Phetchabun located in the lower northern part of Thailand, 346 kms. from Bangkok. It has a total area of 12,668.416 sq.kms. or about, 7,917,760 rai. Phetchabun, an ancient city with several interesting and important places such as Wat Mahathat and Si Thep Historical Park, has always proposed throughout her history. At present, it is famous for the fertile land for cultivation. The renowned fruit is sweet tamarind. Besides, there are various historical and natural attractions as we know from the motto of the province: Sweet Tamarind City, Nam Nao National Park, Si Thep Ancient City, Khao Kho Commemoration, Poh Khun Pha Muang City.

Geographical
The area is a plain surrounded by the hills. The main river passing through the province is Pasak River.

Climate
Phetchabun has 3 seasons: hot season, rainy season and cold season.

Borders
North bordering Loei Province. 
South bordering Lopburi Province.
East bordering Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen Province.
West bordering Phichit, Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan Province.

From Phetchabun city to nearby Provinces
- Chaiyaphum 259 kms.
- Khon Kaen 240 kms.
- Loei 190 kms.
- Lopburi 260 kms.
- Nakhon Sawan 195 kms.
- Phichit 130 kms.
- Phitsanulok 170 kms.

From Phetchabun city to its districts
- Bung Sampan 105 kms.
- Chondan 55 kms.
- Khao Kho 70 kms.
- Lomkao 70 kms.
- Lomsak 50 kms.
- Nam Nao 140 kms.
- Nong Pai 58 kms.
- Sithep 115 kms.
- Wang Pong 85 kms.
- Wichienburi 100 kms.

History

The name "Phetchabun", as appears in the historical evidence found by the Department of Fine Art, originates from the word "Phuechapura" which means plenty of crops. However, the name was changed into "Phetchabun" which means plenty of diamonds.
This province is considered to be the ancient city which was built in two different periods in the same area. Wat Mahathat including other ancient temples indicate that the first period of Phetchabun was found during Sukhothai Kingdom. T The Department of Fine Arts declared the wall and the forts as the archaeological sites on 8 March B.E. 2478.

How to get there

By Bus
Direct air - conditioned and non air - conditioned buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet2 Road. (Tel. 537-8055-6) starting  09.30 A.M.until 09.30 P.M.

By Car
Taking Highway No.1 to Saraburi till Km. 125 (Pukae); turn right to Highway No. 21 via Amphoe Chaibadan, Amphoe Si Thep to Phetchabun for 346 kilometres.

Festivals & Events

Sweet Tamarind Festival
February
Held in February during the tamarind is ready to pick up and it is also the agricultural day of the province.

New Year Festival of Lisu Hill tribe
February
Held in February of each year. It is the ancestor veneration day.

Rum Jong, Rum Trung Nong, Rum Tone Folk Dance
April
Held during Songkran Festival. The musicial instrument is Tone and the number of dancer is about 20.

Chao Poh Ta Chao Tung Festival
May
The spirit house was built in the edge of the rice field. It is believed that the spirit will take good care of food in the villages and ensure the rainfall in their fields. 

Hae Nang Maew 
May-June
Held in the year when there are no adequate rainfall. The cat is caught into the basket and then the villagers will take it walking around the village with traditional folk dance. Whenever the cat arrives their houses, they throw the water to the cat. 

Rocket Festival
May-June
Held during the period of May-June. It is the original festival of the north-east region. It is celebrated to maintain the local custom. The people bring firing homemade rockets into the sky for competition and entertainment . The owners of the rockets who win the competition will be awarded.