Phu Kradueng is the most famous peak in Loei province. Climbing it is only possible on foot and quite strenuous, but the effort is well worth it: especially at sunrise, you're rewarded with a fantastic view. In winter, it's very popular with young Thais to hike up, spend the night in a tent, and experience the natural spectacle of the sea of ​​mist from which the sun rises. They are particularly numerous on weekends. I was there in December 2018. A great experience, but you should be fit and enjoy hiking in the mountains! Once you reach the plateau, you have access to several viewpoints: the popular Phra Nok Aen viewpoint for sunrise, the Pha Lomsak viewpoint for sunset, and waterfalls. Wild elephants live in the forest, but you're more likely to stumble in their droppings, as I did, than to see them.

The park is only open from October 1st to May 31st each year. It is closed to visitors during the rest of the year to allow the forest to regenerate. Entrance fee: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. There is a 30 THB fee for overnight camping. Tents (200 THB), mattresses (20 THB), pillows (10 THB), and sleeping bags (30 THB) are available for rent on-site. Advance booking is not necessary; there are plenty of tents available. Porterage costs 30 THB per kilogram. Important: Entry to the park is not permitted after 2:00 PM to ensure you reach the summit before nightfall. I recommend bringing a flashlight, sweater, socks, and a scarf, as it is not warm up there at night. Don't forget a towel and toiletries.

To get from Loei City to the entrance of Phu Kradueng National Park, take bus 217 from the bus station to Khon Kaen and get off in Phu Kradueng City. The journey costs about 50 baht and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Buses run approximately every half hour. For the last few kilometers, you can then take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew.

How to get there

How do you get to Phu Kradueng? To get from Loei town center to the entrance of Phu Kradueng National Park, take bus 217 from the bus station to Khon Kaen and get off at Phu Kradueng. The journey costs about 50 baht and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Buses run approximately every half hour. For the last few kilometers, take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew.