Things To Do
in Lom Sak
Lom Sak is a market town in Phetchabun province in north-central Thailand that serves as a gateway to the province’s highland parks and scenic viewpoints. It sits amid rolling mountains and pine-covered slopes, offering easy access to Phu Hin Rong Kla, Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek. The town itself is low-key and authentic, centered on bustling local markets, simple eateries and daily life outside the main tourist hubs.
Visitors come for nature, cool-season mists, provincial culture and relaxed rural rhythms rather than big-city attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey by arriving at Lom Sak, where you will be greeted by the serene landscapes of the Thai countryside. Take a moment to soak in the fresh air and enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at a local eatery. Explore the nearby markets to get a feel for the local culture and pick up some fresh fruits for your adventures.
After settling in, embark on a scenic hike to explore the stunning natural beauty surrounding Lom Sak. Discover hidden waterfalls and vibrant flora alongside your local guide, who will share stories of the region's history and traditions. Stop for a picnic lunch by the water before continuing your trek and enjoying the breathtaking views.
As the sun sets, dine at a cozy restaurant featuring authentic Thai cuisine. Savor local specialties while engaging in conversation with friendly locals or fellow travelers. End your first day with a leisurely stroll through Lom Sak's charming streets, appreciating the peaceful ambiance of the small town.
Prepare for an adventurous day at Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, famous for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. After a hearty breakfast, head out early to capture the serene beauty of the mist-covered hills. Engage in bird watching and enjoy the tranquility of nature at its finest.
Spend your afternoon exploring the park's various trails and witness the stunning rock formations and panoramic views from the peaks. Take a guided tour to learn more about the area's flora and fauna, and don’t forget your camera for the unforgettable scenery. Enjoy a packed lunch in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's bounty.
Return to Lom Sak in the evening and unwind at your accommodations, enjoying the peaceful rural atmosphere. Dinner can be relished at a local restaurant, where you can try the northern specialty, Khao Soi. Conclude your day by reflecting on the natural wonders experienced in the park.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee or café drink | $1.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / hostel (per night) | $15-35 |
| 🚍Local bus / songthaew ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to cool highland scenery and national parks
- Authentic provincial Thai life and markets
- Lower costs and fewer tourists than major destinations
- Excellent photo opportunities at sunrise and misty mornings
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Public transport options are sparse outside the town
- English is less commonly spoken, so communication can be a challenge
- Some attractions can be affected by seasonal road conditions
- "Sawasdee (krub/kha)" - Hello / greeting (polite)
- "Khob khun (krub/kha)" - Thank you
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
- "Hong nam yoo tee nai?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Mai ao" - I don't want it / No, thank you
- "Arroy" - Delicious
Places to Visit in Lom Sak
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic rocky formations, pine forests, historical trails and viewpoints provide excellent landscape and sunrise/mist photography opportunities.
Rolling mountain vistas, windmills in some areas, and foggy mornings create atmospheric shots—best at dawn.
Highland ridgelines and sea-of-mist scenes in cool season; colorful cabbage farms and Hmong hill-tribe villages add cultural context.
Vibrant daily life, food stalls and portrait opportunities with local vendors and traditional wares.
Small provincial temples offer architectural details, golden Buddha images and quiet courtyards for cultural photography.
Food in Lom Sak
Lom Sak Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy-sour green papaya salad common across Thailand and widely available at Lom Sak markets and street stalls; choose mild if you prefer less heat.
Must-Try!
Charcoal-grilled pork served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce; popular roadside snack often found at food stalls.
Hearty, mildly spicy curries with local vegetables and herbs typical of the cooler highland areas—look for them in small provincial restaurants.
Sticky rice accompanies many meals; local sweets and seasonal fruit are sold at markets and ideal as snacks between activities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with breakfast stalls, grilled meats, steamed snacks and fresh produce—best for morning sampling and people-watching.
Evening street-food scene with a variety of grilled items, noodle soups, desserts and small eateries frequented by locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples, remove shoes at entrances, and avoid sitting higher than monks. Women should not touch monks and should dress respectfully.
The wai (palms together) is a common greeting—return it when offered. Use polite particles 'khrap' (ครับ) for men and 'kha' (ค่ะ) for women when speaking Thai.
The Thai royal family is highly respected—avoid negative comments and follow local guidelines regarding images of the monarchy.
Remove shoes in homes and some shops; keep voices moderate in temples and public spaces, and ask before photographing individuals, especially in hill-tribe communities.
Safety
Tipping in Lom Sak
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Round up small bills for taxi or tuk‑tuk drivers, leave a small tip at restaurants if service is good, and give a bit extra to helpful guides or drivers. In casual stalls and markets, tipping generally isn’t expected.
Cash (Thai baht) is king in Lom Sak—carry sufficient cash for markets, food stalls and remote attractions. ATMs are available in town but may be limited; credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but not at most street vendors. Mobile payment apps are growing but less common for small merchants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures rise and afternoons get hot; mornings are best for outdoor activities. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated and plan strenuous activities early in the day.
Afternoons and evenings often see heavy rain; some rural roads and trails can be muddy or temporarily impassable. Expect lush green landscapes and fewer tourists—carry a rain jacket and waterproof bag for gear.
Best time to visit for clear skies, cool mornings and dramatic mist in the mountains; nights can be chilly, especially at higher elevations—pack warm layers.
Lom Sak at Night
Hiking in Lom Sak
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails range from short walks to longer hikes among unique rock formations, pine forests and historical sites; watch for misty conditions in the cool season.
Short trails and lookouts offering panoramic vistas and opportunities for sunrise/mist photography; relatively accessible and popular with day-trippers.
Hiking routes around the mountain top and surrounding Hmong villages, with expansive views and cool-weather landscapes, especially dramatic during misty mornings.
Forest trails through mixed deciduous and pine forest with wildlife and birdwatching possibilities; several established paths and camping areas.
Open grassland areas and seasonal wildflower fields with relatively easy walks and photographic landscapes during the cool and post-monsoon seasons.
Airports
How to reach Lom Sak by plane.
Approximately 2–3 hours’ drive from Lom Sak depending on route; the closest commercial airport with domestic connections and onward road or bus links to Phetchabun province.
About 4–5 hours by road from Lom Sak; many domestic flights connect here, making it a common gateway for travelers coming from Bangkok.
International gateway with a longer drive (4–6 hours) to Lom Sak; ideal for international arrivals who can then take a domestic flight to Phitsanulok or travel overland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Lom Sak, primarily Buddhist and engaged in agriculture, commerce and small businesses.
Present in higher-elevation areas such as Phu Thap Boek and nearby highlands; these communities maintain distinct cultural traditions and handicrafts.
A significant portion of the population is involved in agriculture and tends to be older due to youth migration to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played and followed sport at school and community levels; local matches and informal games are common.
Thai boxing is popular for both spectators and training; small gyms and training spots can be found in provincial towns.
Traditional kick-volleyball enjoyed in schools and community events throughout Thailand, including rural provinces.
Growing in popularity due to scenic mountain roads and trails suitable for recreational cycling and challenge rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lom Sak.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger cities—ask for 'jay' (เจ) dishes or request no fish sauce and no shrimp paste; vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and fruit are common choices.
Vegan dining requires clear communication—many dishes use fish sauce or oyster sauce, so request to omit these and stick to plain rice, salads without fish sauce, and vegetable curries if available.
Rice is the staple so many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce (which can contain wheat) and processed items may not be—ask cooks about ingredients and prefer plain grilled meats and salads.
Carry an allergy card in Thai if you have severe food allergies; cross-contamination at small stalls is common and ingredient lists are rarely provided.