Experience an unforgettable escape at Phu Kradueng National Park. Prepare your trekking gear to explore this wild territory located in northeastern Thailand.

Immerse yourself in the lush, misty world of Phu Kradueng National Park. Lace up your boots and strap on your backpack—it's time for an exhilarating trek into nature! Spanning 350 km² at the foot of the majestic Phu Kradueng mountain (1,316 meters elevation), the varied landscapes, local fauna and flora will leave indelible impressions on your mind.

History of Phu Kradueng National Park in Thailand

Phu Kradueng National Park belongs to Loei Province, in the Isan plains region of northeastern Thailand.

Thailand's second official national park after Khao Yai

In 1943, the Thai government granted Phu Kradueng the status of protected forest. Later, in 1959, it was proclaimed as a national park. Although Phu Kradueng was established before Khao Yai National Park, which was founded in 1962, it is considered Thailand's second official national park. Its territory covers an area of 350 km², with Phu Kradueng mountain as its highest point, rising to 1,316 meters elevation.

The naming of Phu Kradueng

The name "Phu" derives from the Thai term "Phukao," meaning "mountain," while "Kradueng" comes from the indigenous expression "gong," designating a Tibetan bell. "Phu Kradueng" can be interpreted as "great gong." Legend has it that one can hear the subtle sound of a gong from the mountain during Buddhist festivals.

What to Do at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei?

For intrepid travelers, it is possible to explore the park in complete autonomy, without a guide. So, are you ready to embark on an epic adventure?

Experience Phu Kradueng on foot

Prepare your boots—much of the plateau can be perfectly traversed on foot. Simply follow the marked trails between each attraction. South of the park, dirt paths and trekking trails will guide you toward waterfalls and exceptional viewpoints to capture the beauty of the mountain and park. If you enjoy challenges, trekking at Phu Kradueng promises a rich and rewarding experience. That said, this adventure can also be attempted by bike for different sensations.

Explore Phu Kradueng National Park by bike

Head to the visitor center to rent a bicycle. At your own pace, pedal along the dirt paths while admiring the vertiginous cliffs and other park scenery. Keep in mind that some sections may feature steep slopes or sandy trails, so you might need to push your mountain bike at certain points. For your safety, please note that bike use is prohibited during periods of heavy rainfall.

Summit Phu Kradueng Mountain

Set out to conquer Mount Phu Kradueng, the natural symbol of Loei Province. Climbing this 1,316-meter mountain represents a challenging trek. Plan for approximately 3.5 km of walking. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the panoramas become.

You can take advantage of rest areas at the mountain's summit and even pitch your tent in the nearby camping zone to spend a night under the stars. At dawn, make your way to Phra Nok Aen viewpoint to admire the sunrise through the sea of mist while savoring the fresh air. Conversely, Pha Lomsak Viewpoint will offer you an enchanting spectacle at sunset.

Enjoy wonderful encounters with fauna and flora

Your adventure in Phu Kradueng National Park will introduce you to diverse plant compositions. You'll traverse forests and ferns, as well as expanses of moss and wildflowers. Regarding fauna, diversity is equally abundant. Among the mammals, you'll find bears, deer, muntjacs, foxes, squirrels, and even elephants. Bird enthusiasts won't be disappointed with a rich avifauna including black eagles, silver pheasants, and many other fascinating species.

How to Reach Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei from Bangkok?

Various transportation options allow you to reach Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei Province without difficulty:

Reach Phu Kradueng District by car

From Bangkok, take Highway 1 northbound out of the city. Then turn onto Highway 2 heading east. Continue on this route until the point halfway between Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. At this location, turn left and follow Highway 201 northbound to reach Phu Kradueng District. The total distance between Bangkok and Phu Kradueng National Park is approximately 500 km. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, allow 6 to 8 hours to complete the journey.

Travel to Phu Kradueng by train

First, go to Hualamphong Station in Bangkok's Pathum Wan District. There, board a train heading to Khon Kaen. Once you arrive at Khon Kaen Station, you'll need to take a bus to Phu Kradueng, then find a songthaew (shared taxi) there to take you to the park.

Take the bus to Phu Kradueng

From Bangkok, you can reach Loei Province by bus. Departures occur from Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Morchit 2 Bus Terminal. Get off at Phu Nok Khao, then board a songthaew to take you to Phu Kradueng National Park.

When to Visit Phu Kradueng National Park?

The climate in the Phu Kradueng region is cool and misty for most of the year, with an average temperature of 6°C. During the coldest nights, temperatures can drop below 0°C. During the rainy season, sudden stream floods can occur and lead to soil collapse.

To ensure visitor safety, Phu Kradueng National Park is closed from June to September. At the same time, this allows the forest to regenerate. During the rest of the year, the park is accessible daily. The main visitor center is open from 7 AM to 3 PM.

The park experiences peak visitation during the Songkran festival in April and other Buddhist celebrations lasting three to four days.

How much does entry to Phu Kradueng National Park cost?

Entry fees to Phu Kradueng National Park are as follows:

• Foreign travelers: 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children
• Thai visitors: 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children
• Car: 30 baht
• Bicycle: 20 baht

You can rent a tent on-site.

Hotels and Resorts Near Phu Kradueng National Park

To complement your adventure, consider staying at one of the many hotels located near Phu Kradueng National Park. These establishments vary in terms of price, location, and services offered, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Budget accommodation: For budget-conscious travelers, affordable hotels are available. These establishments offer simple but comfortable lodging, perfect for resting after a day of trekking.

Luxury accommodation: If you prefer a more luxurious stay, upscale hotels are also available. These establishments offer a range of premium services, such as spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and stunning park views.

Accommodation with pool: For the ultimate relaxation experience, consider staying at a hotel equipped with a pool. After a day of trekking, nothing beats a refreshing dip to unwind.

Family accommodation: If you're traveling with family, there are hotels that offer family rooms and child-friendly facilities.

It is recommended to book in advance, especially during high season. Be sure to check reviews from previous guests to help you make your choice.