Phu Kradueng National Park is a sandstone table-top mountain shaped like an inverted bell, covering approximately 348 square kilometers (217,575 rai). It was declared Thailand’s second national park in 1959 (B.E. 2502).

The summit plateau is about 60 square kilometers, serving as the main area for overnight stays and nature exploration. The Wang Kwang Visitor Center provides accommodation, camping grounds, bathrooms, shops, restaurants, and electricity.

The forest on the summit is highly diverse, ranging from three-needle pine forests and grasslands to rare plant species such as wild roses and cool-climate wildflowers, which bloom seasonally.

Key points of interest on the summit include:

• Pha Lom Sak: The iconic cliff for watching spectacular sunsets.

• Pha Nok Aen: A viewpoint for sunrises and morning sea of mist.

• Pha Mak Duk: The closest viewpoint to the main accommodation area.

Other attractions include waterfalls and natural water sources, such as Pen Phop Waterfall, Tham Yai Waterfall, Anodard Pond, and Lan Phra Kaew, which feature Buddha statues and scenic spots.

The park’s main activity is trekking to the summit, approximately 9 kilometers from the base checkpoint to Wang Kwang Visitor Center. Porters are available to carry luggage for convenience.

Phu Kradueng is also an important watershed for the Phong and Chi rivers and a habitat for diverse wildlife and bird species. It provides visitors a full experience of natural forests, misty mountain landscapes, and traditional porter culture.

The park is open for the tourist season from October 1 to May 31 each year and closes during the rainy season for ecological restoration.

• Public transport: Take a bus from Bangkok to Pha Nok Khao, Loei Province, then transfer by local minibus to the park office.

• Private car: Drive along Highways 1 and 12, then turn onto Highway 201 (Chum Phae–Phu Kradueng) toward the Si Than park office.

• Prepare physically for a steep and long trek (around 5–6 hours).

• Book park entry in advance through the QueQ app, and reserve accommodation or camping at the park website no more than 60 days ahead.

• The summit is cool year-round, especially from November to January. Bring sufficient warm clothing and gear.

Entrance Fees

• Thai visitors: Adult 40 THB / Child 20 THB

• Foreign visitors: Adult 400 THB / Child 200 THB

Opening Hours

• Tourist season: October 1 – May 31

• Closed for restoration: June 1 – September 30

• Summit access (weekdays): 07:00 – 14:00

• Summit access (weekends/public holidays): 05:30 – 13:00