“Five giant sandstone pillars, Thailand’s Stonehenge, a dark-sky stargazing field, and Pha Hua Nak viewpoint with stunning sea of mist views”
Mo Hin Khao is located within Phu Laen Kha National Park in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. It is a sandstone geological formation created from sediment deposits during the Cretaceous period about 65–195 million years ago, which were later compressed into sandstone and uplifted by tectonic movements to form part of the mountain landscape.Over time, the area was continuously shaped by wind, rain, and differences in rock hardness, a process known as differential weathering, which gradually eroded softer layers and left behind striking rock pillars and unusual rock formations scattered across the plateau.The highlight of Mo Hin Khao is its group of giant sandstone pillars, averaging 6–12 meters in height_, some so large that dozens of people are needed to encircle them. Each pillar has a unique shape formed by selective erosion, making no two formations exactly alike.
Inside the area, there are also notable rock zones such as the Elephant Herd Rock Field, the Banyan Tree Rock Garden, and other naturally fractured rock formations following clear geological layers. A nature trail also leads to Pha Hua Nak, a cliff viewpoint offering panoramic mountain scenery, sunset views, and sea-of-mist landscapes during the rainy and winter seasons.The area is also ecologically important, consisting mainly of dry dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests. It supports drought-tolerant vegetation such as teak, dipterocarp species, mosses, and lichens, as well as small wildlife and various bird species commonly seen in the early morning and evening.
In terms of tourism, Mo Hin Khao is a popular camping destination due to its dark skies, which are ideal for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way, especially during the winter season when the weather is cool and conditions are clear.Mo Hin Khao is therefore not only a natural attraction but also an important geological learning site and camping destination in northeastern Thailand, combining unique rock landscapes with peaceful natural surroundings.
How to Get There
- By car: From Chaiyaphum city, take Highway 2051 (Chaiyaphum–Tat Ton) for about 21 km to Tat Ton National Park checkpoint, then turn left onto Rural Road Chaiyaphum 4017 toward Ban Wang Kham Kaen. Continue for another 18 km. The route is a mix of asphalt and concrete roads with some hilly sections, but it is accessible by both cars and motorcycles.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Rainy season (lush greenery + sea of mist) and winter (cool weather + stargazing)
- Camping-friendly: Open areas with clear night skies, ideal for stargazing
- Prepare in advance: Bring food, drinking water, and camping equipment (no full-service restaurants)
- Easy access: Vehicles and motorcycles can reach the rock area
- Keep nature clean: Do not damage rocks and always take your trash back down
Admission Fee:
- Thai visitors: Adults 20 THB / Children 10 THB
- Foreign visitors: Adults 100 THB / Children 50 THB
- Vehicle fee: Car 30 THB / Motorcycle 20 THB
Opening Hours:
- General visitors: 08:00 – 18:00
- Overnight campers: Open 24 hours