Phetchabun Mountains - Geography

Geography

Both ranges are parallel and of roughly the same length, extending in a roughly north-south direction. The western range is a prolongation of the southern end of the Luang Prabang Range. The eastern range separates the broad Chao Phraya river basin of central Thailand from the Khorat Plateau of northeast Thailand. This mountain system is named after the city of Phetchabun which is located wthin the mountain area.

The highest elevation of the Phetchabun mountains is 1820 m Phu Man Khao at the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in the northern zone of the mountain range. Other important peaks are Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea. To the south and southeast lies the Dong Phaya Yen mountain system.

Geologically, the mountains consist of limestone, interfused with slate and sandstone. A few igneous rocks are also found: granite, basalt and porphyry.

Strange rock formations and fields where the Siam Tulip flower (Curcuma alismatifolia), known as dok krachiao (ดอกกระเจียว) in Thai, grows wild are some of the characteristics of the Phetchabun Mountains.

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