Phu Kradung

Phu Kradung is the highest point in the province, and the National Park is on this high plateau at an altitude of between 227 m (746 ft) and 1300 m (4265 ft). Founded in 1925 the park has precipitous cliffs, interesting and unusual flora and fauna, and pure, dry air, which also tends to be quite cool.

To get there take Highway 201 from Loei for 75 km (47 mi.) then from the village of Ban Phuy Kradung it is another 7 km (4 mi.) to the park entrance.

The park covers an area of about 350 sq. km (135 sq. mi.) and is criss-crossed by a good network of trails. It is best avoided at weekends and public holidays when it is crowded with people from Bangkok. During the rainy season (July to October) the park is generally closed. The trek up to the plateau usually starts from Ban Si Than, and takes 4-5 hours. The trail between high rocks and through the dense jungle and bamboo thickets can be very steep in places, but there are steps, and railings for support, and eventually it emerges onto the plateau with its scattering of stone-pine groves. There is a wonderful view from the steep cliffs In March and April the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom, and there is a chance of a dip in one of the many pools and waterfalls.

In the forest live red deer and fallow deer, gibbons, wild boar and other forest animals - sometimes a bear, a panther, or even a tiger may be glimpsed. The park also has many species of birds (woodpeckers, peacocks and rare hornbills) and butterflies.

North-east of the park headquarters, which has some log cabins and tents, there is a relatively modern wat.