“Roadside sea of mist, scenic cliffside camping, and a giant red mailbox landmark”
Khao Kho Post Office Viewpoint Post Office Viewpoint is located on a mountain ridge along Highway 2196 in Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province. It's one of the most popular viewpoints for observing the sea of mist in the Khao Kho area. It's easily accessible, situated right next to the main road, and offers an open area with expansive views of the valleys below, especially the Rattanai Reservoir at the bottom of the mountain range. During the humid season from late rainy to winter, a sea of mist often blankets the valleys in the early morning, making this area a renowned spot for watching the sunrise and the sea of mist in Phetchabun Province.
Originally a post office service point for the Khao Kho community, it gradually became a rest stop for travelers passing through the Khao Kho tourist route. Its location on a high hill offers panoramic views, making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos, admire the scenery, and relax. Especially during the winter, when temperatures in Khao Kho drop, resulting in cool weather throughout the day, the atmosphere is quiet in the mornings, filled with white mist floating over the reservoir and villages below. As the mist begins to dissipate later in the morning, the view becomes even more stunning. This viewpoint offers a clear view of the intricate mountain ranges and lush green forests of the Phetchabun mountain range.
One of the key features of this viewpoint is the "large red mailbox" located in front of the post office, which has become an iconic symbol of Khao Kho. Many tourists enjoy taking photos with this mailbox, as well as buying postcards or sending letters from the Khao Kho post office to family and friends. These small activities add a unique charm compared to other viewpoints. In addition, the surrounding area has numerous cafes, local restaurants, and souvenir shops lining the road, making the area lively throughout the tourist season, especially during long weekends and New Year's holidays when many tourists come to see the sea of mist.
Within the Khao Kho Post Office grounds, there is also a campsite for tourists who wish to stay overnight to wait and see the sea of mist in the morning. The campsite is situated on a hill offering continuous views of the valley from various angles. The surrounding atmosphere is shaded by pine trees and Khao Kho's cold-climate plants. Many tourists prefer camping during the late rainy season and early winter, as this is when the chances of seeing dense mist are higher. Nighttime temperatures are quite cool, especially from November to January, when temperatures can drop below 15 degrees Celsius on some nights. The campsite has restrooms, washbasins, and basic amenities for tourists. However, during festivals or major holidays, the campsite tends to fill up quickly, so planning ahead is advisable. Besides the stunning sea of mist, the Khao Kho Post Office viewpoint is also an ideal place to admire the panoramic views of Khao Kho at various times of the day. During sunrise, golden light gently filters through the mist above the valleys, while in the evening, the sunset beautifully illuminates the mountain ranges and surrounding forests. On clear days, visitors can see the mountain ranges and agricultural areas of the communities below stretching as far as the eye can see. Therefore, this viewpoint is not just a place to see the sea of mist, but also a relaxing spot that clearly reflects the natural atmosphere and high-altitude lifestyle of Khao Kho.
How to Get There
- From Phetchabun city center, take Highway 21 (Phetchabun - Lom Sak), then turn left onto Highway 2258 (Nangua - Khao Kho). Drive uphill until you reach the Sado Phong Intersection, then turn right onto Highway 2196. Continue straight for about 3.5 kilometers, and you will see the Khao Kho Post Office on your left.
Travel Tips
- Arrive before 6:00 AM for the best sea of mist views.
- Dense fog is more likely to appear after rainy nights.
- The late rainy season offers the greenest scenery and thickest mist.
- Bring warm clothing even if visiting during daytime in winter.
Admission Fees:
- Free Admission (for the general viewpoint area).
- For Camping: There is a small maintenance and utility fee (approx. 100-200 THB per person, depending on whether you bring your own tent or rent equipment from the post office).
Opening Hours:
- The viewpoint is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (The postal service counter is open during normal business hours.)