Happy New Year! Many people have set travel goals for the new year, and many have probably read reviews of Phu Kradueng National Park. This article will provide some tips for both before and during your trip to Phu Kradueng. Last December, I had the opportunity to conquer Phu Kradueng for the first time. I never knew that some things that exist in the forest on the mountain shouldn't exist, but they do! Haha. Without further ado, let's get started.

1. Prepare your body a week before the hike.

You don't actually need to exercise a lot, because there are rest stops with scenic views and food available at regular intervals during the hike up Phu Kradueng, starting from Sam Haek. Haha! Before you know it, there's everything you need to eat at this stop.

Alternatively, you can take a break and enjoy the view from the side.

We were fortunate to witness the morning mist. It is recommended to visit early in the morning for a higher chance of encountering the sea of fog.

2. Essential Items: Medication, Clothing, and Personal Belongings

These items are crucial and should not be forgotten. Pack warm clothing and a mask, as the summit experiences cold temperatures and significant dust. During the late rainy and early winter seasons, bring a raincoat and leech-proof socks (leeches are abundant). During our visit, the weather was frigid, so pack warm clothes. It's better to be prepared than to regret not having them. Remember, physical discomfort is preferable to mental distress. The most critical item is a flashlight (a phone flashlight will suffice), as you'll need it for sunrise and sunset viewing, as well as navigating to the bathroom.

3. Book a bus ticket for around 10:00 PM.

The reason for booking this time is to arrive at the Pha Nok Khao parking lot early in the morning. The journey from Bangkok to Loei (Pha Nok Khao) takes approximately 7 hours, so you will arrive at the parking lot around 5:00 AM. Upon arrival, you can take a shared taxi to the park entrance without waiting long (the shared taxi fare to the park is 30 baht. If you need to use the restroom, it is recommended to wait until you reach the park, as the facilities there are much better). When we arrived around 5:00 AM, it took several hours to get out of Bangkok.

4. Participants must reach the summit of Phu Kradueng before 13:00.

5. Divide the payment of fees

If you are coming with a large group, it is recommended to divide the payment of fees. This is because there will be many people, and once you have paid, you can start your hike immediately. The fun awaits you ahead.

• Park entrance fee (Adults 40 baht, Children 20 baht, Students 10 baht)
• Tent and bedding rental (if applicable)
• Items for porters (if applicable). For luggage to be carried by porters, it must be taken to Building 4, the luggage pick-up and drop-off point (located on the right-hand side before the trailhead).

This will be the luggage drop-off point. Please bring your luggage here to be weighed. The porterage fee is 30 baht per kilogram. Please pay at the top of the mountain. Keep your ticket safe.

I'd rather carry it myself because I don't want to waste money. I'd rather save it for a barbecue at the top. Haha.

6. Choose a tent in Zone S

This is important because we believe it is the best location for camping. It is close to the (new) bathroom and restaurant, and it also has shade from the trees. During the day, if you don't go anywhere, you can relax in your tent and listen to music or watch movies.

7. Bring plenty of money.

The reason you need to bring a lot of money is because there is everything you could possibly need up there, even "mooガタ" (Thai BBQ) or "mooจุ่ม" (Thai hotpot). However, prices are double what they would normally be. Whether it's food or drinks, everything is more expensive. On this trip, we spent around 2,500 baht.

8. Renting a bicycle to explore the cliffs on the first day of arrival.

The climb is tiring, but for those with extra energy, renting a bicycle to explore the various cliffs is an option. Bicycle rentals are available on-site for 300 baht per day. (It is recommended to save the exploration of Pha Luam Sak for another day.)

The path above is also like this, there are not many trees, so it would be great to bring sunscreen with you. ^_^

To watch the sunset at Pha Mak Duk, just you and me.

We slowly absorbed the moment into the deepest recesses of our minds, storing the memory alongside the setting sun.

It's time to enjoy a hot meal of grilled pork, recharging everything for the next day. (Almost every restaurant has a power outlet for you to charge everything while you eat grilled pork (free of charge) ^_^ But if you want to leave it at the park charging station, you can do that too, but it costs money. Phone 20 baht, power bank 40 baht.

Conclude the night by stargazing in style, sipping cool beers, and feeling the refreshing evening air.

9. Wake up early to watch the sunrise.

To witness the sunrise, it is recommended to arrive before 4:30 AM to observe the Milky Way from the front lawn of the office. As someone who is fascinated by the Milky Way, I often capture its beauty during my travels to share with friends who reside in urban areas where such sights are rare. This image showcases the Milky Way in all its splendor.

At 5:00 AM, the staff will take us to watch the sunrise at Pha Ngern Aen. It's a short walk to the viewpoint.

The sun soon rose, ushering in a new day.

After that, we walked back to our accommodation to have breakfast. Then, we will go on a hunt for maple leaves.

10. Explore every trail on the summit of Phu Kradueng

To truly experience the magic of Phu Kradueng, one must explore its entirety. Embark on a journey to discover all the cascading waterfalls and hidden gems that lie within its embrace. Leave no stone unturned, for every step unveils a new wonder.

Searching for maple leaves.

After a tiring hike, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants at Pha Lom Sak. This will allow you to rest, recharge, and prepare for the stunning sunset.

It is possible to see Mount Fuji from Loei Province, Thailand.

As the sun quickly set, we were left with the daunting task of navigating our way back to our accommodation in the pitch-black darkness, facing a distance of 9 kilometers.

However, on this long journey, we should stop to admire the beauty of the Milky Way along the way.

The meal concluded with a feast of grilled pork and dipping sauces.

***Recommendations***

Phu Kradueng offers a plethora of hidden beauty that often goes unnoticed. One activity that I highly recommend is trail running. Phu Kradueng is an ideal location for training, with challenging ascents and scenic trails. Additionally, the abundance of restaurants and water refill stations (often located within the restaurants) ensures a comfortable and convenient experience. Remember to enjoy your trip responsibly. Thank you for following along.