Travel Guide: Baan Ing Phu บ้านอิงภู, Northern Thailand’s Khao Kho Highlands

Introduction

Tucked into the misty rolling mountains of Khao Kho, Phetchabun, Baan Ing Phu บ้านอิงภู is Northern Thailand’s best-kept secret for travelers craving quiet, unfiltered connection with nature. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Chiang Mai, this secluded mountain retreat trades city noise for bird song, crowded viewpoints for private hilltop panoramas, and digital overload for intentional relaxation. If you’re looking to unplug and recharge amid cool pine-scented air, this is the perfect base for exploring Khao Kho’s hidden highlands.

Hotel Overview

Baan Ing Phu’s address at 98 Baan Saleanghang 2, Sadoh, Khao Kho, puts you right in the heart of Khao Kho’s most scenic mountain corridor. The property features completely standalone private cottages, so you’ll enjoy total privacy during your stay, with sweeping views of mist-cloaked mountains or lush, flower-filled gardens from every private balcony and terrace. Each cottage comes with a fully equipped simple kitchen complete with a fridge, microwave, stove, kitchenware, and an electric kettle—ideal for prepping picnic breakfasts or packing snacks for day hikes. Private bathrooms include free toiletries, a hair dryer, and hot rainfall showers, while common spaces add a cozy dining area and seating for lazy afternoons. On-site facilities include sprawling garden grounds, outdoor seating, dedicated picnic and dining areas, and free-to-use barbecue grills for evening cookouts under the stars. Parking is free on-site with no reservation required, and the property is entirely smoke-free with designated non-smoking rooms. Staff speak both fluent Thai and English to help with any requests. Note that the property does not offer internet, and all upper cottages are accessible via stairs only.

Nearby Attractions

Three standout destinations are just a short drive from Baan Ing Phu:

• Khao Kho Viewpoint: A 15-minute drive from the hotel, this iconic cliffside viewpoint serves up panoramic sunrises over layers of rolling mountain ridges. Arrive before dawn to catch pink and gold light spilling over misty valleys, and stay to spot wild egrets and deer in the meadows below.
• Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew: This stunning hilltop temple, 30 minutes away, is famous for its five gleaming white Buddha statues set against a backdrop of green mountains. The temple’s intricate mosaic tile work and quiet, cool courtyards make it a peaceful spot for reflection, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for leisurely walks.
• Khao Kho National Park: Just 20 minutes from the property, this protected park boasts hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails through pine forests and montane grasslands, with opportunities to spot native bird species and wild orchids. Don’t miss the park’s hidden Pha Lom Cliff, a quiet viewpoint far less crowded than the main Khao Kho outlook.

Travel Tips

Pack layers: Khao Kho’s high elevation means temperatures drop dramatically at night, even in hot season, so bring a warm sweater for evening barbecues and early morning hikes. Since the property offers no internet, download offline maps and your favorite podcasts ahead of time for your unplugged stay. Stock up on groceries and fresh local produce in Khao Kho town before heading to the hotel, as the closest convenience store is a 10-minute drive away. Visit between November and February for the coolest temperatures and clearest mountain views; the rainy season (June–October) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, but fog can obscure viewpoints on some days. If you don’t have a car, arrange a private transfer from Phetchabun city in advance, as public transport to K