วันพุธที่ 24 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2553

Phu Kracreung: Abundant meadows, pine trees, cliffs and beautiful cascades







`Phu Kradeung' with its long winding roads and a steep climb has become the goal of many a young traveler, enthusiastic to conquer the challenge of a lifetime with a climb up Phu Kradeung. Hence in the winter months, thousands of these young tourists set out for Phu Kradeung, to enjoy not only the challenge of the climb but also to be captivated by the beauty of this mountain's surrounding landscape - grasslands, pine forests, cliffs and beautiful cascades
It is said that the peal of bells from Phu Kradeung is often heard on Buddhist Sabbaths, thus the name of the mountain 'Phu
Kradeung', with 'Phu', meaning mountain and 'Kradeung', meaning bell. Phu Kradeung therefore means the mountain of bells.
Phu Kradeung is a national park set on the flat elephant's ear (resembling a large leaf) on top of the mountain. Its Tourist Service Center (Wang Kwang) provides allthe essential services including accommoda­tion, food, advice and other forms ofassistance. Tourist sites are divided into those in the 'open forests' which include the pine forests where tourists are free to roam and explore, and the 'closed forests' where wildlife roams. Prior arrangement and approval from park authorities are required for any visit to this part of the forest.
How to get there: Drive from Muang Loei district on Highway #201 (Loei - Chumpare), turn right into Highway #2019. Once you arrive at Phu Kradeung district, drive on until you reach the Phu Kradeung Nation Park Office. Alternatively, from the south of the province, follow Highway #201 through Chumpare district of Khon Kae province.
Once in Leoi Province, drive through Baan Pha Nok Kao and continue for approximately eight kilometers. Then, turn left at the intersection into Highway #2019 and drive on until you reach Phu Kradeung National Park Office.
For buses that run from Muang Leoi district, take the Loei - Khon Kaen Bus. At the end of the bus service, change into a jitney at Baan Pha Nok Kao for Phu Kradeung National Park. The ride is 20 baht per person.