Our journey to conquer "Phu Kradueng" is titled:
"Together We Climb Phu Kradueng"
November 18-20, 2016, a 3-day, 2-night adventure.

Travel Plan

< November 17, 2016 >

Day 1 (November 18, 2016):

  • Depart from Mo Chit 2 bus terminal by Air Mueang Ley bus.
  • Hike up Phu Kradueng National Park (4-6 hours).
  • Set up camp and rest.
  • Watch the sunset at Pha Mak Duk viewpoint.

Day 2 (November 19, 2016):

  • Watch the sunrise at Pha Nork Aen viewpoint.
  • Visit the "Lan Phra Kaew" shrine.
  • Have breakfast and prepare supplies.
  • Hike along the waterfall trail, visiting Wang Kwang Waterfall, Penพบใหม่ Waterfall, Phonพบ Waterfall, Penพบ Waterfall, and Tham Yai Waterfall.
  • Watch the sunset at Pha Lom Sak viewpoint.
  • Have dinner and rest.

Note: Pha Hieab Mek, Pha Daeng, and Pha Na Noi were not visited or photographed due to the route taken to Pha Lom Sak, which follows the waterfall trail and does not pass these viewpoints. They were only passed through during the evening.

Day 3 (November 20, 2016):

  • Shower, pack belongings, and check out before 10:00 AM.
  • Return to the park entrance to wait for the bus at Pha Nok Khao viewpoint, near Je Kim shop.

November 17, 2016

The journey begins at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal on the evening of Thursday, November 17, 2016. The group waits until 8:45 p.m. before departing for Pha Nok Khao, Loei Province, where they will transfer to a shared taxi to reach Phu Kradueng National Park.

For this trip, we used the transportation services of Air Muang Loei Co., Ltd. The fare was 330 baht per seat. However, as we booked through the website, the cost was 370 baht per seat.

November 18, 2016

The tour bus departed from Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal at 9:30 PM.
and arrived at Pha Nok Khao or Che Kim Restaurant at 4:25 AM.

After that, we went to the back of Mr. Kim's shop to wash our faces and brush our teeth to freshen up before continuing our journey. We boarded a shared taxi parked in front of Mr. Kim's shop for 30 baht per person. If there were fewer than 10 passengers, they would charge a flat rate of 300 baht.

At 5:35 AM, we boarded a shared taxi heading towards "Phu Kradueng National Park" from Pha Nok Khao.
The journey by shared taxi took only 20 minutes.

We arrived at the Phukradueng National Park Tourist Service Center at 5:55 AM.

As we arrived too early, the park was not yet open. We had to find a place to wait. Phu Kradueng National Park opens at 7:00 AM.

The temperature at that time was around 20 degrees, which was very comfortable.

Upon the opening of the tourist service center, we joined the queue at counter number 3 to purchase park entrance tickets at a price of 40 baht.

**Channel 1:** For those with or without a reservation, please queue to pay the rental fee of 30 baht/person/night.
**Channel 2:** For those who have already paid for their accommodation reservation or tent and have a receipt.
**Channel 4:** For those who bring their own tent, a space fee of 30 baht/person/night will also be charged.

And this is what our park pass looks like.

Here is the translation of the text:

After receiving the ticket, we must sign in to the park and present the ticket to the officer. We should also prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the 5.5 km journey to the back of the park and the 3.6 km journey to the tourist service center (Wang Kwang).

Kilometer zero, a marker signifying the "beginning".

At 7:25 AM, it's time to **embark on our journey**. This is the **first stage** of our route, heading towards the **legendary** Sam Haek, the gateway to conquering Phu Kradueng.

The weariness of the journey fades away as we reach this point, our spirits lifted by the sight of the breathtaking sea of mist.

Within 30 minutes, we arrived at the renowned "Sam Haek" at 8:00 AM.

It's probably clear why I chose this name. "Hack" can mean two things: "first" or "panting heavily" (just kidding). Many people might be looking for something to eat to recover their energy at this point, but I'm going to keep going and not stop for a break here.

This is a scenic view of one corner of "Sam Haek".

After passing through various checkpoints, we started to feel hungry. Our next destination was "Sam Ko Sang", where we planned to find something to eat.

Finally, we arrived at "Sam Ko Sang", where we will find something to eat. I must warn you that the prices here are more expensive than "Sam Haek".

Pork larb for 60 baht, sticky rice for 30 baht, and 8 quail eggs for 20 baht.

After a hearty meal, we encountered a steeper path, but we were almost halfway there. Looking down from this point, it was quite a height.

And this point also comes to the last rapids, "Sam Krae", just a little bit more and we will reach "Lang Pae".

The original text is in Thai and describes a scene where someone arrives at a location, but realizes it's not their final destination. They express relief at reaching the current point, but acknowledge that the journey continues.

Here's the translated text:

"Hmm, what's that? Have we arrived? Phew! (Sighs deeply, finally). But this isn't our final destination yet. This is just the peak of the mountain."

At 11:30 AM, we arrived at "Lang Pa" and our next destination was the "Tourist Service Center (Wang Kwang)".

We then need to walk approximately 2.3 km to reach the "Tourist Service Center (Wang Kwang)".

Walking away the fatigue, as nature delights us with its beauty.

At 12:30 PM, we finally arrived at the "Wang Kwang Tourist Service Center." We presented the receipt we received from the center downstairs to the staff to rent a tent and bedding.

We were then free to choose any available tent.

After a tiring journey, take a nap and wait for the time to travel to see the sunset at Pha Mak Duk.

At 4:00 p.m., we continued our journey to catch the sunset.

After about half an hour, we arrived at Pha Mak Duk and waited to watch the sunset. People were busy finding good spots to take pictures of the setting sun.

The long-awaited moment finally arrived as the sun gradually dipped below the horizon. The sound of camera shutters filled the air as photographers captured the breathtaking sunset.

After a tiring journey, a must-try activity on Phu Kradueng is having a delicious pork barbecue.
A set costs 500 baht (one set is enough) and will leave you full and ready to continue your adventure the next day.

November 19, 2016

At 4:30 AM, everyone woke up and rushed to wash their faces, brush their teeth, and arrive at the tourist service center by 5:00 AM.

**Officials will then take them to *Phanganok Viewpoint* to watch the sunrise.**

The path is somewhat dangerous due to wild animals, so it is necessary to have an official guide. However, there is no need to be afraid, as many tourists walk the path together.

As they arrived at "Ngok Aen Cliff," everyone eagerly awaited the moment the sun would rise above the horizon. Some wondered aloud, "Will we see it?" Until 6:00 a.m., some seemed to lose hope, and then an official's voice shouted, "The sun will rise in 15 minutes."

At precisely 6:15 AM, the sun rose as promised, accompanied by the **rapid clicking of camera shutters**. Tourists eagerly captured the breathtaking spectacle.

After witnessing the sunrise, we proceeded to the courtyard of Wat Phra Kaew to pay respects and seek blessings.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

Head back to the tent at Wang Kwang for breakfast and prepare provisions for the journey.

To reach Pha Lom Sak viewpoint for a breathtaking sunset, we will embark on a scenic trail through the cascading waterfalls.

With supplies packed, we are ready to embark on the waterfall trail (we will go to the right to visit all the waterfalls).

After a short walk, we arrived at the first waterfall, "Wang Kwang Waterfall," which was not far away.

After admiring the "Wang Kwang Waterfall", we continued our journey to the next waterfall.
Here is a warning sign from the park, for safety reasons, do not enter after 3 pm as they warned.

And this is our path, as we head towards our next goal. If you reach this point, you will see many animal footprints.

(As the sign warns, animals in this area are most active in the evening.)

After a short walk, we were greeted by the breathtaking view of Phu Kradueng. The vastness of the landscape was truly awe-inspiring, offering a unique and captivating beauty.

After a long walk, we finally arrived at "Pen Phop Mai Waterfall".

The next waterfall is "Phor Phong Waterfall".

One of the highlights I enjoyed was walking along the waterfall stream. If there was food, we could sit down and eat before continuing our journey.

Following the Phor Phon Waterfall, we encounter the "Phet Phon Waterfall." Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of this waterfall to share. Let's move on to the "Tham Yai Waterfall," which is renowned for its abundance of maple leaves during the winter season.

Here is a maple leaf, although there are not many yet. I think there will be more in December. (This leaf was picked and placed here for me to photograph.)

Our next destination is "Sra Anodat".

After a 2.3-kilometer hike, we arrived at the **"Anothat Pond,"** a **vital water source for wildlife on Phu Kradueng National Park.**

Based on the observations around the Anodad pond, there are numerous animal footprints, suggesting that animals may come to drink water from the pond in the evenings.

Let's continue our journey to the "Tham Sao Nuea Waterfall".

We are just 2.2 kilometers away from "Tham Sao Nuea Waterfall". There is a way to go down, but I'm too lazy to do so, so I'll just stay up here.

This is a picture from above of "Tham Sao Nua Waterfall".

And finally, the main goal of this trip was to see the sunset at Pha Lom Sak.

The surrounding area was filled with pine forests, offering a relaxing and refreshing view that helped us forget our fatigue.

After about an hour's walk, we reached our destination, "Pha Lom Sak," a sunset viewpoint.

It is currently 3 pm, and we are either waiting or looking for something to eat. There are shops where we can sit and charge our batteries. (Long queue for 2 hours)

At 5:30 p.m., the sun gradually set below the horizon, marking the end of a memorable day.

As the sun sets at 5:40 PM, we must embark on a 9,354-meter journey back to our accommodation.

We started walking at 5:40 PM and arrived at our accommodation around 8:00 PM. We had a light snack to fill our stomachs and then went to bed to rest. We prepared to return the next day. (It is advisable to bring a flashlight as the path is very dark.)

< November 20, 2016 >

After packing and checking out before 10:00 AM, I had breakfast.


At 10:10 AM, we traveled back 9 kilometers, descending from the mountain to the lowlands.

At 2:20 PM, we arrived at the tourist service center and had lunch before continuing on to Pha Nok Khao.

At 4:00 PM, we arrived at Pha Nok Aew. Upon arrival, we were able to rest at the shop of "Jek Kim," where mats were provided. We waited for the car to arrive at Pha Nok Aew at 9:00 PM for our return trip to Bangkok.


Total expenses




Comments