Hello everyone! It's me, Birth, from "Where to Go" (link: https://www.facebook.com/Paiteawtammai). Today, I'm taking you on a rainy season trip to Phu Kradueng National Park. As you know, the park is open to tourists from October 1st to May 31st each year and is closed for natural restoration from June 1st to September 30th.
I have visited Phu Kradueng twice before, but it was during December and January. This time, I would like to try going during the rainy season, aiming for the fresh green nature that has been rejuvenated after the mountain's closure for restoration, as well as the waterfalls.
Initially, I considered visiting on the opening day of the mountain, but I anticipated large crowds due to the holiday weekend. My prediction proved accurate, as over 500 tourists visited the mountain on its opening day. Consequently, I opted for a weekday visit instead. I visited from October 3rd to 5th.
Let's get started. First, head to Mo Chit Bus Terminal and go to the 3rd floor. The bus will not take you directly to the park, so you will need to get off at Pha Nok Aen. When you buy your ticket, tell the seller that you want to get off at Pha Nok Aen. There are many bus companies to choose from, including BKS, Air Muang Loei, Phu Kradueng Tour, and Sun Bus. Prices range from 340 baht to over 600 baht, depending on the class of the bus. Choose a bus that departs around 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM. You will arrive at Pha Nok Aen around 4:00 AM - 5:00 AM, which is perfect timing.
Upon reaching Pha Nok Aew, the car will be parked in front of Mr. Kim's shop. You can have lunch or use the restroom there. If you are not hungry yet, you can wait and have lunch at the park.
To reach the park, take a shared taxi (songthaew) from the side of the road next to the police station, facing the front of the shop. The fare is 300 baht for a private ride or 30 baht per person if you wait for the taxi to fill up. It's recommended to gather a group of friends to share the ride.
Upon arrival at the park, you can grab something to eat. Wait until the office opens at 7:00 AM, then purchase a park entrance ticket for 40 baht. If you haven't brought your own tent, you can rent one for 225 baht/night. If you do bring your own tent, there is a 30 baht/night camping fee. Keep your receipt to show to the staff at the top.
If you have luggage to be carried by porters, please contact the pavilion near the entrance. There are staff waiting to assist you. The tag fee is 5 baht. Weigh your luggage and leave it there. They will take care of it for you. ***Porter fee is 30 baht per kilogram.
With everything in order, we are ready to begin. Let's go!
At the entrance, officials will check the tickets purchased earlier in the morning. Visitors will then be required to sign their name, address, and phone number. This information allows officials to track who has entered and exited the premises and to facilitate emergency contact if necessary.
The first checkpoint is a sign indicating the distance to the summit, which is the peak of the mountain and the tourist service center, which is the tent site. It's only 9 kilometers, a piece of cake! 555
Let's go! Our first destination is Sam Haek.
This wood is very helpful for slippery paths.
Porters will go up on the right side, it's easier to walk but slippery. 555
We're almost there, huh? It's really hot.
"We've arrived! Let's take a break. I think this round was the toughest, maybe because our bodies and muscles weren't warmed up or stretched, which made us feel a bit tired. But after this, it's smooth sailing (or is it?)."
A light mist welcomes us.
There are many shops to choose from, including water, fruits, and various daily necessities.
Okay, here is the translation of the sentence:
"Alright, let's continue after a short break. Don't rest for too long, or your muscles will get used to it! 555"
How are you?
This seems comfortable, but… wipes sweat
If there is a place to rest, we will rest.
Porters are still relaxing.
I enjoy the rainy season because everything becomes lush and green.
Continuing on, we reached Sam Kok Don. I personally love this spot. The cool breeze and the mist that wafted in were so refreshing. We took a break here to enjoy the scenery.
The trail continues from Sam Kok Don to Sam Krae and ends at Lang Pa. This section is steeper and more slippery, so please proceed slowly and carefully, ensuring your footing is secure.
Refreshingly green.
Take a deep breath at this step and then continue. You're almost there.
We have arrived! ^^ Feeling refreshed. Taking some photos now.
After that, we continued walking. The cool breeze accompanied us as we walked for about 3 kilometers on a flat path. It was a comfortable walk.
It only takes a moment to reach the Wang Kwang Tourist Service Center. If you need to rent bedding, you can contact them inside.
Price of bedding as follows.
After completing the payment, you will receive a receipt. Please proceed to the adjacent building to collect your bedding and choose your preferred tent accommodation.
Let's go choose a tent.
After resting our legs, washing our faces, and recharging our batteries, we prepared to watch the sunset at Pha Mak Duk, which is about 2 kilometers from the campsite. Don't forget to bring a flashlight in case it gets dark on the way back. However, the day I went, the sky was overcast, so I wasn't able to take any pictures.
It was already dark when we arrived. There are many restaurants to choose from for dinner. Choose whatever you like, and then we can go stargazing.
This photo was set up, shot, and modeled by myself. It was quite tiring. 555
After that, it was time to rest and recharge. The weather was perfect, comfortable for sleeping, not too hot or too cold. Oh, almost forgot, if you want to watch the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen, the park ranger will meet you at 5:00 AM. Meet at the Tourist Service Center. Don't oversleep!
Waking up early on October 4th, I walked through the darkness from 5 am to watch the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen.
Waiting with hope, will the sun come?
The sun was a little shy and didn't show up, but I still enjoyed the atmosphere at that time.
On the way back to the campsite, I stopped at various places along the way to take pictures. It was a lot of fun!
Stone orchid
A monkey's rice pot and curry pot.
After breakfast, we will embark on a journey to the waterfalls. Please bring your lunch with you.
A short walk from the campsite, you will find the first waterfall, Wang Kwang Waterfall.
Let's continue. It's a waterfall path, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
Phetchabun New Year Waterfall
We did not stop by the Phaen Waterfall. The road becomes more difficult as we enter the forest area.
Phu Pha Phop Waterfall
The trail continues through the forest, with some uphill and downhill sections.
We have arrived at the Big Cave Waterfall.
The maple leaves are slightly tinged with red.
After exiting the Tham Yai Waterfall, our next destination was to have lunch at Sa Anodad Pool. However, it started raining on the way, so we got to use the raincoats we had bought.
Snails all the way, no need to worry, some will be flicked away, some won't, haha.
I've arrived at Sa-Ano-Da pond. Today's lunch is garlic fried squid.
After lunch, we rested. The water was very, very cold.
At this point, there were two options: to enter the Tham Sao Nua Waterfall or to walk to the Pha Hieap Meng Cloud Stepping Cliff. The majority of the group wanted to take a leisurely walk, so we went to the Pha Hieap Meng Cloud Stepping Cliff.
Relaxing indeed, should I buy a boat instead?
Lost in the hustle and bustle of leeches and non-stop bleeding at Pha Hieap Meng, I completely forgot to take photos. Haha! Let's move on. Our destination is to watch the sunset at Pha Lom Sak.
The mist rolled in as we walked, a truly magical experience.
Stop by the famous coffee and brownie shop at Pha Luam Sak.
Full and satisfied, I was about to go out to enjoy the view when, out of nowhere, the fog rolled in.
No sunset in sight, haha. Just taking some fun photos. None of us know each other.
After that, I walked back in one go from Pha Lom Sak to the tent site, which is 9 kilometers. It was definitely dark along the way, so a flashlight is essential.
Arrive at the campsite, eat, shower, and sleep. ^^
The next morning, we woke up and packed our belongings. We returned the bedding and, if we had any gifts for the porters, we bought a tag and weighed them as before.
The descent is more slippery than before, so be careful. However, the scenery is beautiful.
Upon arrival at the park headquarters, take a shower. There are free shower rooms available. If you have any items purchased from the porters, wait to pay for them as usual.
Afterwards, I took the same songthaew back to the shop to buy a ticket home. ^^
What should we prepare?
- Shoes, socks, flashlight, massage gun, muscle relaxant, slippers, tissues, power bank (with charging service), hat, raincoat, winter coat, money.
- Anti-leech equipment, such as leech socks or sprays like Sofell, citronella oil to prevent leeches from clinging, or if they do cling, spray them to make them release.
On this solo trip, I unexpectedly made 10 new friends. Thank you for the wonderful camaraderie. It was one of the most enjoyable trips I've ever had. This is the charm of Phu Kradueng.
Thank you.
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Friday, September 27, 2024 10:38 AM