|Phu Kradueng| Tough-Hilarious-Tears in the End

For those who are too lazy to read the long version, please scroll down to the end of the trip. There will be a summary of the trip and a budget that is only a small amount.

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Camera used: Nikon 5300, Lens: Kit 18-55 [Note: Mom, I want a new lens].

#nomplainphukarduengtrip

December 27-29, 2015

Hello, hello, ni hao, hola, xin chào, salam sejahtera. It is a pleasure to greet you. Do we know each other yet? Oh, but we do know each other from this post: http://pantip.com/topic/34371131. As usual, I wanted to go on this trip, so I went. At first, I invited people to join me, but no one was available, so I was going to fly solo. But fate had other plans and I met a classmate who also loves to travel. It was a perfect match! So, I wasn't alone on this trip. On the same day as the seminar, I sat next to a friend to gather some information and make some plans. Um, I must confess that I don't remember the topic of the seminar that day. The two of us were too busy asking Google about Phu Kradueng. This is a bad example, and those under 15 should use discretion when reading.

December 27, 2015

There you go! At this time, the clock likes to not wake me up. In the end, the word "late" took over. 7:13 a.m. I set off for the meeting place, which we had agreed on beforehand, to meet in Khon Kaen. The first sign cost 140 baht. I arrived in Khon Kaen around nine o'clock because the car stopped to refuel along the way, which caused a delay. If we didn't get on, it wouldn't fill up. Oops! Don't take it personally, haha.

We have arrived, met our friends, bought tickets, and are now on the bus from Khon Kaen to Loei. The ticket costs 85 baht. This is our friend's hand! Please be respectful of our friend. We must be respected. We came as a team (2 people). The bus left at 9:30 AM. The next situation after the bus starts moving is to sleep for a long time. We will sleep until we wake up near the next stop to the park. Oh, the bus has passed the legendary Auntie Kim's shop. Oh, it's a pity that I didn't get to see Auntie Kim, who everyone talks about. But it's okay, next time.

The tour bus will stop here around noon. There are restrooms available for 3 baht per use. We will have lunch while waiting for the bus to depart. We need to wait until there are 10 people. The average cost per person is 30 baht. If there are less than 10 people, we will have to pay extra. This is common knowledge. If you want to buy anything, do it here as it is much cheaper (please use a high-pitched voice). As for the OP and their friend, they have prepared instant noodles to stock up.

Simple living, easy eating, and single too. #statement ^^ P.S. There are only a few curry rice dishes to choose from, so let's just eat them.

There are less than 10 people, but we will leave soon. Otherwise, the officials will not allow us to enter the park because it is open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. As I said, we will have to pay an additional 10 baht per person, making it 40 baht.

Santa Claus has a beard, but my heart only has you. Whee...

Leaping off the songthaew, excitement and anticipation fill every step as the next chapter unfolds.

________________________________________________________Please make sure to purchase your ticket to climb Phu Kradueng in advance. The ticket price is 40 baht, which has recently increased from 20 baht.

Camping on the premises costs 60 baht per night (120 baht for 2 nights). Please register your name (only one person is required) and indicate the number of people as 2.

Please exchange your ticket and register your phone number again before boarding. This sign indicates the actual boarding point.

13.20 p.m. Tiny feet stepped onto the path of Phu Kradueng, which many people have said is a path of friendship and a test of love. [No wonder it smells like armpits] Yeeeeeeeeee...'true love'

Initially, while comfortably resting at home, I pondered the notion of this path serving as a test of true love and a symbol of friendship. However, upon arriving here, even before reaching the first rest stop, I realized that this was indeed the province of Loei. Rather, it is a path of camaraderie, where those descending the mountain encourage those ascending with words of support. Some inform them of the distance remaining, while others assure them that they are nearing their destination. These voices, a constant presence along the way, embody the spirit of friendship that everyone extends to one another on this arduous journey. It is worth noting that a simple smile exchanged between those ascending and descending can bring immense joy, although such encounters may be infrequent due to everyone's exhaustion.

The phrase "the path proves true love" suggests that if a couple does not truly love each other, they will break up. This is because, in a loving relationship, the man will be more physically resilient and will walk faster to reach the destination sooner. The woman, on the other hand, may not have as much stamina and may need to walk slower. This can lead to the woman feeling tired and wanting to stop, while the man continues walking. This can cause frustration and arguments, leading to the question of whether they should break up. However, some couples are able to overcome this challenge by walking hand-in-hand, which can be a heartwarming sight for single people observing them.

Sam Haek, the first destination, is tiring. Let's take a break.

On the trail to Phu Kradueng, food, clothing, and drinks at Sam Haek are cheaper than at other camps. The higher you go, the more expensive it gets. When you're tired, a 10-baht slice of watermelon can be a lifesaver. It's sweet and refreshing. I recommend buying it. The feeling of eating watermelon on Phu Kradueng is unlike anywhere else.

The journey is filled with wonders, but this time, even with the park ranger's assistance, the hiker struggled to descend. While the destination may not always be as crucial as the camaraderie along the way, this particular ascent to the peak of Phu Kradueng has proven too much. Please, let this be the end of it.

We've been walking and eating for a while now, and there's still no sign of our destination. My legs are getting tired from all the walking.

Almost there! Just a little bit more, just a little bit more and we'll reach flat ground. My brain is starting to shut down now.

The moment when hope at the end of the tunnel is about to arrive, I asked the old man carrying the pole if it was near yet. The old man said it was near, just a little more. Oh, the old man has been saying it's near since we started climbing the mountain. If the old man's "a little more" is still ahead, I won't make it. Be careful, old man. We'll meet again for sure.

5:20 PM. After a long and tiring journey, I finally arrived at the campsite. I'm exhausted, but I'm happy to be here. I can't wait to set up my tent and relax.

Upon arriving at the tourist service center, we rented sleeping bags and proceeded to the designated camping area. After setting up camp, we decided to grab some food. The cost of a meal is 60 baht minimum for one dish, 70 baht for two dishes.

After eating, don't forget to buy quicklime to sprinkle around the tent to prevent slugs. Okay... Today was very tiring, so it's worth going to sleep. Tomorrow, a national-level mission still awaits the author and his friends to complete.

Day 2

December 28, 2015

The alarm clock was set for 4:00 a.m., and it dutifully performed its task, silencing the annoying sound with the same efficiency as a hand using an automatic system. After about 10 minutes, despite the biting cold, the decision was made to get out of the tent and take care of personal needs. Next, the group lined up to charge their phones and followed the staff and the crowd to the viewpoint for the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen.

I have been waiting since before 5:00 AM.

With the word "wait"...

The plane climbed to 10,000 feet and then disappeared into the clouds.

We were almost the last two people walking back, and we were still taking it easy.

Pay respects to the Buddha

After eating, they retrieved their charged phones and headed towards Pha Lom Sak by walking along the waterfall.

Unexpectedly, the camera battery died during a crucial moment, resulting in a limited number of captured images. To conserve battery life, the photographer decided to focus on capturing the Pha Lom Sak.

The fork in the path presented a crucial decision: to continue forward or retreat to the tent. However, having come this far, turning back seemed illogical. After all, if comfort had been the priority, the journey would never have begun.

After walking for a while, my feet were killing me. The only solution was to take off my shoes. And then, the pink duck was able to come out and see the wide world.

Upon reaching the Pink Duck Waterfall, the duck immediately transformed into a rotten duck. How is it? Does it feel good on your feet, my child?

The arduous trek along the waterfall's edge, a testament to the mountain's formidable terrain, evokes a sense of both awe and frustration. The winding path, seemingly endless, tests the limits of human endurance. Despite the illusion of proximity, the destination remains elusive, much like the object of one's affection. Scars, etched upon the landscape by countless footsteps, bear witness to the arduous journey undertaken. The question arises: what compels one to endure such self-inflicted torment? Is it the solitary pine tree, precariously perched on the cliff's edge, that serves as the sole reward?

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Finally, we can eat! Eating is more satisfying than conquering Phu Kradueng. At this point, conquering Pha Luom Sak is more satisfying.

Look, there's a coffee shop! The first and only one in Lom Sak. And guess what? They offer free phone charging! It's like a miracle in the desert after months of scorching heat. I've been saving my camera battery for so long. Time to charge it! Let's go!

The restaurant also provides a free diary for writing and recording memories. After that, I took the free mat from the restaurant to lie down and wait for the sunset. However, when the sun was about to set, I couldn't squeeze in to take a picture because there were so many people.

This person is a true idol, so cool.

The return journey was no different from that of an illegal immigrant. We walked along the cliff face in the dead of night, illuminated only by flashlights. The darkness enveloped everything, and we had to dodge bicycles that were constantly whizzing past us. "If I don't fall and become another Natalie, I'll be lucky if my mother even comes to pick me up," one of the girls said. This was just one of the many challenges we faced.

An army marches on its stomach. 20 baht for me, 20 baht for a roasted corn.

It was around 8 pm when I arrived at the tent. The weather was colder than usual today. Before falling asleep, I heard this sound: "Attention tourists, it is now time to stop making noise. Khao Kradong National Park, blah blah blah." Then, there was a loud bang. The sound was so beautiful. After lying down for a while, I heard the tent shaking. Oh no! It was like someone was shaking it hard. It was cold, and they were still playing! Who is it? (I thought to myself) My friend was already asleep. It seemed to stop, but then it came back and shook even harder. Still... still... it wouldn't stop. Don't let me find out who it is, or I'll jump out and give them a free kick! Unable to bear it any longer, I unzipped the tent and walked out with a serious face. It turned out that what I encountered was... the wind. Then, I zipped up the tent and went back to sleep quietly.

Day 3

December 29, 2015

Going down is harder than going up (in my opinion). Because the calves have to bear the full weight, the friction between the feet and shoes is greater than usual. When I walked to the pier, I understood why my feet hurt and burned. When I took off my socks and shoes, I realized that my feet were wounded. So, it was another time when I took off my shoes and walked. I was so hurt that I wanted to cry, but I was too embarrassed. I really cried inside.

Upon landing, he uttered a single sentence: "Hello, Siam. Two rows, 40 baht to the same place I came from. Get off and immediately board the waiting tour bus to return."

Trip Summary:

This is a trip to Phu Kradueng during the rainy season. We will meet again next season for a "Phu Kradueng Revenge Trip." We will survive safely with just a mat, a pillow, and a set of underwear. No need to bring a lot of stuff, it's "heavy and tiring." Even with minimal luggage, I almost threw my backpack away on the side of the road. Who wants to join me for revenge? Please sign up below. The author is single, funny, and friendly. 555+

Special note: Thank you to my lovely friends who went everywhere with me. Sometimes we talked and then went silent. Don't be offended, I was just too tired to speak. Thank you for sharing this experience with me. Pla thanks Phu Kradueng, it was so tiring.

Total expenses:

The bus fare from home to Khon Kaen is 140 baht.

The bus back to Khon Kaen costs 85 baht.

Bus fare from Khon Kaen to Loei: 85 baht.

The songthaew from Phu Kradueng costs 40 baht.

The cost of a songthaew to enter Phu Kradueng National Park is 40 baht.

Entrance fee to Phu Kradueng National Park: 40 Baht

Instant noodles 35 baht

Dinner: 70 baht

The camping fee is 60 baht per person.

15 baht per person

Watermelon 10 baht

Breakfast costs 35 baht per person.

Ice cream 25 baht

Fish donuts + buttered bread 35 baht

70 baht per bed.

Charge 40 baht

20 baht per bag of hydrated lime.

Khao Lam Sak 90 Baht

Tent rental: 20 baht per person.

Green tea 45 baht

Restroom at Lomsak, 10 baht.

Postcard from Lomsak, 15 baht.

Small bottle of water: 30 baht

Rice at Sam Haek before returning 45 baht

Van back home 120 baht

Pepsi 35 baht

Grilled corn for 20 baht.

Total 1,275 Baht

See you again. Bye.

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