remove all rubbish before leaving. In a protected area, responsible camping is part of conservation.

 

For educational groups, the site is valuable for learning about forest ecosystems, wildlife protection, sandstone mountains, nature trails, and conservation rules. The 2 km and 3 km trails are manageable for learning activities, but groups should contact the area in advance so staff can coordinate safety, interpretation, and route management properly.

 

The non-hunting area can be combined with nearby religious and cultural places in Nong Phok District, especially Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram and Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon. A strong itinerary can begin with worship at the great stupa, then continue to Pha Mok Mi Wai or the non-hunting area for mountain views. This route combines Buddhist devotion, architecture, forest, and natural scenery in one journey.

 

Travelers who prefer a slower trip can stay in Nong Phok District before or after visiting the site. Nong Phok has restaurants, cafes, accommodation, and basic services. Eating in town before entering the forest or staying in Nong Phok after sunset helps reduce travel fatigue and improves safety, especially for visitors unfamiliar with mountain roads.

 

For foreign travelers, Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area shows that Roi Et is not only a province of temples, lakes, and local culture. It also has protected forests, sandstone mountains, misty viewpoints, and wildlife habitats. The site provides a meaningful nature experience and helps visitors understand conservation in northeastern Thailand.

 

Respectful behavior is essential. Visitors should not play loud music, litter, shine strong lights toward wildlife at night, cut branches, catch animals, collect mushrooms or plants without permission, or bring pets onto nature trails. These rules protect wildlife and allow future visitors to experience the same natural richness.

 

Pha Mok Mi Wai has no admission fee for the viewpoint area. Accommodation, camping, group visits, and staff-guided activities should be arranged directly with site staff in advance. Details may depend on season, group size, and current area regulations, so advance contact is the most reliable way to plan a safe visit.

 

In summary, Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area in Roi Et Province is a major ecotourism and conservation destination in Nong Phok District. Covering around 151,242 rai, it features sandstone mountains, rich forests, wildlife habitats, Pha Phu Thai sunrise viewpoint, Pha Mok Mi Wai sunset viewpoint, nature trails, accommodation, and camping areas. It is one of the best places to experience Roi Et’s forested mountain landscape and should be visited with respect for conservation, safety, and the natural environment.

 

 

A: Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area is located in Bueng Ngam Subdistrict, Nong Phok District, Roi Et Province. It is a protected sandstone mountain forest and one of Roi Et’s important nature-viewpoint destinations.

 

A: The area is open daily from 08.30 to 16.30.

 

A: Pha Mok Mi Wai Viewpoint has no admission fee. Accommodation, camping, and guided activities should be arranged directly with site staff in advance.

 

A: The main attractions are Pha Phu Thai for sunrise, Pha Mok Mi Wai for sunset and mountain forest views, and two nature-study trails of about 2 km and 3 km.

 

A: Yes. Accommodation and camping areas are available. Group visitors or travelers who need staff guidance should contact the site in advance.

 

A: From Nong Phok District, travel about 9 km to Ban Tha Sa-at, then turn left and continue about 13 km to the Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area office.

 

A: The best period is from the rainy season into the cool season, especially October to February, when the forest is green and mist is more likely.

 

A: Nearby and connected places include Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon, Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram, Nong Phok Market, Wat Pa Kung, Bueng Phalan Chai, and Roi Et Tower 101.