“A dramatic sandstone field with deep natural cracks formed by tectonic movement millions of years ago, featuring rare mosses and orchids growing within the fissures and panoramic mountain views within a historically significant area.”
Lan Hin Taek is one of the most fascinating natural attractions inside Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, located in the mountainous area of Nakhon Thai, Phitsanulok. The site lies about 300 meters from Pha Charin Base, and features a wide sandstone plateau covered with long, deep cracks that resemble a giant piece of earth that has been split apart.
The stone field covers an area of approximately 40 rai (about 6.4 hectares). Across the surface, numerous fissures cut through the rock in various sizes. Some cracks are extremely narrow, just wide enough for grass roots to grow through. Others are wide enough for visitors to step across, while some are so large that jumping across them is impossible. Many of these cracks are extremely deep, and their exact depth cannot easily be determined, creating a dramatic and mysterious landscape.
From a geological perspective, the cracks are believed to have formed from the uplift and movement of the Earth's crust, which caused the sandstone layers to bend and fracture over millions of years. These natural forces gradually created the distinctive pattern of long fissures that now spread across the rock surface.
Despite the harsh appearance of the rock field, the cracks provide small pockets of moisture where various plants thrive. The area is covered with moss, lichens, algae, ferns, and several species of orchids that grow naturally along the fissures. During the rainy season and early winter, these plants become especially vibrant, adding patches of green and subtle colors across the gray stone surface.
Beyond its geological importance, the area also holds historical significance. During the 1970s and early 1980s, the mountains of Phu Hin Rong Kla were a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand. The deep cracks and rugged terrain around Lan Hin Taek once served as natural shelters and hiding places during that turbulent period of Thai political history.
Today, Lan Hin Taek is not only a geological wonder, but also an important place where visitors can experience the combination of natural science, mountain scenery, and historical heritage. Walking across the stone plateau allows travelers to observe rare plants, explore dramatic rock formations, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding highland forest.
How to Get There
- By Car: From Phitsanulok city, take Highway No. 12, then turn left onto Highway No. 1143 (Nakhon Thai route) and continue toward Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. Lan Hin Taek is located about 1 kilometer from the park headquarters, with parking available and an easy walking path to the site.
Travel Tips
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Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes with good grip, as some areas require stepping across rock fissures.
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Be cautious with children, as certain cracks are very deep.
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Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid strong sunlight and enjoy better lighting for photography.
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The rainy season to early winter offers the most beautiful scenery with wild plants growing in the cracks.
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Bring drinking water and sun protection, as the rock plateau is mostly open.
Admission Fee:
- Thai Visitors Adult: 40–60 THB / Child: 20–40 THB
- Foreign Visitors Adult: 500 THB / Child: 300 THB
(The fee is included in the entrance fee for Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.)
Opening Hours:
- Open Daily 06:00 – 18:00