Mo Hin Khao

Mo Hin Khao is a group of five pale sandstone pillars standing in a row on open grassland in Phu Laen Kha National Park, up to about twelve metres tall, left standing where the surrounding rock, laid down between the Jurassic and the Cretaceous, eroded away. The comparison to Stonehenge is made constantly and is misleading in one respect that matters: these are natural formations, not raised by anyone. The setting does most of the work - the towers rise from flat grass with nothing else around them, and in the rainy months the ground is bright green, which is when photographers come. The wider park has other rock fields and viewpoints. The access track is rough and can require a high-clearance vehicle or a local transfer, and there is no shade at the site at all. Sunrise and sunset are the useful hours; the middle of the day is hot, flat-lit and unpleasant.

What you'll find

• The five pillars - pale sandstone towers up to about twelve metres.
• The open grass - bright green in the rains, dry and gold after.
• The natural origin - eroded formations, not raised stones.
• The wider park - other rock fields and viewpoints in Phu Laen Kha.

When to go

July to October for green grass under the towers; November to February for the most comfortable weather. Sunrise or sunset - midday light and heat are both bad.

What to expect

Rough access track, sometimes needing high clearance or a local transfer. No shade whatsoever. Nothing like Stonehenge in origin - these are natural, which disappoints some visitors. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Pa Hin Ngam is south; Chaiyaphum town is south-east.

Key facts