Khao Pha Raet

Khao Pha Raet is a limestone hill about 376 metres high in the Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani, rising out of farmland behind the district office. It holds caves used by bats and flying foxes, faded prehistoric rock art estimated at roughly 3,000 years old, and a scatter of viewpoints over the surrounding rice fields — reached on foot, free to enter, with almost no crowds.

Trails and a paved road climb through the hill’s wooded lower slopes to several lookout points rather than one signature summit, each opening onto a different stretch of the valley — patchwork rice fields, scattered farming hamlets, and the tree line running west toward Huai Kha Khaeng. The caves inside the limestone hold stalactites and stalagmites and are home to resident bat and flying-fox colonies; locally, dusk is the recommended time to watch them stream out over the fields to feed. One of the rock shelters has also produced prehistoric paintings and human remains, estimated at around 3,000 years old — the second significant prehistoric find recorded in Uthai Thani province. A small Buddhist monastery sits at the base of the hill, and shrines are scattered along the paths, so this is a place of quiet local worship as much as scenery.

Early morning is the best window for the climb itself: temperatures are manageable, and in the cooler months (November-February) a light mist can settle over the fields below — seasonal rather than guaranteed, so come with modest expectations either way. Late afternoon, close to sunset, is the other worthwhile slot if the bat colony interests you. Through the rest of the day the hill stays quiet — a handful of local visitors rather than tour traffic.

Watch out: the cave floors are uneven limestone rather than a maintained walkway — grippy shoes matter more here than on the outer viewpoint trails, and a torch helps if you want to look inside rather than just admire the entrance.

Insider Tip: Time your visit for the hour before sunset if the bat colony interests you — that’s when flying foxes and bats leave the caves in visible numbers, a detail most day-trip itineraries miss entirely.

Khao Pha Raet is reached by road from Lan Sak town, easiest by car or motorbike, with parking at the base; it is open daily 08:30-16:30 and free to enter. Bring water, sun cover and shoes with grip for the rockier cave paths. It sits within easy reach of other Lan Sak sights — Hoop Pha Thad and Khao Praya Phai Ruea — making a natural half-day loop through western Uthai Thani.