Visit Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park (Phitsanulok)

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park straddles the provinces of Phitsanulok (Nakhon Thai district) and Loei (Dansai district) in northern Thailand but also easily accessible from the province of Phetchabun. 307 square kilometers wide, it contains waterfalls, lush forests and rocky plateaus. The Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is most famous for its bumpy rock formations much like a turtle's shell or a crocodile's back. There is a nice little 3.5 km trail to visit the most interesting natural part with the large ''humped'' beach and the breathtaking view of the plain. Along the way, we cross a small river and imposing rock formations like Lan Hin Pum. It's not very physical since my 1.5-year-old daughter walked almost all of it (except for the slightly more uneven passages for her), afterwards, she loves to walk and is indestructible! ;).

In addition to its natural assets, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is also a site steeped in history. It was the headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand from 1967 to 1982 and was a battleground between the Royal Thai Army and the Communist Party for 15 years. Phu Hin Rong Kla was a strategic location due to its mountainous areas which were ideal for defenses. The conflict ended in 1982 when the government granted amnesty to students who had joined the Thai Communist Party. You can still visit several symbolic sites of this period, including an abandoned military camp and the Pha Chu Thong where the red flag of the Communist Party's victory was planted and which is one of the places through which the small 3.5 km trail passes.

In 1984, the area became a national park. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park also attracts many people, especially Thais, when its wild Himalayan cherry trees bloom. If there are a few trees in the parking lot of the Visitor Center, the ideal area to enjoy this fireworks of pink flowers is Phu Lom Lo - Phu Long Ru in the part of the park which is in the province of Loei (see on GMap). The flowering period is generally from December to February, but it is better to find out before coming by contacting the park (see below).