green trees and mountains during daytime

Phu Kradueng National Park

A walk up a sandstone mesa to a pine-forest plateau, cliff viewpoints and cold nights on top.

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Phu Kradueng National Park sits in Si Than sub-district of Phu Kradueng district, Loei Province, in northeastern Thailand. It is known for a flat-topped sandstone mountain with forest and cliffs. The summit plateau covers about 60 square kilometers and is mostly flat, with cliffs on its western, southern and eastern edges. The highest point, Khok Moei, is about 1,316 meters above sea level. The park became a national park on 7 October 1959, the second in Thailand after Khao Yai. The name means "large bell" in the local Loei dialect.

There is no vehicle road to the top, so you walk. The main trail runs about 5.5 km from the park office to Lom Pa, then about 3.6 km to the accommodation area on the plateau. Nights on the plateau can drop to near freezing in the cool season. The summit is open from 1 October to 31 May. Sources differ on whether the whole park or only the summit closes in the wet season, so confirm with the park office before you go.

Phu Kradueng National Park in five

Confirm the opening dates firstThe park closes for part of the rainy season and reopens in the cooler months. Check the Department of National Parks for the current dates before you pay for transport.Department of National Parks
Book your night on the plateau aheadThe overnight stay at the top is the point, in lodges or at campsites. They fill on weekends and holidays in the cool months, so reserve through the park system before you travel.
Hire a porter or pack lightThe climb is steep and takes several hours. Porters carry bags to the top for a fee, and many visitors use one rather than haul camping gear and food up themselves.
Plan for cold nightsNights on the plateau can drop close to freezing in December and January, far colder than the lowlands. Bring a warm layer, a rain shell and a sleeping bag if you camp.
Allow a full travel day from BangkokPublic transport ends in nearby towns. Buses run to Loei and Lom Sak, then you need a local songthaew or driver to the visitor center, so do not plan a same-day return.Northeastern Thailand

Things to do in Phu Kradueng National Park

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Need to know

Entrance: National park fee, higher for foreign adults; check the park's current rate
Permits: No special permit; book plateau lodging or camping through the park
Season: Open in the cooler months, closed for part of the rainy season; check dates
Nearest town: Phu Kradueng district, Loei province
Getting there: Bus to Loei or Lom Sak, then local transport; several hours from Udon Thani

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh28°Low17°Cold nights
FebruaryClear3 rainy daysHigh31°Low19°Dry, clear
MarchClear6 rainy daysHigh34°Low23°Warm, hazy
AprilPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh35°Low25°Hot
MayRain23 rainy daysHigh33°Low25°Rains begin
JuneRain21 rainy daysHigh32°Low24°Often closed
JulyRain22 rainy daysHigh31°Low23°Often closed
AugustRain24 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low23°Often closed
SeptemberRain26 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low22°Often closed
OctoberRain18 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low21°Reopens
NovemberPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh28°Low19°Dry, fresh
DecemberClear2 rainy daysHigh27°Low17°Cold, peak

Average daily high and low in Phu Kradueng plateau, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Phu Kradueng National Park

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 29°
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 2 km/h
Chance of rain: 41%

Phu Kradueng National Park

05:00 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+7

Today30°24°41%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 41%.
Wed31°24°55%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 55%.
Thu29°24°73%Thursday: Rain. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 73%.
Fri29°23°81%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 81%.
Sat29°22°47%Saturday: Rain. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 47%.
Sun30°22°47%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 47%.

Updated 03:14 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 33.76 THB

Amount

Converted to

THB · Thai Baht

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Before you go to Phu Kradueng National Park

Rooms near the park gateGateway stays before the climbCheck availability

Car hire from Udon ThaniEasier than bus connectionsCompare car hire

eSIM for Isan and the hillsSignal fades on the plateauRead the guide

Insurance for a steep hikeCovers injury and evacuationRead the guide

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Rules for Phu Kradueng National Park, checked

The summit plateau is closed to visitors from 1 June to 30 September. Sources differ on whether the whole park closes, so confirm the current status with the park office.
Carry out at least 1 kg of non-biodegradable waste per person from the summit to get a certificate. Packaging that does not break down must be deposited, and it is refunded on the way down.
Keep away from cliff edges. Cliffs can collapse after heavy rain erodes the soil under the sandstone cap.
Do not collect forest products, poach or light fires, and take all litter down. Poaching and human-caused fires are known problems in the park.

Plan around Phu Kradueng National Park

All of Thailand

Entry rules, regions and costs

Read the guide Northeastern Thailand

Isan's plateaus, rivers and border towns

Read the guide Udon Thani

The nearest big airport and bus hub

Read the guide Phitsanulok

A rail and bus gateway from the west

Read the guide Nong Khai

The Mekong border town, north of Udon Thani

Read the guide Best time to visit Thailand

Cool season and rains by region

Read the guide

Phu Kradueng National Park FAQ

When is Phu Kradueng open?

Generally in the cooler months, and closed for part of the rainy season. The exact dates are set by the park each year, so check the Department of National Parks before you buy tickets.

How hard is the climb up Phu Kradueng?

It is a steep trail of several hours, with rest stops on the way and cliff-top views at the end. It suits reasonably fit hikers; porters are available for bags, and you should start early and carry enough water.

Can you visit Phu Kradueng as a day trip?

Technically yes in daylight, but most visitors stay overnight on the plateau, because the climb takes much of the day and the best views are at sunset and sunrise. Reserve lodging or a campsite ahead.

What should you pack for Phu Kradueng?

Sturdy shoes, a warm layer, a rain shell, a head torch, plenty of water and a sleeping bag if you camp. Nights are cold in the cool season, especially in December and January.

How do you get to Phu Kradueng from Bangkok?

Take a bus to Loei or Lom Sak, then a songthaew or taxi to the park visitor center, or fly to Udon Thani and drive. Allow most of a day for the journey, and check bus times the day before.