Bua Phu Phan

In Thailand, camping recently has become a popular pastime among the younger generation. It is sometimes referred to as glamping (glamorous camping), although it doesn't tend to have all of the luxurious amenities of Western style glamping. Bua Phu Phan (บัวภูพาน) is a place where many young adults in Sakon Nakhon go camping, because it is next to a reservoir, is located on the edge of the Phu Phan Mountains, and provides a gorgeous view of the night sky for star gazing (i.e. there is little interference from the lights of the city or any neighborhoods).

There are plenty of clean, well attended, toilets on the premises, as well as a small cafe and shop where you can buy coffee, food, and other amenities, including cheap charcoal for making a fire and grilling. A large polar bear statue, which was made from a wire frame covered in straw, is the signature mascot of is Sakon Nakhon campsite. There are also naturally made statues of elephants and large birds. The weather here is always a bit cooler, as it is in the mountains. Price for a campsite is a very affordable 100 baht.

The only downside to be aware of is that since the campsite attracts young people, music can sometimes be played late into the night. So, when choosing a place to set up camp, it is a good idea to choose an area that is away from other people. The campsite is located on Route 213 about 5 kilometers past Namtok Kham Hom waterfall. If you keep traveling down Route 213 for another 3 minutes, you'll arrive at the Phu Phan National Park, which also has a small campsite, as well as a nature trail and scenic cliff view.