Park Trails Phu Kradueng

Park Trails

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 (ซำ). There are seven of these plateaus on the way up. In order of ascent, they are:

• Sum Hake (ซำแฮก) The word Hake (แฮก) 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 (แฮก) is sacred or holy object in the local dialect. This plateau is approximately one kilometre from the bottom.
• Sum Bawn (ซำบอน) This plateau is approximately 700 metres from Sum Hake.
• Sum Kok Kawk (ซำกกกอก) This plateau is approximately 360 metres from Sum Bawn.
• Sum Kokwaa (ซำกกหว้า) This plateau is approximately 880 metres from Sum Kok Kawk.
• Sum Kokpai (ซำกกไผ่) This plateau is approximately 580 metres from Sum Kokwaa
• Sum Kok Doon (ซำกกโดน) This plateau is approximately 300 metres from Sum Kokpai.
• Sum Krae (ซำแคร่) This plateau is approximately 585 metres from Sum Kok Doon.

Mountain Crab – Lucky climbers may run into this creature

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.

Trail to the top from Amphoe Nam Nao

Travelers can climb the mountain from Amphoe Nam Nao. This is a new trail, to open in 2005. There aren't as yet any places to stop and purchase food and drinks on the way up on this trail.