Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

The general topography consists of complex mountain ranges, including important peaks such as Phu Man Khao, Phu Phaeng Ma, Phu Khee Tao, Phu Lom Lo, and Phu Hin Rong Kla, with Phu Man Khao being the highest at approximately 1,820 meters above sea level. Phu Lom Lo is the next highest at around 1,664 meters above sea level. The area is covered with abundant dry dipterocarp forests, hill evergreen forests, and pine forests, with both two-leaf and three-leaf pines growing together. It is the source of many rivers and streams, and various species of orchids and wild flowers are found growing on the rock gardens. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park was declared a national park on July 26, 1984. Phu Hin Rong Kla was once the largest and most important center of the Communist Party's bases in the North, which spread communism to Khao Kho, Phu Khat, and Phu Miang, leading to political security issues. When the situation calmed down in late November 1982, a road was cut through the heart of Phu Hin Rong Kla, and it was established as a national park, making it a significant tourist attraction in the North to this day. Attractions within the park include: - Amnat Rat Station: This was a place where the Communist Party conducted military and administrative operations, similar to a provincial hall. It involved the trial and punishment of those who violated the party's rules. There was a prison for offenders, a canteen, a weaving factory, training facilities, a machinery repair shop, and residences for executives. The entrance to Amnat Rat Station is a narrow path between rocks, with a small stream flowing through. - Air Raid Shelters: There are two air raid shelters that utilized natural features to reduce combat disadvantages, using rock overhangs for shelter. One is located near the Political and Military School, a large cave that could accommodate about 500 people and was used as an air raid shelter. In the past, aircraft often patrolled and dropped bombs to disrupt the base. The duty commander would blow a whistle to gather everyone to take shelter here. The other air raid shelter is near Amnat Rat Station, a spacious cave but with a smaller capacity. - Lan Hin Pum: Located on the edge of a cliff, this is a rock garden with boulders emerging like buttons, approximately 30 cm in diameter and 20-30 cm high, spread over a wide area, presenting a strange sight. In the past, this area was used as a recovery place for patients in the Communist Party's hospital. Being on the cliff, it offered a cool breeze, suitable for relaxation. Along the way to Lan Hin Pum, there are opportunities to see various bird species such as the Chinese Francolin, Striped-throated Swallow, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Blue-winged Minla. - Pha Chu Thong: Approximately 500 meters from Lan Hin Pum, this is a peak that reaches 1,614 meters above sea level, ranking third highest after Phu Man Khao and Phu Lom Lo. It is a steep cliff offering panoramic views, especially at sunset. In the past, this place was where the Communist Party would raise the red hammer and sickle flag every time they defeated government troops, serving as a means of communication. - Political and Military School: Located 6 kilometers from the park headquarters, this place was used for education in accordance with Communist ideology. There were 31 residences for civilian staff, logistics personnel, communication staff, and medical facilities, all arranged neatly under a dense forest. Visiting during winter offers a beautiful scene of changing maple leaves falling on old wooden houses, resembling a foreign country. - Water Wheel: A large wooden water wheel with a diameter of 1.5 meters, located opposite the Political and Military School. It is a water wheel that transfers energy to a pounding mechanism for rice milling. Water is diverted from a small waterfall through a wooden channel to the wheel, generating power to rotate it. This water wheel was like a rice mill for the Communist Party, feeding thousands of people on Phu Hin Rong Kla. The surrounding area is forested, with a waterfall where visitors can swim. - Rom Klao-Phra Dorn Waterfalls: Located about 5 kilometers from the national park headquarters on the Phu Hin Rong Kla road, approximately 1 kilometer before reaching the Political and Military School. These are twin waterfalls located next to each other. The waterfalls are not very high, but the surrounding environment is a beautiful pristine forest. Walking another 200 meters from Rom Klao waterfall leads to Phra Dorn waterfall, which is similar to Rom Klao, originating from the same stream but is lower and has a stronger current. - Man Daeng Waterfall: A large waterfall with 32 tiers. Surveys by experts from France and geologists from Thailand have discovered over 20 carnivorous dinosaur footprints on the rock slabs of Man Daeng waterfall. Currently, there is no road access. To visit the waterfall, visitors must walk, and it is necessary to contact park officials for a guide. - Lan Hin Taek: A wide rock garden with cracks and fissures resembling the earth splitting. This phenomenon is hypothesized to be caused by the warping or movement of the Earth's crust, causing the rock to crack. In addition, the crevices are covered with moss, lichen, algae, ferns, and various orchids. - Phu Phaeng Ma: The highest viewpoint in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, at 1,775 meters above sea level. It is a viewpoint where both sunrise and sunset can be observed. Visitors can see the cabbage fields of Phu Thap Boek, the sea of clouds from Lom Kao-Lom Sak districts, and the complex mountain scenery from Khao Kho district. - Phu Hin Rong Kla Royal Forest-Based Development Project: Located before reaching the Political and Military School and Ban Rong Kla. The landscape of the project is surrounded by green mountains with a cool climate throughout the year. The project was established to restore forests, cultivate saplings, promote and improve the quality of life, improve the headwaters ecosystem, and promote and support the development of the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park area in terms of tourism and environment. The highlight here is standing and enjoying the views from the 5 cliffs: Pha Bok Rak, Pha Salad Rak, Pha Rak Yuen Yong, Pha Khu Rak, and Pha Titanic, which are lined up together. Visitors can also admire the field of paper flowers that bloom beautifully along the cliffs during the winter. Open daily from 08:00 to 16:30. Entrance Fees: Thai citizens: Adults 40 Baht, Children 20 Baht. Foreigners: Adults 200 Baht, Children 100 Baht. Accommodation and Facilities: The park offers accommodation and camping sites for tourists. For inquiries, contact Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park at Tel. 08 1596 5977, or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.