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Phitsanulok Province:
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
| Located in the northern part of Thailand, Phitsanulok is an important historical province that is strategically located on the banks of Maenam Nam and Maenam Kwae Noi. |
This province shares its border with Loei, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai and Uttaradit provinces. On the north-eastern side, Phitsanulok is also connected with Xaignabouli province of Laos. Present inside the park is an important tourist destination known as the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.
Covering an area of 307 square kilometers, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is spread over Dansai district of Loei province and Nakhon Thai district of Phitsanulok province. This park is situated 130 kilometers from the city of Phitsanulok. The most interesting aspect of this national park is its significance in the history of Thailand.
Located inside the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park was the headquarters for Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) between 1967 and 1982. For almost two decades, the park had witnessed several conflicts and battles that occurred between the Royal Thai Army and the CPT. Remote locations, lofty mountains and dense jungles of this national park provided ideal conditions that were required by the CPT to wage a guerilla war against the armed forces. One can still witness some of the hospitals, schools and other buildings that were set up by the CPT inside the park. Also present inside the park is a small museum that houses exhibits displaying some of the weapons and medical instruments used by the CPT.
Geographically, the entire park is filled with steep mountain ranges. Phu Man Khao is the largest peak inside the park with a height of 1,820 meters above sea level. Another important one is Phu Lomlo, which is present at a height of 1,664 meters above sea level. There are several streams that originate from these mountain ranges and flow through the park.
Forests inside the park are primarily mixed deciduous, dry evergreen and hill evergreen forests. A major part of the forest got damaged during the battles between armed forces and CPT. However, there are some important animals and plants still present inside the area that include tigers, leopards, Asiatic black bears, foxes, monkeys and leopard cats. There are also several species of birds present inside the park that include brown hawk owl, jungle fowl, bulbul, swallow, Asian barred owlet and the common flameback.
Camping is permitted inside the jungles. However, tourists need to make advanced reservations in order to avail this opportunity.
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