Phu Kradueng National Park

Overview Phu Kradueng National Park is a protected area in Loei province in northeastern Thailand centered on a distinctive flat-topped mountain. The park is widely visited for its high-elevation plateau and natural scenery.

What visitors find Hikers ascend to a plateau that rises to about 1,300 meters where trails, viewpoints and camping areas are concentrated. Key viewpoints such as Pha Nok Aen provide panoramic sunrise views and there are forested trails, streams and seasonal waterfalls on the slopes and plateau. The plateau’s mix of pine forest and open grassland creates scenery and walking opportunities different from lowland Thai forests.

History The mountain and surrounding area were set aside for conservation as a national park in the 20th century to protect its unique plateau ecosystems and to provide recreation and tourism opportunities. Over time basic visitor infrastructure and trails were developed to support the regular influx of hikers and campers.

Location The park sits in Loei province on the western edge of the Phetchabun mountain chain in northeastern Thailand. The nearest district town is Phu Kradueng town and the park is reached by a road and trail access from the surrounding lowlands.

• Summit elevation: The park is best known for a single prominent sandstone plateau that reaches roughly 1,300 meters in elevation and supports pine and mixed forest on top.
• Camping and sunrise views: Camping is permitted on the plateau in designated areas and many visitors plan overnight stays to see sunrise from the viewpoints.

What to See #

• Plateau summit: A flat-topped sandstone plateau at the park's core that rises to about 1,300 meters above sea level and contains multiple viewpoints and camping clearings.
• Pha Nok Aen viewpoint: Pha Nok Aen viewpoint, one of the better-known lookout points on the plateau offering broad sunrise views over the surrounding forested valleys.