Khao No Mountain

Khao No Mountain is a striking limestone rock formation located 44 kilometers north of Nakhon Sawan in Northern Thailand, just off Highway 1. Even though it is a convenient stop between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, it is not frequently frequented by non-Thai tourists. On top of the mountain, there is a temple with bells and Buddha's footprint that may be reached via an adventurous climb up some macaque-invested stairs. 

There are various options to eat and drink while admiring the magnificent views of this majestic rock formation. There are also some walkways in this area that provide nice vantage points of the mountain and are a good place to take pictures. I was there on December 6th, a Thai national holiday commemorating the birthday of late King Bhumibol. This Thai holiday is generally held on December 5th, but if it falls on a weekend, it is moved to the following Monday. On holidays and in the weekend there are stalls in the walkway area selling drinks and food. On weekdays there are a couple of restaurants and a coffee stand. During King Bhumibols birthday, I met quite a few people from Bangkok who had come over to climb Khao No Mountain's viewpoint. I also went on a weekday a few days later and had the place to myself. Take this into consideration when deciding when to go.

During sunset, the Bat Caves Viewing Point near Khao No offers a mesmerizing natural display. As dusk falls, countless bats emerge from the cave in a continuous stream, creating a striking ribbon across the sky. The exodus can last for over an hour, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts. During my visit, I arrived earlier in the day and missed this spectacle, but for those interested, it’s best to arrive just before sunset to witness this incredible event.

The macaques here are not scared of humans and they will not move out of your way. You might have to pass them within tenths of centimeters if they are sitting on the stairs. It's best to ignore them and avoid making eye contact. I recommend bringing a stick in case they attack you. But if you keep your cool and don't provoke them you should be OK. If you've brought food, keep it in your backpack as you climb. There will be no more monkey business once you begin climbing the ladders.

The stairs lead to a set of ladders that will take you to the temple, which has stunning views of Khao No Mountain and the surrounding area. If you're afraid of heights, the climb can be intimidating. That being said, I'm slightly afraid of heights, yet I didn't find the climb to be frightening at all. The ladders aren't that high. However, because they are basically metal tubes with a profile on top, they will become slippery when it rains. Having said that, not everyone is the same. In addition, in my opinion the climb is not suitable for small children or the elderly.

Don't leave your motorcycle, automobile, or bike unattended. It could be damaged by the monkeys. Instead, park it inside the temple (see the map). Or, ask the lady with the small stall immediately in front of the trail to keep an eye on your ride. Don't forget to tip her when you leave (I gave her 20 THB).

Hill Hug Home Resort provides charming accommodation nestled near Khao No Mountain, offering guests stunning views of the limestone peak and surrounding natural beauty. The resort features private rooms adjacent to the mountain and overlooking lush rice fields, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

I didn't stay at Hill Hug Home Resort due to budget considerations. But for travelers aiming to climb Khao No Mountain in the morning to avoid the heat and witness the bat exodus in the evening, this resort serves as an ideal base. The proximity to the mountain allows for convenient access to these activities, making it a suitable choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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This is an interesting temple backed by jagged limestone mountains along Highway 1, about 6 kilometers from Khao No Mountain. It's not much visited and probably not well funded. You'll likely be the only one except for the monks who live here. It consists of several buildings, some well maintained, some under construction and others seem to be neglected and not in use anymore. There are various animal and human statues, as well as a section with tombstones. Stairs on the left lead up to a viewpoint with a Buddha statue and a dilapidated building with a small cave. The cave is more a slit in the rock face than a cave though. A wooden plank can be used to access the cave. However, the wood is in poor condition and may break. Going in is not something I would recommend. There is nothing to see and you might seriously injure yourself. On the right side, there is another stairway leading up to a building that appears to be abandoned and no longer in use.

About 2 kilometers further down Highway 1, towards Khao No Mountain, lies another small temple backed by jungle-clad limestone rocks. The temple is flanked on both sides by Naga stairs (serpent like beings). The first leads to a small niche in the rock where monks practice their religion and the second leads to a golden Buddha statue.

If you travel with your own transportation, I recommend staying at Kalae Resort. It's right off Highway 1 and just 25 kilometers from Khao No Mountain. It also makes a good break on the journey up North from, for example Bangkok.

If you're looking for a great place to eat, Moji Mae Kularb is a fantastic choice. Just a five-minute motorcycle ride from Kalae Resort, this restaurant offers a wide selection of delicious Thai dishes, making it a perfect stop whether you're craving a quick meal or a full feast.

The selection here is impressive—curries, stir-fried vegetables, fresh seafood, and soups—all served buffet-style, so you can pick exactly what you want. Everything is freshly prepared, and the variety ensures there's something for everyone, whether you like spicy dishes or prefer something milder.

The restaurant is spacious and welcoming, with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for both solo travelers and groups. With its casual atmosphere, quick service, and affordable prices, Moji Mae Kularb is a solid choice for a tasty meal near Kalae Resort.

The parking of Moji Mae Kularb Restaurant has an air pump with gauge which is free to use.