Phu Kradueng National Park

Phu Kradueng National Park located in Amphoe Phu Kradueng of the Loei Province, is one of the famous national parks of Thailand, with a high point of 1360 m. Every year tens of thousands of people come to make the climb up this famous mountain. It received the title of a nationally protected forest in the year 1943, and was proclaimed a national park on the 7th of October 1959, the second national park of Thailand after Khao Yai National Park.

The Main Trail to the top from Amphoe Phu Kradueng
This is a very old and historic trail. Travelers start their way on the trail in Amphoe Phu Kradueng at the main park office. There are many places to rest on the way up. These rest plateaus are called Sum . There are seven of these plateaus on the way up. In order of ascent, they are:
Sum Hake The word Hake most travelers believe this means to be out of breath, because of its resemblance to the sound made when out of breath. The real meaning of Hake is sacred or holy object in the local dialect. This plateau is approximately one kilometre from the bottom.
Sum Bawn This plateau is approximately 700 metres from Sum Hake.
Sum Kok Kawk This plateau is approximately 360 metres from Sum Bawn.
Sum Kokwaa This plateau is approximately 880 metres from Sum Kok Kawk.
Sum Kokpai This plateau is approximately 580 metres from Sum Kokwaa
Sum Kok Doon This plateau is approximately 300 metres from Sum Kokpai.
Sum Krae This plateau is approximately 585 metres from Sum Kok Doon.

Travelers must start off at the park's main office at the base of the mountain. They can then begin their climb up to the Sum Krae plateau. On the plateau there are several vendors selling food and water, and it is a good place to rest. There is also a washroom available there. After this plateau there is still 1020 metres to the top. This last 1020 metres to the top is the hardest and steepest part. There are ladders and ramps at parts where it is impossible to walk. 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. There are many hiking trails on top of the mountain, to the many cliffs and waterfalls of the mountain.
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.