A 2-Days 1-Night camping tour on Phu Kradueng

As one of Thailand’s iconic natural destinations, Phu Kradueng is an ideal choice for adventures, families, and youth that offers a perfect 2-days and 1-night camping tour. This plateau offers you to experience scenic pathways, splendid sightseeings, and various wild creatures. Despite being a brief trip, it will give you an immersive nature experience with stunning vistas and outdoor activities for all ages.

Explore the monumental view of Phu Kradueng from a high point. (Source: Unsplash)

Key details for planning

Best time to visit

As the perfect season of the year, visitors should visit this place in the time of cool seasons (from December to February). The weather at that time might be perfect for you to have an unforgettable experience with the temperature ranging from 10°C to 25°C that is ideal for hiking and camping.

If you would want to observe the biosystem, Phu Kradueng’s rainy season marks the period of growth for hundreds of species. Or the hot season offers scenic landscapes despite higher temperatures. Whenever you hit the destination, the tourist center will be your first point of hiking.

Best time to visit Phu Kradueng. (Source: Unsplash)

Location and accessibility

About 520 kilometers from Bangkok, in Loei Province in northern Thailand, Phu Kradueng is best to reach Loei by bus, train, or plane, and from there local transportation can take you to the park.

Driving or taking a bus from surrounding cities like Khon Kaen or Udon Thani might be a convenient and scenic option.

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Start your day to get into the beauty of the National Park. (Source: Unsplash)

Day 1 itinerary: Ascent and camping setup

Morning

Let’s begin your first day At Phu Kradueng Visitor Center, you will receive maps, some items, and essential tips about trails, wildlife, and rules. How informative these briefings are ensures both your safety and that of the environment, including everything from protecting the wild creatures to the parks’s no-trace principles.

Then, along the way, stop at Pha Nok Aen or Sam Haek to witness the morning fog gradually lift to reveal the lush scenery below. When the first morning light reaches the soil, it brings out the vibrant colours of the surroundings, which offers a door leading to a majestic world as a highlight of the trip. Keep inhaling and exhaling slowly to feel the freshness of nature.

Breathe in the freshness of the atmosphere. (Source: Unsplash)

Afternoon

When you reach the point, quickly check in at the campsite area to get an introduction to the camping facilities and basic amenities like toilets or shower items. You can set up your camp as a relaxing break after hiking from the foothill, then immerse in the surroundings and take in the natural rhythm of the plateau. After that, spend the afternoon exploiting this scenic area with thousands of flora.

A 1.3-kilometer walk will lead you to Tham Yai waterfalls (Big Cave Waterfall) from the campsite, where you will bump into the unique rock formations and cool, flowing waterfalls. Tham Yai offers an ideal setting to relax and take in the tranquil sounds of flowing waters.

You can have a look through Pha Lom Sak, one of the most famous viewpoints with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains in Phu Kradueng. Watching the sunset from this height is a wonderful experience when the sky becomes vibrant as the sun sets behind the far hill. Bring your camera to take photos at this location for its beauty.

Evening

Why not try to experience doing BBQ on a mountain. (Source: Shuttershock)

Enjoying a BBQ party after a long walking day till sunset might be perfect for you and your friends. You can either prepare your own food over the campsite or sample Thai food from vendors that sell a variety of local cuisine like spicy curries, noodle dishes, and grilled meats. There are many activities you can join in a big group of visitors, such as bonding over meals and exchanging tales or experiences from the day’s journey.

How truly magical the night on Phu Kradueng is with little to no light contamination; it’s an excellent time to stargaze. You can use your binoculars or telescopes since the sky is obviously clear without clouds for a breathtaking view of the constellations. Relaxing in the cool atmosphere, surrounded by the sounds of nature, is a memorable end to your first day on Phu Kradueng.

Day 2 itinerary: Exploring the plateau and descending

Start your next day with the fresh energy from nature. (Source: Shuttershock)

Early Morning

If you don’t have a chance to witness the early sunrise on Phu Kradueng, don’t worry. Make your way again to Pha Nok Aen from the campsite to capture an expansive view of Phu Kradueng’s valleys whenever the sun first shines.

Mid-Morning

You will start your busy day after breakfast with a series of walks across Phu Kradueng. The first destination of day 2 is Wang Kang Waterfall to feel the tranquility of the pools surrounded by dense forest. As a natural blend of the thick leaves and the sound of flowing water, it provides a relaxing immersion into nature.

One moment in life witnessing the maple tree forest might catch your eye with its beauty and its red. During cool months, maple leaves turn to red and orange, which creates an ancient scene against the green. Then, a walk to Than Sawan viewpoint, you’ll experience dimensional views of the entire plateau. It would be a great spot in the morning for those who want to enjoy a quiet break and get into nature from a high point.

Immerse in the red of the maple forest. (Source: Freepik)

Afternoon

After finishing your journey on Phu Kradueng high peak, start your descent back to the Visitor Center in the early afternoon, then take time to visit any viewpoints missed on the way up or to photograph the scenery from a different point. By the time you hit the center, it will be late afternoon for you to reflect on Phu Kradueng’s landscape.

What to pack

1. Essential clothes and gear: Due to steep and rocky Phu Kradueng’s pathways, you should prepare reliable hiking shoes that assist you navigate uneven parks and reduce strain on your feet. Further, bring your own camping gear in case you want more space in your tent, and because personal gear will make setup faster and more efficient, that makes the hike much safer and more enjoyable.
2. Food and water: It’s really important to keep you hydrated when you’re climbing up the park. These essential things will help you get through the climb, where food options are limited and frequently expensive.
3. Other items you should bring: To avoid UV exposure, a sunscreen item will help prevent sunburn and discomfort that keeps you cool and comfortable all the day. Insect repellent is also an item you should bring just in case you are bitten by some other insect. Last but not least, as a photographer, bring a camera for your photos of picturesque vistas and binoculars for observing wildlife from a safe distance.

Important tips for a 2-days and 1-night trip

Some important tips when trekking in Thailand. (Source: India.com)

1. Trail safety: If you visit Phu Kradueng for the first time or you have young kids, you’ll find it challenging, so remember to stick to marked routes or leisurely pace, then follow ranger advice, especially for wildlife interactions, and carry a first-aid kit in case of minor injuries.
2. Wildlife respect: You should bring binoculars to observe animals and plants from a distance to avoid disturbing or damaging them due to the fact that Phu Kradueng is home to hundreds of flora and fauna species.
3. Leave no trace: Practicing Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the nature of Phu Kradueng. Notice to grab all your waste and avoid picking plants or rocks to ensure that others can enjoy the park in the same way you did.

Conclusion

A 2-days and 1-night camping tour to Phu Kradueng offers an exceptional outdoor experience that blends the scenic beauty with challenging hikes and the tranquility of this place. This trip not only helps you escape from the bustling city but also helps you reconnect to nature while enjoying the stunning scenes in Thailand. Be with Asia King Travel to experience the natural wonders of Phu Kradueng National Park.

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