The 3 Most Instagrammable Places in Khao Kho
Updated: Jul 14, 2020
Khao Kho is a small mountain district in the Phetchabun Province in northern Thailand. About 5 hours from both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the region is a great side stop on your tour of Thailand. The scenic mountains and valleys make for an instagrammers paradise.
Khao Kho is just starting to become developed for tourists, with new mini resorts popping up all over the mountainsides. While still pretty off the beaten path for Thailand trips, a new and magnificent temple is drawing more and more people to its peaks. For us, it was a stop for recuperating, delicious homemade Thai meals, and afternoon photoshoots.
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
So, that magnificent new temple I mentioned? A sanctuary for your camera lens. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew was completed in 2004, but didn’t become a temple until 2010. This temple, however, may be unlike any other you’ve seen. It’s architectural style is bright and youthful. The entire pagoda is covered with over 5 million pieces of colorful glass, from mosaic tiles to pieces of teacups and other china dishes, all set by hand. The temple itself is roofed by 5 enormous, bright white Buddhas, sitting in meditation. The white pops brilliantly against the backdrop of the green mountains surrounding it.
“The site’s location at Khao Kho was chosen for its natural beauty, to inspire meditation… It’s colorful and quirky, and sitting in the middle of the mosaics is said to bring fortune and good luck.” We spent 4 or 5 hours exploring and shooting in this temple, my eyes amazed around every corner.
Note: While a great place for a photoshoot, remember that you’re at a temple. Dress appropriately and be respectful!
The Blue Sky Resort Gardens
The Blue Sky Resort is an English-style hotel located in one of the valleys of Khao Kho. You don’t have to be a guest there to enjoy its beauty, though. Visitors are welcome to walk through the maze of gardens, set for a romantic photoshoot scene. We we certainly not the only ones who stopped by for the gardens to be our photogenic backdrop. Hedge mazes and fountains and flowerbeds all adorned miniature castles, cottages, and gazebos to allow for a seemingly endless amount of creativity.
Pro-tip: Being located in a valley meant that these gardens were humid. If your hair is prone to frizz in humidity, come aptly prepared.
When you’re done shooting, grab a drink or some sweets at the café and bar.
Pino Latte Resort & Café
Finally, we stopped at the Pino Latte Resort & Café. Once again atop a mountain, the café had some incredible views and the perfect seating to take advantage of them. A twist of rustic and modern vibes come together to make this place perfect for a photoshoot. The beautiful gardens overlook the mountains beyond, and colorful stairs and giant wooden “P I N O” letters make for some fun poses as well. Plus, you can get your caffeine fix while you’re there!
Pro-tip: Since Khao Kho still isn’t a major tourist destination, most of these spots require your own planning and transportation, or booking with a private tour company (especially to the temple).
Aside from getting photos of the scenic mountains and visiting a modern temple, there is much more Khao Kho has to offer (including some really cool hiking/camping spots)! Check out some travel ideas at the links below: