to conquer Phu Kradueng

Located in the northeastern part of Thailand. Phu Kradueng National Park is one of dream destinations for nature lovers. It's the tabletop mountain that make it unique and attractive. Each year, thousand of visitors come to conquer its vast plateau on the summit or “Lang Pae” as called by the locals. To reach the summit is by hiking up for a distance of 5 km.

The starting point of hiking is at the headquarters of the national park which is always crowded in every winter. As climbing higher, the hikers will notice the change in temperature and types of forest. The dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous at the foothill changes to the hill evergreen forest at the area close to the summit

Reaching the top of Phu Kradueng is large plain where the conquerors are rewarded by marvelous views of the vast grassland dotted with pine trees. Apart from this there are more sites to explore by foot. The visitors are required to walk a mere 4 k.m. through the pine forest before reaching the tourist server center at “Wan Kwang” where all sorts of facilities and accommodations are located.

It is recommended to put aside at least 4 days for this excursion. The best first trip is a 2-k.m.-hiking in early morning before 5 am to admire the sunrise at Pha Nok An Cliff. This spot is always crowde with many thrill seekers who want to enjoy the first light of the day expanding over the sea of fog lingering above the valley.

During the day, there are almost 10 waterfalls to explore. Most of them are located at the middle-north of the plateau. With thorough arrangement, you can be able to cover all the waterfalls. The first waterfall you should visit is “Wang Kwang” waterfall because it is not far from the tourist service center.

In this season, maple trees around several waterfalls turn a lovely shade of auburn. Phu Kradueng is the only place in Thailand it see the maples shed their leaves. For those who love with flowers, there’s a rocky terrain just above the than Sawan waterfall where wild orchids grow.

And if you are still up for more, head on tham Sor Nuea waterfall which is spectacular for its water veil cascading on a large cliff.

The final for this trip is to marvel at the sunset at Pha Lom Sak marked as the symbol of Phu Kradueng, where thousands of tourists can’t miss. Picture taking can be queued up. Believe it or not!

After viewing the stunning sunset at Oha Lom Sak cliff, walking back for 9 km. to the campsite is an experience. Friendships can be made on the way back in the cold dark night. The strangers at the foothill have now become your new friends . For the couple, this could be a precious moment to share.

Getting there

By Car

The shortest route to reach Phu Kradueng is Bangkok – Saraburi (Mauk Lek) – Pak Chong – Sikio (Nakhon Ratcasima) – Chaiyaphum – Chum Phae (Khon kaen) – Amphoe Phu Kardueng (Loei). From Amphoe Phu Kradueng to Phu Kradueng National Park is 10 km far. The total distance (from Bangkok) is 500 km

By bus

Non Air-con and and air-con buses leaves for Loei everyday from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal, disembark at Pha Nok Khao, and take a minibus for about 10 km to the park.

Hiking up Phu Kradueng

Contact the park’s visiter’s center for a carrier, 12 baht per kilogram charged.

Restaurant

Availlable at stops along the way, some cliffs, and the Wang Kwang Traveller Center.

Accommodations

There are lots fo houses and bungalows for rent in the park, costing from 1,600-3,600 bath. The park also provides camping areas and tents for rent. For more information visit www.dpn.go.th