Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.

Phetchabun especially Khao Kho is a place with good weather and cold all year round.

Initially, the province was called "Phe-cha-buth" as "Phuenchapura", which means the city that has plenty of crops.

Craspedacusta sowerbyi, a rare species of freshwater jellyfish is the provincial aquatic animal.

Phu Thap Boek, the highest mountain in the province, is a well-known tourist destination.

As of 26 November 2019, there are:[12] one Phetchabun Provincial Administration Organisation (ongkan borihan suan changwat) and 25 municipal (thesaban) areas in the province.

Phetchabun, Wichian Buri and Lom Sak have town (thesaban mueang) status.

The non-municipal areas are administered by 102 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (ongkan borihan suan tambon).