Phu Kradueng National Park

Phu Kradueng National Park Review

This was supposed to be Thailand's first national park, but lack of funding prevented that from happening. It wasn't until 1949 that government funds were finally allocated, and it took another 10 years before Phu Kradueng was finally granted national park status, becoming Thailand's second (after Korat's Khao Yai). Regardless of the slow start, it has become one of Thailand's most visited destinations.

The park consists of a lone, steep-sided mountain, which rises out of a flat plain that sprawls over 348 square km (134 square mi), and is crowned by a 60-square-km (23-square-mi) plateau. It takes four hours to hike the 5 km (3 mi) to the top, but there's a spectacular panorama at 4,265 feet above sea level waiting for you.

The mountaintop is usually covered in mist from October to February, when the temperature can drop as low as freezing. The summit, full of rich flora year-round, is mostly a combination of dense evergreen forest and equally dense pine forest, but from February onward color begins to saturate the park. The rainy season brings out the mountain's famed red-and-white rhododendrons and flowering grasses such as Pro Phu and Ya Khao Kam. In winter the park is ablaze with lush green mosses and ferns, set against the reddening of maple tree leaves. More than 276 animal species have been identified here, such as serows (a type of Asian goat), Asiatic elephants, tigers, bears, and boars, plus 171 species of birds including silver pheasants, black hawks, and red jungle fowl.

Main tourist attractions are well marked. Trails take you through forest vegetation and vast grasslands, and along streams to waterfalls, caves, and overhanging cliffs (perfect for taking in a sunrise or sunset). There's plenty to do, and the park is equally good for a day trip or extended exploration. The park headquarters at the base of the mountain has maps and information for you to plan your wanderings.

Accommodation, food, and conveniences are readily available from top to bottom. Most people bring their own tents (there's a B30 pitching fee). There are also bungalows (B1,200 to B3,600). The crowds are out in force from late November through mid-January, so unless you're bringing you own tent, be sure to contact the park headquarters to reserve accommodation as soon as possible.

Note that they stop letting visitors into the park at 2 pm—the climb to the top takes a long time and they don't want people tackling it in the dark. If you are already inside the park, however, you don't need to be worried about being ushered out.