HIGHLIGHTS
The “Welcome to Petchabun 2004” Fair will be held along the famous Khao San Road in Bangkok on March 27 and offers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the many spectacular ecotourism attractions and historical and cultural highlights of Petchabun Province. These include:

		Khao Kho National Park Phetchabun province has a wealth of natural treasures and is home to spectacular mountains, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. In an area known as ‘Little Switzerland’, the beautiful scenery of the rolling peaks of Khao Kho, and the cooler weather at these altitudes attract many visitors. The scenic landscape around dams, built to prevent flooding and for irrigation, and the area by the reservoirs are also popular sites for picnics. In times past, Khao Kho had been the scene of battles fought between the government and communist insurgents. Amid the scenic landscape, traces of these incidents are still visible. Today the mountain-top army base has evolved into a museum – the Khao Kho Weapon and Battle Museum. Khao Kho Commemorative Monument The Khao Kho Commemorative Monument built from white marble is situated on the highest peak of Khao Kho at an altitude of 1,129 metres. Khao Kho Palace During inspection trips to the province to visit with local communities and to supervise projects under Royal Initiative, His Majesty the King would reside at Khao Kho Palace, located on the northern cliff of Khao Ya. The exterior of the Palace offers a splendid view of the surrounding area and is open to the public.
		Nam Nao National Park Nam Nao National Park offers a rich habitat to a diverse range of wildlife which include over 110 species of mammals like Barking deer, gibbons, leaf monkeys, elephants, gaurs and banteng and approximately 200 species of birds. Two scenic trails starting near the park headquarters lead to pine forests in the centre of the park. Attractions: Caves Pha Hong Caves at the Km 37 marker along Route 12 (from Lom Sak to Choompae) offers a scenic vantage point, perfect for watching the sun set. Stalactites and stalagmites adorn the interior of the cave. The entrance to Phu Nam Rin caves - ‘the big cave of Nam Nao’, is near the Km 60 marker on the Ban Huai Sanam Sai – Lom Kao route. Ban Hin Lad is another spectacular cave of interest. In addition to the stalactites and stalagmites, the Rin River flows through the cave. The caves are inhabited by a colony of bats. The chambers of these caves extend to such depths, they appear to lead into infinity. Much of this remains unexplored and unknown.     Pine forests The entrance to Ban Paek pine forests is at Km 47 marker. A 2-km trek into the forest offers a captivating perspective of the habitat. The pine forests on Phu Kum Khao peak are at 880 metres above sea-level and offer another scenic vantage point from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the pine forests.     Waterfalls The Heo Sai and Sai Tong Waterfalls are near the Km 67 marker. There’s also an 1-km trail with elements of interest for nature study.
		Dad Mok National Park
		Si Thep Historical Park

A TASTE OF PETCHABUN
Famous Culinary Delights from Phetchabun province

The various districts of Phetchabun province are known for a vast variety of delicious local dishes and desserts which are also popular gifts. The Petchabun 2004 Festival will offer a taste of a few of these famous culinary delights.

	Grilled chicken from Vieng Buri
	Rice vermicelli from Lom Sak and Lom Kao
	Khao Lam A delicious sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and baked in a bamboo cylinder -from Ban Yao
	Sweet Tamarind

To offer a helping hand in planning a trip to Phetchabun, representatives from a range of private sector organizations such as the ‘Friends of Forests, Lakes and Rivers Club’, travel agents and tour guides, hotels, lodges and other accommodation, will be on-hand at the fair to provide more information on the destination highlights of Phetchabun.

Other nearby attractions to Phetchabun province include the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, a rugged mountain park covering 307 sq. metres. With towering cliffs rising to over 1,700 metres, the park is known for its stunning chasms and intriguing rock formations with the appearance of knotted rocks.

At an altitude of 1,300 metres above sea-level, the weather is cool. In the cool season, seas of fog blanket the valley below. In the summer, the fields are resplendent with White rhododendron blooms.

The 32-level Man Daeng Waterfall is the most renowned waterfall in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Surrounded by fertile evergreen forest, the waterfall provides a rich habitat for diverse exotic flora and fauna. The waterfall is at its most spectacular during the rainy season when the cascading waters are in full flow. During the cool season, red maple leaves cover the forest and streams. Yet the forests remain beautiful with wild orchids adorning the boughs of trees.