Khao Kho

Khao Kho sits at around a thousand metres in the Phetchabun range and is one of the main destinations for Thai cool-season tourism - resorts and cafes built along ridges specifically to look down on the thale mok, the sea of mist that fills the valleys on cold mornings, with strawberry farms, flower gardens and viewpoints strung along the roads. It is busy and heavily developed. The mountain itself rises to 1,143 metres and takes its name from the kho, a name shared by the Ceylon oak and a fan palm that both grow here. Roads are steep with tight bends; low-powered cars struggle on the climbs and brakes overheat on the descents.

The landscape

• The sea of mist - valleys filled with cloud on cold-season mornings.
• The ridge resorts and cafes - built to face the view, and busy.
• The strawberry and flower farms - the cool-climate agriculture.
• The ridge cafes - built to look down on the morning mist.

When to go

November to February for the mist and the cool air, which is the whole reason to come. Weekends and holidays are crowded and accommodation prices rise steeply.

Good to know

Steep winding roads - underpowered vehicles struggle and descents burn brakes. Heavily developed with resorts and cafes rather than wild country. Weekend prices and crowds are substantial.

Nearby

Phu Thap Boek is north; Nam Nao National Park is east and Phu Hin Rong Kla north.