Location: Loei Province
Info: TAT, Udon Thani
Tel. 0-4232-5406
Closed: mid- July- early Sep (rainy season)
Phu Kradueng National Park Located in Phu Kradueng District in
Loei Province. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in
Thailand. Because there is beautiful nature Each year, there are, on
average, tens of thousands of people visiting. Especially during
long holidays, there are often many tourists who come to rest on Phu
Kradueng. Phu Kradueng was established as a national reserved forest
in 1943 and as a national park on October 7, 1959. It is the second
national park after Khao Yai National Park. Phu Kradueng National
Park Has been registered as the 57th ASEAN Heritage Park.
The
park is located in Si Than Subdistrict. Phu Kradueng District, Loei
Province, covers an area of 348.12 square kilometers (217,575 rai).
The topography is sandstone mountains with cut tops. There is a
plain at the top of Phu Kradueng, approximately 60 square kilometers
(37,500 rai), with a height between 400-1,200 meters above sea
level. The highest point is at Khok Moei, with a height of 1,316
meters.
Legend has it that a hunter tried to hunt down a bull that had
escaped to the top of a mountain in Si Than Subdistrict. (Currently in
Phu Kradueng District) which is a mountain that no one has ever climbed
before. When the hunter followed the bull up to the top of that
mountain. found that the area on that mountain Filled with beautiful,
vast plains. Filled with pine forests, various types of plants and
wildlife. Humans have known Phu Kradueng ever since.
Phu Kradueng
has been known since the reign of King Rama VI. (His Royal Highness
Prince Prajaksilpakom) made a report on the geography and presented it
to the Ministry of Interior. In 1943, the government issued a Royal
Decree on National Reserved Forests. The Royal Forest Department
therefore began the first survey to establish a national park at Phu
Kradueng, Loei Province, but due to a lack of funds and officials,
little work was done and it was stopped.
On October 7, 1959, the
Cabinet passed a resolution to designate 14 forests in various provinces
as national parks in order to preserve natural resources permanently for
the public benefit. The Royal Forest Department therefore proposed to
establish Phu Kradueng Forest as a national park in accordance with
Section 6 of the National Parks Act, B.E. 2504, with a Royal Decree
specifying Phu Kradueng Forest in Si Than Subdistrict. Phu Kradueng
Subdistrict Wang Saphung District, Loei Province is a national park. It
has a total area of 217,581 rai, making it the second national park in
the country. On July 6, 1977, the Cabinet resolved to revoke the
national park area in the area that the Royal Thai Air Force requested
to use as a telecommunications relay station for government use. The
military had an area of approximately 5 rai, so the Royal Forest
Department requested to revoke the said land area in 1978. Currently,
Phu Kradueng National Park has an area of approximately 217,576.25 rai.
Fundamental terminology
The word "Phu Kradueng" comes from the
words "Phu" meaning mountain and "Kradueng" meaning bell, which is the
native language of Loei Province. For this reason, Phu Kradueng can be
translated as "big bell". The name comes from a story that on Buddhist
holy days, villagers often hear it. There is always the sound of a bell
or bell from this mountain. It is said that it is the bell of Lord
Indra. Another assumption is that in some parts of the peak, if you walk
hard or use a stick, there will be a bell-like sound that comes from the
hollow beneath. Therefore it was named "Phu Kradueng".
Phu Kradueng is a sandstone mountain with a cut top. Located in the
northwest of the Korat plateau. Near the eastern slope of the Phetchabun
mountain range. Most of the mountain's area is 400-1,200 meters above
sea level. The base or foothills start from the lowest point of the area
at an altitude of 260 meters to an altitude of 400 meters. It is
surrounded by hillside plains. Phu Kradueng And areas at higher levels
have steep slopes that rise up to become mountain edges and steep
cliffs. The flat area at the top of the mountain has an area of
approximately 60 square kilometers (37,500 rai). It looks like a bonnet
or heart-shaped hole when viewed from above. The tip of the leaf is in
the southeast and the inner concave part is in the northeast. The
mountainous plain consists of low hills. The highest peak is at Khok
Moei, approximately 1,316 meters above sea level. The flat area on the
top of Phu Kradueng has heights on the west and southeast. and will
gradually slope down to the northwest. This causes the various streams
on the mountain to flow together on this side. becomes the watershed of
Lam Nam Phong
Phu Kradueng occurred in the Mesozoic Era. There is
a geological structure of rocks in the Korat series. Consists of rock
layers: The Phu Phan Formation is the youngest rock layer located at the
top of the Phu Kradueng structure. Commonly found on the backs of
battens or at altitudes from 990 meters and up. The Sao Khua Formation
is found from an altitude of 600 meters and up. The Phra Wihan Formation
is found at an altitude of 400–600 meters and the Phu Kradueng Formation
is the base rock of the structure. Phu Kradueng
Phu Kradueng National Park has a flat climate around the foothills
similar to other areas in the northeast. It is influenced by the
southwest monsoon. and the northeastern monsoon The rainy season runs
from April to October. The heaviest rain falls between August and
September. The average annual temperature is 26 °C, with the lowest
temperatures being in January. and the highest temperature is in April.
Precipitation amount 1,242 millimeters per year The annual average
relative humidity is 72%.
Weather conditions on the top of Phu
Kradueng There is an additional amount of precipitation, not less than
30 percent of the amount of precipitation on the hillside plains. The
cause is the influence of clouds and fog that cover the mountain peaks.
The average annual relative humidity is 90% and the average temperature
is 19.7 °C in the winter months of December-January. The lowest
temperature is between 0-10 °C. The highest temperature is between 21-24
°C. In the summer between March and April. The lowest temperature is
between 12-19 °C. The highest temperature is between 23-30 °C. The
weather at the top of Phu Kradueng is often variable. There are often
low hanging clouds covering the area. The weather is therefore quite
cool throughout the year.
Phu Kradueng is known as a place where wild animals live in
abundance. Because the topography consists of forests meadows and
streams which is an abundant food source The survey found a total of 266
types of terrestrial vertebrates, divided into 36 types of mammals such
as barking deer, wild deer, wild boar, macaque, loris, marmot, squirrel,
chipmunk, long-tailed water rat, mole, bushy-tailed porcupine, mongoose,
and civet, among others. 4 species are extinct: the chamois, wild
elephant, leopard, and tiger. 171 species of birds, such as the rainbow
hawk, crocodile dove, great horned dove, great-billed owl, horned owl,
field centipede, blue-throated bird, golden-backed bird, and
golden-backed three-toed woodpecker. Red-hiped swallow, Suan dais bird,
Umbat bird, large ash bird, field partridge, large fire bird, magpie,
striped-breasted grouse, and canary, etc. 39 species of reptiles, such
as geckos, small flat-tailed lizards, garden chameleons, skinks, yellow
turtles, coconut snakes, striped snakes, king cobras, cobras, and green
snakes, etc. One species is endangered, the spurred turtle. In addition,
a rare type of turtle was found, the turtle. Pulu or "tailed turtle" is
a turtle with a long tail that lives in streams in the high mountain
forests of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos and many amphibians such as the
striped-backed bullfrog, swamp kiat, toad, big-eared frog, and dwarf
frog, etc.
Wild animals that can often be seen when reaching the
top of the mountain are deer. Because there were a group of deer that
the park's officials had raised. This makes this group of deer not run
away when they see people. The first deer that the officials raised was
named Khamla, a female deer. The second one is a male named Khamphi.
There is also a wild boar that was once found in a closed forest area.
But now they are scattered everywhere, even in the tent camping area
when there are not many tourists. And the jackals used to be in the
upper pine forest. They find food together in large groups. But now they
come to make a living closer to the office area and can be seen in the
office shop area as well.
Phu Kradueng is one of the most fertile forests in Thailand. There
are various plant communities that can be divided according to
differences in altitude, climate, soil-rock conditions, and biological
factors. From the foothill plains to an altitude of 600 meters above sea
level, there is deciduous dipterocarp forest accounting for 8% of the
area. There are many species. Important trees such as deciduous, rang,
hiang, antimony, raddish, blue foliage, etc. The understory plants
consist of pek grass growing in dense clumps interspersed with shrubs
and herbaceous plants. In addition, from the plains, foothills and steep
slopes around the mountain. Up to an altitude of 950 meters, it is a
mixed deciduous or deciduous forest, accounting for 67% of the area.
There are important plant species such as red, wild padauk, Krabok,
Tabaek Lued, Yom Hin, etc. Underground plants include grass, bamboo,
shrubs, vines, herbaceous plants, and parasitic and ingesting plants.
live
Dry evergreen forests are found along the stream banks of
the moist valleys to the east. Northeast and west From the foot of the
mountain to an altitude of 950 meters, accounting for 5% of the area,
there are important plant species such as Ko, Takhian Thong, Red Yang,
Yom Hom, etc. The ground plants are dense. They are shrubs, vines, and
herbaceous plants. When they are 1,000 meters above the level, they are
evergreen forests found in the north and northwest. There are important
plant species such as Kuam Daeng, Talo, 3000-year-old pine, Phaphong,
Champi Pa, etc. The ground flora consists of shrubs and vines. Along the
cliffs along the edge of the mountain, tall palm trees such as Kho Doi
are found.
At an altitude of more than 1,000 meters it will be
Mountain evergreen forests are found only in areas with an altitude of
1,000 meters or more above sea level, accounting for 9% of the park's
area. Khao grove forests are classified as evergreen forests. Found only
on the plains of Phu Kradueng at altitudes between 1,200–1,300 meters
above sea level. Covers approximately 1% of the area.
The pine
forest is found only on the plains of the mountain tops at an altitude
of approximately 1,200-1,350 meters, accounting for 10% of the area.
There are important plant species such as pine, short leaf, talo,
saraphi doi, etc. The understory plants consist of shrubs and herbaceous
plants. Along the stone terraces, there are low-lying plants, such as
lichens, attached to the rocks in sheets. and the type of foam called
"Fong Hin" covers the general area. In addition, orchids, running
horses, and deer antlers can be found in dense clumps. On the wet
ground, many types of moss such as Khao Tok Rishi were found, densely
deposited like a carpet. In some places, many small herbaceous plants
were densely mixed together, such as silver buttons, sticky rice
seaweed, Dusita, and Khao Kam grass.
There are also 11 important
plant species which are endemic to Phu Kradueng, such as Khao Kam Pha,
Ya Ra Ruen and So etc.
Guam Daeng or Fire Duan Ha, a plant in the genus Guam or maple, is
the most famous plant species of Phu Kradueng. It will be bright red in
winter around December.
Nepenthes can be found in thickets near Pha
Na Noi to Pha Daeng.
Krachiao and Pathumma Fields of Krachiew and
Pathumma flowers can be found in the area near Pha Yiab Mek to Pha
Daeng. Normally, Krachiew and Pathumma flowers bloom in April. But in
May it will still bloom. Although it may be eaten by insects and various
animals, its flowers and leaves are still there.
The beautiful nature attracts tens of thousands of visitors every
year.
The best view is from the Pha Nok Aen cliff (ผา นก แอ่น), especially
at sunrise; the best way to watch the sunset is from the Pha Lom Sak
cliff (ผา หล่มสัก).
the Wang Kwang (น้ำตก วัง กวาง) and Tat Hong (น้ำตก ตาด ฮ้อ ง)
waterfalls.
The rocky Pha Lomsak cliffs are very popular among climbers.
"Fai Duean Ha" (ไฟ เดือน ห้า, fire of the fifth month), maple trees
with bright red leaves.
Phu Kradueng National Park is under the supervision of the National
Park Office. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant
Conservation and the Office of Conservation Area Administration No. 8
are the coordinators. There are agencies in the area including: National
Park Protection Unit at L.Y.1 (Wang Kwang) National Park Protection Unit
at L.Y.2 (E Lert) National Park Protection Unit at L.Y.3 (Na Noi)
National Park Protection Unit at L.Y.4 (Phong Klip) National Park
Protection Unit at L.Y.5 (Nong Phakbung) and the National Park
Protection Unit at L.Y.6 (Phu Khi Kai)
Management of the area of
the park from the area management master plan of Phu Kradueng National
Park Which was created by the Forest Research Center, Faculty of
Forestry, Kasetsart University in 1991, the management area of Phu
Kradueng National Park was divided into different zones. Based on the
environment and use of space as criteria as follows.
Service area
is an area where buildings and various facilities are being developed.
To provide services to tourists in this area includes: Srithan Tourist
Service Center and Wang Kwang Tourist Service Center
Tourism and
recreation zone It is a service that allows tourists to carry out
various activities. For recreation, it can be accessed without causing
destruction or damage to nature, including services at designated
tourist spots along the footpath on the Phu Kradueng plain and the
footpath up and down Phu Kradueng.
The area of use for special
purposes includes radio and telecommunications stations of the Royal
Thai Air Force.
Restricted Zone This zone is established to cover
areas with natural resources. which is of great value in science
Suitable for conservation and research, including the Phu Kradueng
summit plain on the north side, covering 3/4 of the Phu Kradueng summit
plain.
Lonely forest area It is an area that still retains much of
its original natural characteristics, including the plains at the top of
Phu Kradueng and the hillsides, foothills, and other plains surrounding
Phu Kradueng.
Phu Kradueng has been established as a national park to conserve
nature that has special characteristics. But even though Phu Kradueng
has the status of a national park, it still faces problems with illegal
hunting and gathering of forest products. and the problem of forest
fires caused by human activities. In addition, Phu Kradueng also faces
administrative and management problems, such as not limiting the number
of tourists to an appropriate amount. Lack of necessary resources for
management, including budget, personnel, and measures It also includes
the problem of tourists' conscience.
In 2008, the Department of
National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation conducted a study and
assessed the carrying capacity of national parks. In order not to have
an impact on the natural resources and environment caused by tourism.
Therefore, the number of tourists who will visit 10 national parks has
been determined. Phu Kradueng National Park is one of those ten places.
The number of tourists who will travel and stay on top of Phu Kradueng
is set to be 5,000 per day, and Phu Kradueng has a closed tourist season
only on the mountaintop in June-September every year. So that the
natural conditions and environment can recuperate.
Due to the
problem of large amounts of garbage generated by tourists Phu Kradueng
National Park therefore has a volunteer project to protect Phu Kradueng.
By collecting non-biodegradable garbage from the top of the mountain and
disposing of it at the foot of the mountain, not less than 1 kilogram
per person. The park will give you a certificate of honor to show that
you have sacrificed and performed yourself to benefit nature and
society. In addition, tourists who bring packaging that cannot decompose
naturally or that takes a long time to decompose A deposit must be made
for various packages as specified by the park. Then on the day you go
down the mountain, bring the said packaging that is garbage to receive
the deposit back and the park will issue a certificate of honor as well.
The project to build a cable car up Phu Kradueng has been silent for
many years due to opposition from many parties, especially
conservationists. Currently, the project is being pushed again despite
the results of a survey of nearly 70% of tourists not agreeing. It is
expected that the route for the basket construction will start from the
area of the park office, Si Than Subdistrict, to the area behind Pae.
This project is expected to stimulate tourism. Make the tourist group
more diverse
Phu Kradueng National Park is one of Thailand's most famous tourist
attractions due to its beautiful nature. Each year, there are, on
average, tens of thousands of people visiting. Especially during long
holidays, there are often many tourists who come to rest on Phu
Kradueng. Only on the top of Phu Kradueng Mountain is the tourist season
closed. From 1 June - 30 September every year. and opening the tourism
season From 1 October - 31 May every year.
The route to the top
of Phu Kradueng Mountain
Route up to Phu Kradueng District: This is
the oldest and most popular route. Tourists can hike this route in Phu
Kradueng District at the park office. On the route up, there will be
several accommodation areas and restaurants. There is a distance of 5.5
km from the office to the back of the bridge. And from behind Pae to the
accommodation approximately 3.6 km.
Route up to Nam Nao District:
Tourists can travel up to the top of Phu Kradueng Mountain at Ban Fong
Tai, Nam Nao District. which is a new route up the mountain It will go
directly up to Pha Lom Sak. There is a distance of 5.2 kilometers from
the National Park Protection Unit at Lor.5 (Nong Phakbung) to Pha Lom
Sak.
The tourist route on the top of Phu Kradueng Mountain can be divided
into two main parts. is a normal tourist area and closed forest areas
The normal tourist area is divided into two routes: the waterfall route
and the cliff route. As for the closed forest area, it can be divided
into Khun Phong Waterfall route and Pha Song Lok route
The
waterfall route will pass important tourist attractions including Wang
Kwang Waterfall, Pen Phop Mai Waterfall, Phon Phop Waterfall, Phen Phop
Waterfall, Tham Yai Waterfall, Sa Kaeo, Tham So Tai Waterfall, Anodad
Pool, Than Sawan Waterfall and Phra Buddha Metta. The route along the
cliff will pass important tourist attractions including Phra Kaew, Pha
Nok Aen, Pha Mak Duk, Pha Cham Sin, Pha Na Noi, Pha Yeap Mek, Pha Daeng,
and Pha Lom Sak. The Khun Phong Waterfall route will pass through
important tourist attractions, namely Khun Phong Waterfall. And the Pha
Song Lok route will pass through important tourist attractions including
Pha Pha Pha Waterfall Lom Fa Lom Din, Pha Song Lok, Lon Chedi, Lon Tham
Phra and Rang Thit Ha
The only place to view the sunrise can be
seen at Pha Nok Aen, which is only 2 km from the accommodation. For the
sunset viewing point, it can be viewed at Pha Mak Duk, which is the
closest, only 2 km from the accommodation, and Pha Lom Sak, which is It
is the most popular spot.
car
Travel through Saraburi, Phetchabun, Lom Sak District, Lom
Kao, Dan Sai, Phu Ruea, and Mueang Loei District. Turn onto National
Highway No. 201 (Loei-Khon Kaen) and turn onto Provincial Highway No.
2019 into Phu Kradueng National Park.
Take the route through
Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, until reaching Khon Kaen Province. Turn
left onto National Highway 201, passing Phu Pha Man District. and Pha
Nok Khao Subdistrict Enter Phu Kradueng National Park
Traveling
through Saraburi Province, Pak Chong District, turn left onto National
Highway No. 201, pass Chaiyaphum Province, Phu Khiao District, then turn
left onto National Highway No. 12, passing through Chum Phae District.
Then travel the same as route 2.
tour bus
The Bangkok-Mueang
Loei tour bus gets off at Pha Nok Khao. Or Phu Kradueng District Bus
Station and then take a songthaew to travel to the park office. There
are companies providing services, including Transport Company Limited,
Air Muang Loei, Phu Kradueng Tour, Khon Kaen Tour, Sikarin Tour. and
Chumphae Tour
Interprovincial buses that pass through Phu Kradueng
District are Khon Kaen - Mueang Loei Line and Nakhonchai Transport
Company, Loei-Pattaya-Rayong line and Nakhon Ratchasima-Chiang Khan line
Get off at Pha Nok Khao Or Phu Kradueng District Bus Station and then
take a songthaew to travel to the park office as well.
From the beautiful scenery of Phu Kradueng National Park, there have
been poets and songs written about the beauty of this place. The song
that most mentions Phu Kradueng is the song "Phu Kradueng" by the
Suntaraporn band. Composed by Eua Sunthonsanan and lyrics by Kaew
Atchariyakul.
Phu Kradueng has also been used as a backdrop in
many movies. Like the movie "Last Love" directed by Mom Chao Chatri
Chalerm Yukol, short film "Pichit" (Phu Kradueng) from the short film
award following in the footsteps of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. and
the movie "Phu Kradueng" starring Sombat Metanee and Aranya Namwong,
directed by Ruj Ronnapop.