Nam Nao National Park

Nam Nao National Park is a large protected area spanning Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen and Loei provinces in northeastern Thailand, centered in Nam Nao District. Established in 1972 as Thailand's fifth national park, it covers about 966 sq km of the Phetchabun Mountains. It is notable for extensive pine forests, grasslands, sandstone mountains, caves and waterfalls, and for its cool climate and diverse wildlife.

Visitors can expect a high plateau landscape at 800-1,000 meters elevation with pine forests, open grasslands, and mixed deciduous forest. The park offers scenic viewpoints such as Phu Kum Khao, waterfalls including Haew Sai, caves like Tham Pha Hong, nature trails, and camping areas. Facilities are centered around the park headquarters along Highway 12. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are possible, with cool mornings and fog common in winter.

Established on 4 May 1972 as Thailand's 5th national park, covering approximately 966 square kilometers of the Phetchabun mountain range. The park was created to protect watershed forests, pine ecosystems and wildlife habitats on the border of northeastern and northern Thailand.