Phu Pha Lek National Park stands as a magnificent testament to the ecological grandeur of Northeast Thailand, spanning a vast landscape across the provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, and Kalasin. As a prominent part of the Phu Phan Mountain Range, the park features a rugged terrain shaped by millions of years of natural erosion, resulting in dramatic sandstone cliffs and towering peaks. The highest points, Phu Ang and Phu Pha Lek, serve as vital watersheds for the region, nurturing a lush ecosystem that remains vibrant and green year-round. The park is a sanctuary for diverse flora, including deciduous dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests, which are home to numerous rare medicinal plants and ancient hardwood trees.

Beyond its natural beauty, the park holds immense historical and archaeological significance. Tucked away within the crevices of its cliffs is Pha Phak Wan, where prehistoric rock paintings dating back over 3,000 years were discovered. These ancient red ochre illustrations provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and rituals of prehistoric human settlements. Furthermore, the park is a treasure trove for paleontology enthusiasts, featuring a "Dinosaur Cemetery" where fossilized teeth and footprints of carnivorous dinosaurs have been found embedded in the rock plateaus, turning the forest into a living museum of the Mesozoic era.

For adventurous travelers and seekers of tranquility, the trekking trails leading to Pha Suriyan and Pha Dong Ko offer an unparalleled experience. These vantage points provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the distant horizon of Song Dao district. During the winter months, visitors are often greeted by a majestic sea of mist that blankets the cliffs in the early morning, creating a surreal and heavenly atmosphere. At night, the absence of light pollution makes the park's campgrounds one of the premier stargazing locations in Sakon Nakhon, where the Milky Way can often be seen stretching across the clear, dark sky.

• From Sakon Nakhon city, take Highway 22 (Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani) to Sawang Daen Din District. Turn right onto Highway 2280 towards Song Dao District. Then follow the signs through Ban Tha Wat to enter Phu Pha Lek National Park. The total distance is approximately 90 kilometers, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The road is paved all the way and accessible to all types of vehicles up to the visitor center.

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, as the trails to the cliffs consist of sandstone and dirt paths that can be steep in some sections.

• Camping enthusiasts should bring their own supplies and personal items, as the convenience store has limited stock and closes at certain times.

• During winter, the mountaintop is much colder than the plains, so bring adequate warm clothing and windproof gear.

• If you plan to visit the replica Buddhist pilgrimage site at Wat Tham Phueng, located nearby, please dress respectfully to show reverence for the site.

• Check your vehicle's condition for the ascent. Although the road is paved, it is steep and winding in many places; drivers should exercise extreme caution.

• Help protect the environment by taking your trash back down and refraining from writing on or damaging the ancient cave paintings or geological formations.

Admission Fees:

• Thai Citizens: Adults 20 THB / Children 10 THB

• Foreigners: Adults 100 THB / Children 50 THB

• Vehicles: 30 THB for cars / 20 THB for motorcycles

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.