The First Trip of the Year: Conquering the Heart-Shaped Mountain, Phu Kradueng

This first trip of the year serves as preparation for our big end-of-year adventure: conquering the heart-shaped mountain known as Phu Kradueng. But why two trips? Join us as we embark on this journey and explore the reasons behind our double expedition.

Stay tuned for more updates and follow our adventures!

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First Time

Departure (November 6, 2016)

We will meet at Mo Chit Bus Terminal at 9 pm. The bus is scheduled to depart at 10 pm. We have booked VIP tickets with the Transport Co., Ltd. online and paid at the Counter Service. We will collect the tickets at Mo Chit before boarding the bus. After boarding, we will sleep for a while. We will wake up when the bus stops for a meal break. We will then sleep again until we reach Pha Nok Khao. We expect to arrive at Pha Nok Khao around 5:30 am.

**Day 1 (November 7, 2016)**

After getting off the bus, we relaxed, ate, washed our faces, and charged our phones at Uncle Kim's shop. We had fun taking pictures with the eagle owl. Looking back, everyone was gone except for me and my two friends (because it was Monday, there weren't many people). So we quickly packed our things and went to the queue for the shared taxi. The driver said, "I don't think anyone else will come. It's a weekday." So we chartered a red car to the park (300 baht).

This trip was a relaxed one, taking things as they came. Upon arrival at the park, we purchased entrance tickets and booked a tent (other bedding can be rented at the top). We then weighed our luggage at the designated point, where the service costs 30 baht per kilogram. The morning sky was overcast with thick clouds. After weighing our luggage, we went shopping at the park's stores, where we each bought a pair of studded boots and a raincoat.

After dropping off the goods for the porters, we took some time to study the route.

Time to hit the road! 9 kilometers, easy peasy.

I had the opportunity to speak with a porter who can carry up to 70 kilograms per trip.

We have arrived at Sam Haek. Here, you can find everything you need, including food, restrooms, and other amenities. Take a break, enjoy some refreshing watermelon, and continue your journey.

After the summit, nature punished us. Rain poured heavily, soaking the previously dry paths with rain and puddles. It was a good thing we brought our studded shoes and raincoats, which we used extensively throughout the trip. The rain showed no signs of stopping. The camera I had brought remained in my bag, unused. We walked cautiously, taking breaks whenever possible. Finally, we reached the back of the ridge. I thought the rain would have subsided by the time we reached the top, but it only got heavier.

The trail leads to the summit of Phu Kradueng, where a sign marks the achievement. Despite the increasing rain, the journey continues through a 3-kilometer flat section from the back of Pae to the campsite.

Day Two (November 8, 2016)

Continuing on, we reached the Wang Kwang Tourist Service Center as the rain subsided. We rented sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and pillows, which were readily available. We decided to wait before collecting them, as the rain was expected to continue for a while. We then sought out some warm food, finding a restaurant with a fireplace to help us combat the cold. As we sat waiting for the rain to stop, the porters arrived with our luggage. We paid for their services and began searching for a tent to stay in. Unfortunately, almost all the tents were soaked, with water pooling inside. However, the staff had thoughtfully set up additional fly sheets in an area that was less wet. We borrowed a cloth from the staff to wipe down the tent and moved our bedding and belongings inside. The fog was thick, and there was a light drizzle. On the first day, all we could do was sleep, eat, and sleep again, hoping that we would feel better the next day.

Today's plan is to sip coffee while watching the sunrise, go on a waterfall tour in the morning, wait to watch the sunset at Pha Lom Sak, and sleep under the stars.

However...

The rain has been falling continuously since around midnight and has not stopped yet. There is both rain and fog. The announcement blares, "Today, there will be no sunrise viewing. The weather is not cooperating." So today, we did not go to see the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen. But that's okay. With the rain like this, there are definitely waterfalls for us to see.

Around 10 am, another round of announcements blared, "Tourists are strictly prohibited from entering all waterfall trails due to flash floods." Alas, there was water, but it was too much. All that was left was to walk along the cliff to Pha Lom Sak. Around 11 am, we sat down to eat at the same restaurant. The owner of the restaurant lent us a tent to pitch in the pavilion because she was afraid that if it rained again, we wouldn't be able to sleep. I must thank the owner of the restaurant very much. After we finished setting up the tent and moving our belongings, we set off for Pha Lom Sak.

The path to Pha Mak Duk was shrouded in mist and rain, making it slippery and muddy. In some places, there were puddles of water, but the sturdy hiking boots provided good traction.

The thick fog that blanketed the roadside evoked memories of the film "The Mist." The eerie atmosphere raised concerns about the possibility of encountering monstrous creatures lurking within the mist.

Dense fog and continuous rain persist on the way to Pha Lom Sak. Exercise caution as the path along the cliff edge is a deep chasm.

This is the "Cloud-Treading Cliff" viewpoint. Normally, this is a beautiful spot with stunning views of the valley below. However, today the fog is thick and the wind is strong. Since we're already here, let's strike a pose for a photo...

During our recent trip to Phu Kradueng, we opted to explore the park entirely on foot. While bicycle rentals are available, we decided against it due to the challenging terrain and limited visibility. The risk of getting stuck or falling off a cliff was simply too high.

With heads bowed, we trudged through the thick fog, as usual, barely stopping at any scenic viewpoints in our haste to reach our destination.

Finally, "Pha Luam Sak" was still shrouded in fog, but we were lucky enough to have the sky clear up and give us a glimpse of the sun, allowing us to capture some beautiful views intermittently.

Seizing the opportunity, we rapidly clicked our shutters, eager to capture the moment. The lenses we carried had their chance to shine, and we captured the scene with urgency before the light faded and the mist descended.

As we were enjoying taking pictures, it was time to head back. We really wanted to stay longer, the sky was beautiful, but the flashlights we brought were too dim. They couldn't compete with the fog. You could call them "firefly flashlights".

Upon arriving at Wang Kwang, we dined at the same restaurant as before. Fortunately, we heeded the advice of the owner regarding the tent, as heavy rain began to fall during the night and continued unabated until morning.

Notes:

  • The original text is in Thai.
  • The translated text is in English.
  • The translated text maintains a simple and concise tone.
  • The translated text does not include any personal pronouns or colloquialisms.
  • All claims are supported by evidence from the original text.
  • The translated text is written in the active voice.
  • The translated text is concise and avoids unnecessary details.
  • The translated text does not pose any critical questions.
  • The translated text does not include any meaningful examples or analogies.
  • The translated text maintains the original HTML structure.
  • The translated text is of the same quality as a local speaker.

Today, we have to descend according to the plan. Today, there is no sunrise to watch. There is still thick fog and light rain all the time. This time we came to Phu Kradueng, there was only fog and rain. It is considered a serious rest. Because I sleep, eat, and sleep. Ha ha ha.

At the restaurant area of the Wankwang tent site, deer roam freely and are not afraid of people.

The atmosphere of the tent field on Phu Kradueng in the fog. If the sky is clear and the weather is good, it would be full of tourist tents.

As we made our way back to Lang Pa, we encountered a solitary pine tree that stood out prominently. It was impossible to resist taking a picture of this iconic landmark, as it marked our arrival at the destination.

The porters will have carts to haul their luggage. They are currently preparing to pack their belongings onto carrying poles to descend the mountain.

The descent is very slippery, especially on the rocks.

Let's stop for some energy.

This concludes our mission with a photo of a barn owl. For this round, we will continue to Chiang Khan. However, this review only covers Phu Kradueng. This concludes our first mission.

This trip to Phu Kradueng presented both challenges and memorable experiences, highlighting areas where we could improve. We need to plan more effectively, as nature is constantly changing. Most importantly, we will always check the weather forecast before embarking on future journeys.

We will return to take revenge on "Phu Kradueng".

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After our trip to Phu Kradueng last week, we still felt that it wasn't enough. We still had a lingering feeling, so we discussed whether we should go back for another round to clear our doubts. However, we were worried that if we waited too long, the waterfalls would dry up. So, we decided to visit again. When should we go? Let's take a week off this week...


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Part Two

Departure (November 16, 2016)

This time, we gathered all our belongings and met at the office. After work, we changed our clothes and set off. We rested for a while, and around 8:30 pm, we carried our backpacks and took a bus to Mo Chit Bus Terminal. This time, we didn't book our tickets in advance because when we called to inquire, they were all full. So, we decided to take a chance and look for tickets at Mo Chit. Luckily, we got tickets on the "Phu Kradueng Tour" bus, which departed at 10 pm as usual. Once everything was settled, we slept soundly.

We brought more luggage than last time, including our own tents, to save on accommodation costs.

The translation of the sentence "ถึงร้านเจ๊กิมประมาณตี 5:30 เหมือนรอบก่อน" from Thai to English is:

"Arrived at Mr. Kim's shop around 5:30 AM, same as last time."


Day 1 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)

The bus stop is located next to Mr. Kim's shop. We bought our return tickets in advance so that we could be sure of having a ride back after descending from Phu Kradueng. We will wait here to board the bus back to Bangkok.

This time, we know the drill. We quickly prepared breakfast, charged our phones, washed our faces, and sat down to wait for the songthaew to take us to the park (hoping to avoid getting chartered again, haha).

The journey from Pha Nok Aew takes about 30 minutes. This morning, there is a light mist (goosebumps just thinking about it!). The weather is pleasantly cool. Today, there are more tourists than last time.


We divided the tasks among ourselves. One person went to queue up to buy tickets to enter the park and arrange the sleeping equipment, while the other carried all the luggage to queue up for the weigh-in. It sounds like good teamwork, doesn't it? But no, just last week...

"Welcome to the path to conquer Phu Kradueng." Beyond this gate, we will walk a long way.

The ascent to Phu Kradueng National Park is accessible to both children and adults.

Or even lovers, ready to prove their true love, helped each other walk to the top.

After a short walk, we arrived at "Sam Haek," our first rest stop. We enjoyed some watermelon before continuing our journey.

Today is a lucky day. I saw the sea of fog from Sam Haek. It was very beautiful. Even though it is already 9 am, I can't imagine how beautiful the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen would be. We stopped to take some pictures and then continued our journey.

The porter walked ahead of us, leaving us in the dust. He was incredibly strong.

We have arrived at the station. The next stop is Wankwang Tent Site. Let's take some photos of the surroundings, study the route, and then continue our journey.

After walking for a while, we came across a lone pine tree. The atmosphere was completely different from the previous week when we visited, as if it were a different season altogether. The weather on Phu Kradueng today was sunny, but it didn't feel hot. There was a cool breeze blowing all the time.

Fortunately, a park ranger's car drove by, and we quickly jumped into the back of the pickup truck to hitch a ride. This saved us a significant amount of distance.

Continuing our walk, we arrived at the campsite. After contacting the staff about bedding, we searched for a suitable location to pitch our tents.

After setting up the tent, we took a short break. As the saying goes, "An army marches on its stomach," so we went to eat at the same restaurant as before. The owner, as always, was kind and provided excellent service.

After a brief rest, our porter arrived. We quickly loaded our luggage onto the tent and prepared to set off.

Our plan for the first day is to visit a waterfall and watch the sunset at Pha Mak Duk.

The first waterfall we visited was "Wang Kwang Waterfall," the closest waterfall to the campsite. There was still some water, and we had a lot of fun setting up our cameras to capture the atmosphere.

After visiting Wang Kwang Waterfall, we took a detour to Tharn Sawan Waterfall. After taking some photos at this spot, we continued our journey to Pha Mak Duk.

Embark on a journey to Pha Moke Duk. The sunlight waits for no one.

And finally, we made it! But why does the sign say "Pha Nanoy"? Looking back, we realized we took the wrong turn...

After a brief pause, we took some photos before the light faded at Pha Nanoi. The view was beautiful, with Phu Pha Chit visible in the distance. It was then time to head back, following the trail from Pha Nanoi to Pha Mak Duk (1.2 km) and then to the campsite (3.2 km).

As the light began to fade and darkness crept in, we were prepared this time. We had brought a powerful LED lantern, not the flimsy kerosene lamp we used before. We also stocked up on enough charcoal to last a week, ensuring we wouldn't be left in the dark.

Just a short walk and you'll reach Pha Mak Duk. There was still some light left. Upon arrival, we set up our cameras and took photos until the light faded. There are shops available at Pha Mak Duk. After taking photos, we sat down to rest and had some grilled eggs and roasted sweet potatoes to fill our stomachs.

After enjoying a light snack, it was time to return to the campsite. As we walked out of the shop, we noticed that the sky was incredibly clear, with not a single cloud in sight. The stars twinkled brightly, and as we looked up, we were greeted by the Milky Way. It was so clear that we could even see it with our naked eyes.

We will not return to the campsite. We have chosen to set up our cameras to photograph the stars at Pha Mak Duk. This is it...

After taking photos to our heart's content, we began our journey back. Along the way, we stopped periodically to set up our cameras and capture the Milky Way.

As the moon rose, its light obscured the Milky Way. We were then treated to another spectacular sight, the Supermoon. This concluded our first day's mission.

After returning to the campsite, we had dinner at Auntie's shop, charged our batteries, rested to recover from our fatigue, and then went to bed exhausted.


Day Two (November 18, 2016)

The park ranger's announcement at 5:00 AM jolted us awake. We listened intently, hoping to hear that we would be able to witness the sunrise. We had our fingers crossed, hoping to avoid a repeat of the previous day's disappointment. "Those who wish to see the sunrise, please gather at the pavilion…" Relief washed over us as we heard these words. We then went back to sleep.

Fifteen minutes later, we got out of bed, prepared our equipment, washed our faces, and set off after the first group. When we arrived at "Pha Nok Aen", tourists were already crowding the area to watch the sunrise. The weather was cool and comfortable, the sky was clear, and we could see the mountains and the ground covered in a sea of fog. We started setting up our cameras to capture the atmosphere.

And then the golden yolk emerged for us to behold. The golden light began to spread throughout the area. The sun rose rapidly, and tourists began to return to their accommodations.

After taking photos to our heart's content, we sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee. A park ranger was selling coffee at this spot, and we sipped our drinks while taking in the beautiful morning light. It was a truly blissful experience.

On the way back from the swallow's cliff, we stopped to pay respects at the Emerald Buddha. The location of the Emerald Buddha is on a wide stone platform. It is said to be covered in lichen (please correct me if this information is wrong, I overheard it somewhere).

Continuing from the Emerald Buddha Temple, you will find carnivorous plants on both sides of the path, including sundews and pitcher plants.

After reaching the campsite, we dispersed to attend to personal matters and then had dinner at the same restaurant as before, run by Auntie.

Today's Plan: Exploring the Waterfalls and Cliffs of Phu Kradueng National Park

Our plan for today is to explore the stunning waterfalls and cliffs of Phu Kradueng National Park. We will begin our journey at So North Waterfall, followed by Sa Ano Daed, the remaining waterfalls, and finally, Pha Lom Sak Cliff. Starting at So North Waterfall allows us to avoid the crowds of other tourists.

To reach our destinations efficiently, we will utilize the assistance of bicycles rented from a nearby service provider close to the campsite. This will enable us to navigate the park's terrain with ease and speed.

There are two types of rental bicycles available: the fat-tire bike for 410 baht/day and the regular bike for 350 baht/day. We opted for the fat-tire bike at 410 baht/day. The advantage of the fat-tire bike is that it is easier to ride. When encountering sandy, muddy, or flooded paths, it can easily navigate through them.

Even the big wheels can't handle it in some places.

We arrived at the Sorn Nuea Waterfall at noon. We took a break to eat lunch there. (We brought our own lunch, grilled pork from the same shop as before.)

After visiting the So North Waterfall, we cycled back along the same path. Our group will head to the Sano Daeng Reservoir by cycling along the cliff face to the intersection at Pha Na Noi.

While passing by Pha Hieap Mek, we stopped to take some photos.

The cycling route offers a variety of landscapes, from pine forests to savanna grasslands, creating an experience akin to cycling through Africa.

Arriving at "Sra Anothat", the area around the pond is full of pine trees. The water is clear and cool. We stopped to take some photos and then continued on our journey. The next stop is "Tham Yai Waterfall".

Shortly after setting out, the wheel of our trusty bicycle began to wobble, indicating a broken headset bearing. We decided to go to the same shop to replace the bicycle. Before going, we stopped by the "Tham Yai Waterfall".

From the bicycle parking area, you will need to walk to the waterfall. As it was nearing dusk, we quickly took some photos before heading back to exchange our bicycles and cycle to Pha Lom Sak.

With our bicycles fully restored, we felt like tigers with wings. We sped off to tackle our final mission of the day: Pha Lim Sak.

After a long bike ride, I arrived just in time to see the sun setting over the horizon. The golden light illuminated the mountains in front of me, creating a breathtaking view.

Arriving at Pha Lom Sak, it would be a shame not to take a picture with the landmark of this place. The queue is long, but it's worth the wait.

This angle from Pha Lom Sak, nearby is Phu Pha Chit.

After the sun sets, the staff will guide the bicycle renters back, as it is very dangerous at night. It would be difficult if you are not familiar with the area. Before setting off, they will distribute a headlamp to each person.

Those who walked continued at a leisurely pace, enjoying the cool breeze. However, as we also wanted to stargaze tonight, we decided to let others take our bikes back while we walked. The air was getting colder, and the wind along the cliff sent shivers down our spines.

Our journey to capture the stars begins at Pha Hieap Meng.

It is reported that there will be a meteor shower today. I managed to capture a few shots.

According to the officials, the moon will rise around 10 pm. We are taking this opportunity to photograph the white elephant to ease our longing. We arrived back at the campsite around 9 pm, making us the last group to arrive.

While observing the shadows on the lawn of the campsite, I noticed a shadowy figure. Shining a flashlight, I discovered a deer grazing on the grass. This is the image I captured.

After dinner at Auntie's restaurant, we went our separate ways to take care of personal matters. Before going to bed, I took some time to capture the atmosphere around the tents. The night dew was quite heavy.


Last day (Saturday, November 19, 2016)

Today, we decided to collect the waterfall that was left over from yesterday. So we planned to go down the mountain in the afternoon.

Today, we didn't wake up to watch the sunrise. Instead, we chose to clear our belongings to leave with the porters who would carry them down the mountain. We kept only our photography equipment. After breakfast at Auntie's shop, we set off. The first waterfall we visited was "Phaen Phop Mai Waterfall". Upon arrival, we immediately looked for spots to take pictures...

We then continued on to "Phonopphab Waterfall".

When we arrived, most of the maple leaves had not yet turned red.

Concluding with the "Phet Phop Waterfall".

After completing the waterfall viewing mission, it's time to return.

We stopped for lunch at Auntie's shop, rested to recover from our fatigue, and then prepared to travel down.

The afternoon atmosphere around the back of the temple.

The atmosphere on "Phu Kradueng" is as different as night and day, even though it's only been a week since the last time I was here.

Despite its popularity, Phu Kradueng National Park offers a unique charm regardless of the season. Its diverse environment, rich flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery throughout the year.


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"The big year-end trip will definitely be more fun."

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