Maple Trees in Forest Reserves, Phu Kradueng National Park
Phu Kradueng National Park is situated in Si Than Sub-district, Phu Kradueng District, Loei Province. There are two legends connected to Phu Kradueng, or “bell mountain’: the first is that the sound of a bell, said to be that of the god Indra, once rang out from its peak; the second is that the mountain rings like a bell when struck with a staff. This steep-sided, flat-topped mountain is now a national park covering 348 sq km (135 sq miles), its 60-km (37-mile) plateau 1,350 m (4,450 ft) above sea level. This plateau has a climate cool enough for plants that cannot survive in other parts of Thailand; many animals also live in its thin pine forests and grasslands.

There are many hiking trails on top of the mountain, to the many cliffs and waterfalls of the mountain.
When the weather turns cool in November, in the reserved forests to the north of Phu Kradueng, maple trees shed their red leaves, creating a romantic scene for tourists. Tourists can have a spectacular view of the sunrise on three cliffs, viz. Pha Nok Aen, Pha Mak Duk and Pha Lom Sak, the last of which has become the landmark of Phu Kradueng.
The total distance from the foot hill to the top is 5 km rising from the height of 400 metres to 1,200 metres above sea level. An average time to reach the top is 3-4 hours. The arduous climb to the mountain top suits only adventure-lovers.
Travelers start their way on the trail at the main park office. There are many places to rest on the way up. These rest plateaus are called Sum. On the plateaus there are several vendors selling food and water and good places to rest. There are also washrooms available there.
Once at the top of the mountain, there is still a 3.6 kilometre walk to the park office at the top and the campsite. At the campsite there are tents available and lodging buildings.
Many climbers hire porters to carry their belongings to the top of the mountain for them. As a result, the main trail is often crowded with long lines of porters and following climbers.
Recommended time: The best times go to Phu Kradueng are between November and December to the beauty of the maple leaves when they are turning color, you need to.
Phu Kradueng Attractions
The Phu Kradueng Summit: Reaching the summit from Phu Kradueng covers about five kilometers and takes between three and four hours. At the top is an expansive mesa where you can take advantage of their accommodations and restaurants. You should spend at least two nights on the mesa to ensure you see all the sights. There are signs posted all over the park, so you should not need a guide to get around.
Basking in the Morning Fog: In the early morning, the valley below becomes engulfed in a thick blanket of fog. As the sun slowly rises, the fog bums off revealing the jungle below.
The Pha Lomsak Viewpoint: On the western side of this cliff, there is a path leading from Pha Mak Duk to Pha Lomsak through the forest made of sand and stone. This is a wonderful place to watch the sunset. However, Pha Lomsak is nine kilometers from the campsite, so you should bring a flashlight.
Waterfalls: In Phu Kradueng there are many waterfalls like Wang Kwang, Phen Phop, Phon Phop, Tham So to be enjoyed during the winter.
Getting to Phu Kradueng
By CarTake a car pass Saraburi, Pak Chong district, after which you turn left into highway No.201 via Chaiyaphum province, Phu Khiao district . Then, turn left to highway No.12 passing Chum Phae district and turn right into highway N0.201 passing Phu Pha Man district and Pha Nok Khao, after which you turn left into highway No.2019 which leads to the park.
By AirplaneThere are daily flights from Bankok to Khon Kaen and BanKok to Udon Thani.
By TrainGet on the train at Hua Lamphong Raiway Station and get off at Khon Kaen Railway Station. Then, take the Khon Kaen-Loei bus and get off at Pha Nok Khao or Phu Kradueng Bus Terminal and get off at Pha Nok Khao or Phu Kradueng Bus Terminal and then take the local bus (Song Thaeo) to the park.
By BusTake the Bangkok-Loei bus at the Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) and get off at Pha Nok Khao and then take the local bus (Song Thaeo) to the Park.
For more information, please contact:- TAT Northeastern Office Region 5, Tel: 0 4232 5406-7.
- Phu Kradueng National Park
Mu 1, Ban Si Than, Si Than Sub-district, Phu Kradueng, Loei, Thailand 42180, Tel: 0 4287 1333, 0 4287 1458 Fax: 0 4287 1333
Phu Kradueng Photo Gallery