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

Travelling to Phu Kradueng

Travelling to Phu Kradueng

Autobus


A full view of the mountain Pah Nok Kao, bus stop for "Phu Kradueng", from a nearby resort

The easiest route to Phu Kradueng, is to take a bus from Khon Kaen to Pha Nok Kao. Get off in front of Raan J Gim (ร้านเจ๊กิม). From there a minibus is available to take you to the central office of the park. The minibus takes approximately half an hour. The park office closes at 15.00, as climbers will not have enough time to climb the mountain before dark.

Credit en.wikipedia.org

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