Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area

Pha Nam Thip Non-Hunting Area protects a stretch of sandstone ridge forest in Roi Et province — formerly known locally as Mok Miwai forest — covering about 151,000 rai of dry evergreen, mixed deciduous, and dry dipterocarp woodland. Entry costs a nominal 20 THB per person; this isn’t the free site some older listings describe, but it’s still inexpensive for what’s on offer. There is no resident elephant population here, despite claims that circulate online — the wildlife you’re actually likely to see or hear is wild boar, barking deer, jackals, macaques, squirrels, and tree shrews, alongside a resident population of hornbills and other forest birds.

Two named viewpoints anchor most visits: Pha Phayom, angled for sunrise, and Pha Nam Thip itself, better suited to sunset. Two marked nature trails — one roughly 2 km, the other 3 km — thread through the ridge forest between them, past sandstone outcrops shaped by centuries of wind and rain. Early and late in the day are when wildlife sightings are most likely, as animals move to and from remaining water sources rather than staying visible through the heat of midday. The forest floor turns fragrant after rain, and the calls of hornbills carry a long way through the canopy on quiet mornings.

This is a working conservation area rather than a polished visitor attraction — trail markings are functional rather than elaborate, and there’s no visitor centre with English-language displays. What it does have is a genuine campground and a simple on-site restaurant, making it one of the few spots in this part of Roi Et set up for an overnight stay rather than a drive-through visit.

Insider Tip: Time a walk to Pha Phayom for first light — it’s the better of the two viewpoints for sunrise, and the forest is at its coolest and most active with wildlife in the hour after dawn.

Watch out: Don’t expect elephant sightings — that claim shows up in some older write-ups but isn’t supported by the reserve’s own wildlife records.

Visit in the dry season, November to April, when trails are easiest underfoot and animals cluster more predictably around remaining water sources. Bring insect repellent, sturdy shoes, and neutral-toned clothing if wildlife spotting is the priority — bright colours carry a long way in this kind of open forest. The reserve sits close to Pha Nam Yoi (Isan Buddhist Park) and Tham Soda Waterfall, both in the same corner of Nong Phok district, so a single day can combine wildlife trails, a mountain temple, and a waterfall without much extra driving.