Phu Kradueng

Phu (ภู) comes from the Thai word Phukao (ภูเขา) meaning mountain. It's used the same way as Mt. is used in English. The name Kradueng (กระดึง) comes from the word Krading (กระดิ่ง) a word of the Loei Province aboriginals. Also Phu Kradudng (ภูกระดึง) can be translated as Ra Kang Yai (ระฆังใหญ่) meaning a large bell. This name comes from a legend relating to a Buddhist holiday. During the holiday many of the towns people heard the sound of a large bell. They believed it to be the bell of Indra.

The beauty of the mountain is reflected in local folk tales. One person named Phran, who fled from another village, believed that Phu Kradueng had never been climbed before. He led his bull to the top of the mountain. He found it full of beautiful deer, and pine forests. There were many different types of plants, trees and wild animals. After this he stayed, and lived his life surrounded by the beauty of the mountain.

Nowadays, Phu Kradueng is extremely popular with young Thais, particularly university students. Accommodation on the mountain itself is limited to a "tent city" with hundreds of canvas tents available for rent. The sense of isolation and scenic beauty is further spoilt by annoying and unnecessary loudspeakers intermittently announcin

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Phu Kradung National Park

Phu Kradung National Park

A view in the park Located in the north eastern province of Loei , the park is one of Thailand's most romantic spots. The 1360 meters high mountain might have received its name Phu Kradung from its bell like shape ( kradung means bell in Thai ).

The park is largely covered with seasonal tropical rain forest and ever green forests. The 60 square kilometers (mountain top) plateau is a savanna of pines, oak, beech, etc.

There are some mammals including elephant and barking deer, and many bird species in the park.

The region receives heaviest rain in October and there is almost no rain during December to February. The park is closed from June to August because of intense pressure on the environment by the visitors. Most popular months are October to January when the park can be crowded on weekends.

Tents and porters can be arranged at the park offices located at the foot of the mountain and at the top.

It is a 9 km distance from the base of the mountain (park's headquarters) to the camp ground and office at the top of the mountain. The final 4 km is a walk on the plateau to reach to the park head quarters and the camping ground.

Villagers have set up food and drink stalls along the climb. The trek takes 3 to 6 hrs. On the plateau visitors have 50 km of marked trails to cliffs, waterfalls and meadows. Expedition into the deep forest where large animals exist should be accompanied by a guide provided by the park office.

Accommodations and facilities
On the Phu Kradung mountain top there is a camp ground with tents for rent. A number of restaurants are available.

How to get there
From Khon Kaen or Loei take a local bus going to Phu Kradung district. Get off at Pha Nok Khao village where there is a 5 km road to the park headquarters. Normally there are pick up trucks running this stretch.

Contact address
Phu Kradung National Park
Moo 1, Tambol Sitan
Amphur Phu Kradung
Loei Province 42180

Credit www.trekthailand.net

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