“Khao Kho” is a name which refers to all of the mountain ranges in Phetchabun Mountains, Khao Kho District. They are called “Khao Kho” because there were formerly a number of Kho Trees (Livistona Speciosa), which are in the same family with palm trees, in the forest. The weather on Khao Kho is comfortably cool throughout the year, even in summer, but it is quite cold in winter. The scenery is also beautiful; therefore, Khao Kho is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phetchabun Province.
Khao Kho National Park is now in the process of survey and reconstruction. Its area of 301,698 Rai covers the local forest area in Lom Kao District, Lom Sak District, Mueang Phetchabun District, and Khao Kho District, in Phetchabun Province.
Khao Kho National Park contains a lot of biological diversity, various species of plant and animal, as well as natural tourist attractions and the breath-taking scenery, such as waterfall, cave, islet, cliff, and other view points. It is also a historical source of the battle between the government and the communist terrorists, which took a long time to the end. At present, there are many monuments, for those who sacrificed themselves, inscribing the names of the casualties in the battle. In addition, the villages and the bridges are always named after the names and surnames of those who sacrificed themselves as a memorial. The beautiful Khao Kho Royal Palace was built and given to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen when they stayed overnight at Khao Kho in Phetchabun Province.
Later, in May 18, 2011, Khao Kho National Park was announced as the 125th national park in Thailand. It was written on the government gazette, book number 129, section number 43, put a date on May 18, 2011. The area of the national park covers approximately 301,698 Rai or 482.71 square kilometers.
There are many interesting tourist spots in Khao Kho area, especially the ones involve with the battle against the communists; for example, Chin Hor Monument, Weapon Museum, and Khao Kho Memorial. In addition, there are the grand pagoda, Khao Kho Royal Palace, and the waterfall in the area.
There are a lot of accommodations on Khao Kho provided for the tourists to choose. Most of them are in Thung Samo District and Camp Son Sub-district, which are around 30 kilometers from the tourist attractions on Khao Kho. The nearest accommodation is the Cavalry Guesthouse at the 28th kilometer marker on the highway number 2196. The 28th Cavalry Division and the followers’ house are situated near Khao Kho Royal Palace and Khao Ya. Besides, there are many resorts along the way to Khao Kho.