"Phu Kradueng" is a name familiar to nature-loving tourists and is also the origin of hiking in Thailand. Phu Kradueng holds a special place in many people's memories. The countless stories and experiences on this heart-shaped mountain, the largest in the world, have drawn visitors back time and again. Some have even climbed it hundreds of times and still find it captivating.

For me, it's a place I cherish and yearn to visit every year. The beauty of the mountain transforms with each season, offering a unique experience. I believe everyone should visit Phu Kradueng at least three times to fully appreciate its diverse beauty and physical characteristics. Each season presents a different landscape and evokes distinct emotions. Let's explore the ideal times to visit:

1. Late Rainy Season to Early Winter (October to Early November): This period marks the reopening of the mountain after the rainy season. The charm lies in exploring the numerous waterfalls. Besides the designated trails, several hidden waterfalls lie within the restricted forest areas, accessible only with special permission.

2. Winter (December to Early January): This is the most pleasant time to visit, with cool temperatures perfect for a romantic stroll. On particularly cold days, the temperature can drop to single digits or even below zero, offering a chance to witness the magical frost phenomenon. The maple leaves turn vibrant red during this period, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The exact timing depends on the weather conditions each year.

3. Summer (Late February to Early May): The leaves change color to yellow, and the skies remain clear throughout the night, making it ideal for capturing the Milky Way. This period is also the quietest, with fewer visitors and limited shops open. Remember to carry sufficient water as some campsites might not have shops.

Bonus: We also recommend visiting a week before the mountain closes. The occasional rain showers revitalize the waterfalls, and the National Park organizes tree planting and garbage collection activities. This allows visitors to combine their trip with environmental contributions.

I've personally visited Phu Kradueng 3-4 times and still yearn to return. I've made a promise to myself to visit every year. Today, I'd like to share some valuable information, including travel tips, preparation, things to know before visiting, and a detailed itinerary to maximize your experience in 3 days and 2 nights. (Detailed itinerary available below)

Getting to Phu Kradueng is incredibly easy. No advance booking or guide is required, and you can explore independently. Transportation options are plentiful, including private cars, tour buses, and chartered vans. For those who prefer avoiding long journeys, flying to Khon Kaen or Loei and taking a public bus to Phu Kradueng District is another convenient option.

Transportation:

Method 1: Private car: This is the most convenient option. The park provides parking near the headquarters for visitors arriving by car.

Method 2: Chartered van: This offers similar convenience with the added benefit of sharing the experience with friends. The vans park in the same area as private cars, and there's a designated space for drivers to pitch tents and access clean restrooms and shops.

Method 3: Tour bus from Bangkok: This is ideal for those without a car, traveling solo or in small groups, and who prefer not to drive long distances. Book a bus ticket from Mo Chit to Pha Nok Khao and take a shared songthaew to the park. The fare is only 30 baht per person.

Method 4: This is a recently discovered option: Fly to Khon Kaen or Loei Airport and take a public bus to Phu Kradueng District. From Khon Kaen, take the Khon Kaen-Loei bus to Loei. From Loei, take the Loei-Khon Kaen bus to Phu Kradueng District.

This review covers two seasons: the rainy season before the mountain closes and the winter season, showcasing the stunning beauty of Phu Kradueng. The review features both waterfalls and vibrant red maple leaves, captured through two separate trips to the mountain.

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The period before the mountain closes is a time when there are very few tourists, and the place is very quiet. Some porters still carry goods, bringing supplies to the shops. The uncle porter said that although the mountain is closed for 3 months, he and the other porters only rest for one month before returning to carry goods up the mountain again, to stock up on supplies in preparation for the tourists who will come when the mountain reopens.

The sentence translates to: "Reaching the top of the hill, I only saw two porters."



The campsite is quiet and deserted, as there are very few people here at the moment.

After setting up the tent, we headed straight to the waterfall.

Waterfall Name:

Vang Kwang Waterfall



Phet Phop Mai Waterfall

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Pho Nop Pha Waterfall

This is a literal translation of the Thai phrase "น้ำตกโผนพบ".

However, depending on the context, a more nuanced translation might be appropriate. For example, if you are writing a travel guide, you might want to translate it as "Pho Nop Pha Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder in Thailand."

Ultimately, the best translation will depend on the specific context in which you are using the phrase.



The Great Cave Waterfall remains unexplored, as does the Upper Sao Waterfall. Many other waterfalls await our photographic documentation.

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The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.



This campsite is frequented by herds of deer and wild boar, who may even visit your tent.

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During the rainy season, there is a higher chance of encountering a sea of mist than during the winter season.



The legendary heart-shaped pine branch. If you want to take a picture, you can find it at Pha Nok Aen.



The rainy season has passed, and I hope you enjoyed its beauty. Next, we will present the beauty of the winter season for the red maple leaf hunting season. We went during the New Year holidays, which was a very popular time for tourists, and the weather was very cold as well.

During the winter season, shops are fully stocked with food, but prices tend to increase due to the difficulty of transporting goods to higher altitudes.

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Upon reaching the back of the temple, you will immediately encounter the red maple tree in front of you.



During the winter season on Phu Kradueng, it is advisable to hike briskly to reach the designated camping area promptly. Securing a campsite early allows ample time for a shower before nightfall, as the temperature drops significantly, making showering an uncomfortable experience.



Arrive early to secure a spot, as it will be very crowded. Choose a location near the restrooms.

To witness the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen, an early wake-up call is necessary. The location is approximately 2.5 kilometers from the campsite, requiring a hike. Due to the potential presence of wild elephants, a park ranger escort is mandatory. The area experiences high visitor traffic during the winter season.





On the way back from Pha Nok Aen, you will find beautiful flowers growing along the roadside.



After watching the sunrise, we went back to find something to eat and get ready to hunt for red maple leaves.



If you have free time, send yourself a postcard to remind yourself that you once visited Phu Kradueng.

The route we are taking today is the Ong Phra Trail, which connects to the Namtok Trail. Some people will be walking, while others will be cycling.



Most maple trees are found along the waterfall route. We start from Phaen Waterfall, then Phoen Waterfall, and finally Tham Yai Waterfall. This route has the most maple leaves.













After completing the waterfall trail, we cut up the trail to Pha Lom Sak.



Upon reaching the area around Sa Anoda Pond, it is advisable to find shade and have lunch. Before embarking on the journey in the morning, it is crucial not to forget water and lunch. Lunch can be ordered at a restaurant and requested to be packed for the journey, or some restaurants may have pre-made lunch options available. This is a crucial reminder as there are no shops along the way to Pha Lom Sak, which is 9 km away. Those who can endure it may do so, but we will not.



The highlight of our day was undoubtedly this image. It's not just a legend that couples who walk here together will fall deeper in love. For me, walking here alone, I think it will make me love myself even more.

The Alluring Pha Lom Sak: A Symbol of Phu Kradueng

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Phu Kradueng National Park lies Pha Lom Sak, a towering cliff that serves as an iconic symbol of the region. Its sheer presence evokes a sense of awe and wonder, leaving an indelible mark on all who behold it.

During the peak season, especially during the winter months, Pha Lom Sak becomes a bustling hub of activity, attracting countless visitors eager to witness its grandeur. However, even amidst the throngs of people, the allure of this natural wonder remains undiminished.

In this captivating image, we are presented with a glimpse of Pha Lom Sak's captivating beauty. The photographer has skillfully captured the essence of the cliff, showcasing its towering height and rugged contours. The absence of crowds further enhances the serenity of the scene, allowing us to fully appreciate the majesty of this natural landmark.

Pha Lom Sak stands as a testament to the power and artistry of nature. Its sheer scale and dramatic presence inspire a sense of humility and wonder, reminding us of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us. As we gaze upon this image, we are transported to a realm of tranquility and natural splendor, where the worries of the world fade away and we are left to marvel at the wonders that lie before us.



After capturing the sunset at Pha Lom Sak, we had to hike back to our campsite along the cliff edge, passing by Pha Mak Duk, another sunset viewing spot just 2.2 km from the campsite. However, it was impossible to reach Pha Mak Duk from Pha Lom Sak in time for the sunset due to the distance. I spent two days capturing images at both Pha Lom Sak and Pha Mak Duk on separate days to share with you. In reality, Pha Mak Duk is also a charming cliff.

Pha Mak Duk is a charming cliff.



Others may not care, but my child does.



We're heading back now.



Upon reaching the back of the cave, people tend to congregate in this area due to the narrowing of the descent path.

On the way down, we will ask for bags at the top to collect garbage along the way, because there is garbage everywhere. Not only will we be doing good deeds, but we will also get a certificate.

3-Day, 2-Night Hiking Plan for Phu Kradueng National Park

This plan aims to maximize your experience by covering various viewpoints and cliffs within 3 days and 2 nights.

Day 1:

  • Start your hike early to avoid the heat. Pack water and snacks, as prices increase with altitude.
  • Reach the campsite within 5 hours and secure your tent.
  • In the afternoon, hike 2.2 km to Pha Mak Duk viewpoint for sunset. Enjoy the shops and bring a flashlight for the return trip.

Day 2:

  • Wake up early (4:30-5:00 AM) and follow the ranger to Pha Nok Aen viewpoint (2.5 km).
  • Witness the sunrise and admire the surrounding landscape.
  • Return to the campsite, have breakfast, and pack lunch, water, and a flashlight.
  • Hike towards Phra Buddha statue, then descend via the waterfall trail, admiring the maple trees and waterfalls.
  • Have lunch at Sa Noen Aat, a scenic spot with resting areas.
  • Continue to Pha Lom Sak, a popular spot with shops. Relax and wait for the sunset.
  • Return via the cliff-side trail, passing Pha Daeng, Pha Hiab Mek, Pha Na Noi, Pha Jam See, and Pha Mak Duk (total distance: 9 km).
  • Expect to arrive back at the campsite around 2-3 AM. Have dinner and rest for the descent tomorrow.

Day 3:

  • After breakfast and packing, purchase water and snacks.
  • Descend, taking advantage of discarded walking sticks for support.
  • Aim to reach the park headquarters by noon. Shower and grab lunch or souvenirs.
  • Take a shared songthaew (30 baht) to Pha Nok Aen for your return bus.

Tips:

  • This plan covers over 25 km on Day 2, so adjust it to your fitness level.
  • Consider spending more nights for a less strenuous experience.
  • Be aware of wild elephants and follow ranger instructions.
  • Enjoy the journey and capture memories of this incredible park!

Transportation Information:

  • Bus: Round-trip bus ticket from Mo Chit to Pha Nok Khao (710 THB)
  • Shared Songthaew: Shared taxi from Pha Nok Khao to the National Park entrance (30 THB per person)
  • Entrance Fee: National Park entrance fee (40 THB per person)
  • Camping Fee: Camping fee for those bringing their own tent (30 THB per person per night)
  • Hiking Time: The hike from the bottom to the visitor center (upper campsite) takes 4-6 hours depending on individual fitness levels. The distance is 9 km.

Estimated Expenses

Food:

  • Cooked rice dishes: 60 baht per plate
  • Bottled water (700 ml): 30 baht per bottle
  • Bottled water (1.5 L): 50 baht per bottle
  • Grilled eggs: 10 baht each
  • Shabu-shabu or Mookata (Thai BBQ): 500 baht per set
  • Toasted sticky rice: 10 baht per skewer

Other Expenses:

  • Phone charging: 20 baht per charge
  • Power bank charging: 40 baht per charge
  • Power bank rental (30,000 mAh): 150 baht per day
  • Packed lunch: 60 baht
  • Blanket rental: 30 baht for a small blanket, 40 baht for a large blanket per night
  • Pillow rental: 10 baht per night
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