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

day 1
Arrival in Lom Sak
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Explore Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜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.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Dramatic rocky formations, pine forests, historical trails and viewpoints provide excellent landscape and sunrise/mist photography opportunities.

Khao Kho Viewpoints

Rolling mountain vistas, windmills in some areas, and foggy mornings create atmospheric shots—best at dawn.

Phu Thap Boek

Highland ridgelines and sea-of-mist scenes in cool season; colorful cabbage farms and Hmong hill-tribe villages add cultural context.

Lom Sak Market and Street Scenes

Vibrant daily life, food stalls and portrait opportunities with local vendors and traditional wares.

Local Temples and Monasteries

Small provincial temples offer architectural details, golden Buddha images and quiet courtyards for cultural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lom Sak

Food around Lom Sak reflects central Thai and northern-provincial influences with a focus on grilled meats, sour-spicy salads, soups and seasonal mountain vegetables. Markets and roadside stalls serve affordable, freshly prepared dishes; seafood is less prominent than in coastal regions. Ingredients are simple and flavorful, often featuring chili, lime, fish sauce and local herbs. Expect hearty home-style cooking in small restaurants and lively street-food at market evenings.

Lom Sak Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

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!

Moo Yang (Grilled Pork)

Charcoal-grilled pork served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce; popular roadside snack often found at food stalls.

Kaeng Om / Mountain-style Curries

Hearty, mildly spicy curries with local vegetables and herbs typical of the cooler highland areas—look for them in small provincial restaurants.

Khao Niao (Sticky Rice) and Local Desserts

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

Lom Sak Morning Market

Bustling market with breakfast stalls, grilled meats, steamed snacks and fresh produce—best for morning sampling and people-watching.

Lom Sak Night Market / Street Stalls

Evening street-food scene with a variety of grilled items, noodle soups, desserts and small eateries frequented by locals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lom Sak has a tropical savanna climate modified by elevation: hot season from March to May, pronounced rainy season from June to October with frequent afternoon showers, and a pleasant cool season from November to February with crisp mornings and colder nights in the highlands. Highland areas can be several degrees cooler than the town, and misty mornings are common in the cool season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Monks and Temples

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 and Polite Speech

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.

Respect for the Monarchy

The Thai royal family is highly respected—avoid negative comments and follow local guidelines regarding images of the monarchy.

Shoes and Public Behavior

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 Guide

Safety

Lom Sak is generally safe for travelers with low rates of violent crime. Common concerns are petty theft and pickpocketing in busy markets—keep valuables secure. Road safety is the main risk: mountain roads can be narrow, winding and poorly lit, so drive carefully and avoid riding a motorbike at night if inexperienced. In parks, follow trail markers, bring water, and be prepared for sudden weather changes; carry insect repellent to reduce bites.

Tipping in Lom Sak

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Hot Season (March–May)

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.

Rainy Season (June–October)

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.

Cool Season (November–February)

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.

Nightlife Guide

Lom Sak at Night

Nightlife in Lom Sak is low-key and centered on night markets, small bars, roadside stalls and karaoke venues. Expect an early evening atmosphere with locals dining and socializing; there are few late-night clubs or large-scale entertainment complexes. For more vibrant nightlife, travelers usually go to larger towns or provincial centers.

Hiking in Lom Sak

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park Trails

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.

Khao Kho Viewpoint Trails

Short trails and lookouts offering panoramic vistas and opportunities for sunrise/mist photography; relatively accessible and popular with day-trippers.

Phu Thap Boek Trails

Hiking routes around the mountain top and surrounding Hmong villages, with expansive views and cool-weather landscapes, especially dramatic during misty mornings.

Nam Nao National Park Paths

Forest trails through mixed deciduous and pine forest with wildlife and birdwatching possibilities; several established paths and camping areas.

Thung Salaeng Luang Meadows (nearby region)

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.

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)

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.

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK, Bangkok)

About 4–5 hours by road from Lom Sak; many domestic flights connect here, making it a common gateway for travelers coming from Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK, 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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Lom Sak town center is compact and walkable for exploring markets, temples and shops. However, many of the best viewpoints and natural attractions are dispersed across the surrounding mountains, so a vehicle (motorbike or car) or organized transport is typically needed to reach them.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Thai (Central/Northern Thai)

The majority population in Lom Sak, primarily Buddhist and engaged in agriculture, commerce and small businesses.

Hill-tribe communities (e.g., Hmong)

Present in higher-elevation areas such as Phu Thap Boek and nearby highlands; these communities maintain distinct cultural traditions and handicrafts.

Older rural residents and farming families

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.

Football (Soccer)

A widely played and followed sport at school and community levels; local matches and informal games are common.

Muay Thai

Thai boxing is popular for both spectators and training; small gyms and training spots can be found in provincial towns.

Sepak Takraw

Traditional kick-volleyball enjoyed in schools and community events throughout Thailand, including rural provinces.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Growing in popularity due to scenic mountain roads and trails suitable for recreational cycling and challenge rides.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Lom Sak is generally light compared with urban centers, but roads to mountain attractions can be narrow, steep and winding. Motorbikes are common and overtaking on rural roads occurs frequently—drive defensively. Public transportation includes local buses, minibuses and songthaews; schedules may be infrequent, so plan connections in advance or arrange private transport for remote destinations.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lom Sak.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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.

Gluten-free

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.

Allergies

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare and clinics are available in Lom Sak for minor illnesses and injuries; there is a provincial hospital in the broader Phetchabun area for more serious care. For specialized treatment or emergency care, larger hospitals in Mueang Phetchabun or Phitsanulok are better equipped. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for remote hiking and highland excursions.

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