About Phu Pha Lek National Park
Phu Pha Lek National Park is a protected forest and mountain park covering about 419 sq km across Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin and Udon Thani provinces, with its main headquarters in Song Dao District, Sakon Nakhon. Established in 2009 as Thailand's 108th national park, it is part of the Phu Phan mountain range and is notable for sandstone plateaus, viewpoints, dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests, and Cretaceous dinosaur fossil sites.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a forested mountain landscape with sandstone cliffs, plateaus and viewpoints such as Pha Suriyan and Phu Ang So. The park offers nature trails through dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forest, areas for wildlife and bird observation, fossil excavation sites, and designated camping and viewpoint areas. Facilities are basic and centered at the park headquarters and viewpoint access points.
Key highlights
- 01
Pha Suriyan cliff viewpoint with panoramic views over the Phu Phan range
- 02
Phu Ang So plateau and scenic sandstone formations
- 03
Cretaceous dinosaur fossil excavation sites within the park
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Dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forest with diverse flora and fauna
- 05
Hiking and nature trails through mountainous terrain
History of Phu Pha Lek National Park
The forest was formerly part of the Phu Phan national reserved forest and was declared Phu Pha Lek National Park on 23 December 2009 as Thailand's 108th national park. The area is geologically significant for Cretaceous sandstone formations and dinosaur fossil discoveries, and contains archaeological evidence of prehistoric occupation in the Phu Phan range.
Culture & Context
The park lies within the Isan cultural region and is traditionally used by local communities for forest gathering and is associated with local beliefs linked to the Phu Phan mountains. It serves as a nature education and conservation site for the region.
Route
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