"Once in a lifetime, we are the conquerors of Phu Kradueng." Every time we read or see this sign, it makes us want to go there even more. We've talked about it before, and we decided that we have to go there at least once. We started researching, and our desire grew stronger. We called our partner and asked, "Do you want to go to Phu Kradueng?" She replied, "Let's go!" So, we booked bus tickets first. This time, we booked VIP seats on the Sun Bus from Bangkok to Loei, but we got off at the Pha Nok Khao bus stop. The price per seat was 582 baht. We booked a round trip for two people, which cost 2,408 baht. We booked three months in advance. Then, we booked a tent from the National Park website: http://nps.dnp.go.th//reservation.php?option=tent. We booked a tent for 225 baht per night, 2 nights for 450 baht. We paid the booking fee at Krung Thai Bank and kept the receipt to submit to the park on the day of our stay. During these three months, we exercised by running because, from what we researched, we understood that our bodies needed to be fit enough. The walking distance is quite far. Being fit might give us an advantage. Haha! We're ready. Let's go!

On January 25th, 2017, after work, we returned to our room to collect our backpacks before heading to Don Mueang International Airport to catch a bus. The bus was scheduled to depart at 10:00 PM, but it was actually 16 minutes late. No worries, we can forgive that. Initially, we were curious about what the Sun Bus experience would be like, as it was our first time using their service. Upon boarding the bus, we were pleasantly surprised by the spacious and comfortable seats. We give it a thumbs up! We then slept soundly until we reached Pha Nok Khao.

On January 26th, 2017, we arrived at 5:30 AM and walked to Je Kim's shop, which sells food and souvenirs and has restrooms available. We then boarded a red songthaew, a shared taxi that transports tourists from Pha Nok Khao to Phu Kradueng National Park. The vehicle stopped at the park's entrance, where we registered with park officials, informing them of our lodging and the number of people ascending. We then proceeded to the back, where the ascent path begins. Those who want to employ porters to carry their belongings uphill must register at a pavilion-like structure before the climb. The porters weigh the luggage and charge 30 baht per kilogram. We, on the other hand, decided to test our limits and carry our 9 kg backpacks (sounds impressive, doesn't it?). Ready... set... go! (looking very fit).

After a short walk, you will find a row of Conqueror's Staffs (walking sticks) to choose from. Choose a light one, or it will become a burden. After a while, I thought to myself, "I've heard people complain about how tiring it is, but I want to try it myself." After just the first 500 meters, my tongue was hanging out. What do you think, young man? You're practically crawling.

Along the way, I gazed up at the sky, taking deep breaths.

The first kilometer was a real challenge! We were all gasping for air. 555+

On the way, we met a porter who saw a woman. Amazing, I'm impressed.

The ascent gradually presents a variety of forms.

Along the way, we stopped to take photos and found a fallen red maple leaf. Feeling refreshed, we continued our journey.

Each market stall sold food, drinks, and most notably, watermelon. We each bought a piece, which was incredibly refreshing.

The path ahead seems to be getting more challenging. Let's keep fighting!

As we approached the summit of Khao Paeng, we encountered fellow hikers descending the trail. Nearly everyone offered words of encouragement as we passed. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, as if everyone knew each other. One couple, in particular, greeted us warmly, making us feel welcome. Upon reaching the summit, we had covered 5.5 kilometers in 3 hours!

From here, it is a 3.5 km journey on flat ground to the Wankwang Tourist Service Center campsite.

We have arrived at the campsite. Next, we need to contact the staff to rent bedding. The bedding prices are as follows:

Pillows 10 baht/night/person

Extra bed: 20 baht/night/person

Sleeping bag 30 baht/night/person

Blanket 30 baht/night/person

Large blanket (Toto) 50 baht/night/person

We opted to rent only pillows, sleeping mats, and large blankets. As for the tent, we presented the payment confirmation to the staff, who then allowed us to choose one to our liking. We selected a tent that was not too far from the restrooms for convenience. While walking around to choose, we encountered a young deer, a local resident of the area.

After setting up our tents, we started to feel hungry and went to a restaurant for dinner. As usual, we ordered our go-to dish, stir-fried minced pork with basil. The food prices here are reasonable, with a plate of stir-fried rice costing 60 baht. Almost all restaurants offer free battery charging, so we were able to charge our devices. Interestingly, there is also a place that sells grilled pork sets for 500 baht. It smelled delicious, but we had already ordered our stir-fried rice and decided to try it tomorrow. After dinner, we went back to our tents to rest for a while before heading to Pha Mak Duk to watch the sunset, which was another 2.2 km walk. Around 4 pm, we grabbed our cameras and essentials and left our tents to find the way to Pha Mak Duk. It was funny because two of us couldn't find the way even though we had printed a map. We saw a group of young people walking towards the center of the campsite and decided to follow them since we didn't know the way. After walking with them for a while, we finally found the maple tree.

The path leading to Pha Mak Duk is lined with pine trees on both sides, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of being in Korea.

It took about 40 minutes to reach Pha Mak Duk, where we waited to watch the sunset. This time felt like a break in itself. We talked about what we would do the next day, where to go first. Initially, we planned to watch the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen and then the sunset at Pha Luam Sak in the evening. After discussing, we decided not to wait for the sunset at Pha Luam Sak because we didn't want to walk back in the dark. We were scared! After planning our hike for a while, the sun began to set on the horizon.

We watched the sun set and then returned to our campsite. We showered, ate dinner, and posted photos on Facebook before going to sleep. We planned to wake up early the next morning to watch the sunrise at Pha Nok Aen. The night was very cold, and the large blankets we rented did little to help. We were so cold that we barely slept and were awake most of the night.

January 27th, 2017. We woke up at 4:30 am to the sound of the alarm clock. We decided to postpone our trip to the next day as it was too cold. The next morning, it was even colder than the previous night. We abandoned our plan to visit the Swallow's Nest. We slept until 9 am, then woke up to shower, brush our teeth, and have breakfast. We decided to make Phalom Sak our first destination and explore other places along the way. And then...we set off!

The first location we encountered along the trail was the waterfall zone, which included the Phaen Phop Mai Waterfall, the Phon Phop Waterfall, and the Phaen Phop Waterfall. We met a man and his girlfriend again, exchanged greetings, and continued our hike.

We then walked up to the intersection leading to the Phra Phuttha Metta. The path was lined with beautiful pine trees on both sides, and there were many strange and wonderful flowers that we had never seen before.

After paying respects at the temple, we continued our journey, taking breaks as needed (either to rest or to take photos).

After a short walk, we arrived at the Grand Cave Waterfall. Wow, there were red maple leaves to capture!

Walking past the Anodat pond, I was tempted to jump in for a swim. The water was so cold that I could only dip my hand in.

After a while, we started to feel hungry and unpacked the rice parcels we had brought from our accommodation to eat on the way. It's important to note that there are no shops along the way to Pha Lom Sak, so you need to bring your own rice from the accommodation or camping area. We each had a set of sticky rice and fried pork. After we were full, we continued walking. At this point, we started to think, "Why is it so far?" We walked for a long time on a path that was sometimes sandy and sometimes dirt. During the sandy sections, the sand was very fine and white, like we were walking on a beach somewhere. This place is worth it, both Korea and the sea! We walked until we were tired and looked up to see a rest stop. "Hey! Are we there yet?" we asked. "We've been walking for so long that our legs are about to fall off!" We stopped to buy some water first, wanting some ice-cold water to refresh ourselves. Then we went to have coffee and brownie at the Chompoo Ma Meow coffee shop. This shop is another signature spot here. Most people who come to Pha Lom Sak stop by this shop. The owner is very kind and friendly.

After resting, we walked to the front to take photos at the popular corner of Pha Lom Sak. We took turns taking photos of each other. As soon as I finished taking photos of myself, my model suddenly became afraid of heights and didn't dare to take photos for me. Oh, we came so far. You won't let me have any photos? After talking for a while, she agreed to take photos for me, but with the condition that I use a tripod and she would only press the shutter. She didn't dare to go down to the rock where the cliff face was visible. I would like to mention here that we didn't set up the tripod for a long time because we were considerate of other friends who also wanted to take photos at this angle. I've seen some people on a page set it up so that others can't take photos. In fact, everyone wants to have a memorable photo with that place. Let's be considerate of each other. Let's share the photos and be friendly with each other.

We have the photos we wanted, so we're heading back. As I mentioned, we're not waiting for the sunset here because we're afraid of the dark. We're taking a different route back, a path that runs along the cliff face. According to the map, we'll pass by Pha Daeng, Pha Hieab Mek, Pha Na Noi, Pha Jam See, and Pha Mak Dook before turning left to the campsite. The total distance is 9 kilometers. My favorite spot was Pha Hieab Mek. We walked until it got dark at Pha Mak Dook, just like the first day we arrived. Here, we started to see other hikers heading back after walking alone for a long time.

We arrived at the tent after 7 pm and immediately went to take a shower. The water was freezing cold, like ice, and it made us feel numb. After showering, we went to eat the barbecue we had been looking forward to. One set was enough for two people, and we couldn't finish it. We were so full and sleepy that we almost fell asleep at the table. We were exhausted, so we rented another sleeping bag each and stuffed them with blankets. We slept soundly that night, completely drained from the day's activities.

Waking up at 4:30 am like yesterday, I felt lazy, but I had already come here, so I had to go. After finishing my personal business, I walked to the command center, which is the assembly point. There will be officers leading the procession to Pha Nok Aen because the time we set out is still the time when wild animals are still out and about, including elephants. Therefore, it is necessary to have officers with us. The officers will announce the night before the trip that we must gather at the command center. It is strictly forbidden to go on our own. It is dangerous. From the tent site to Pha Nok Aen, the distance is about 2 km. We walked through the cold wind and darkness for a while before reaching Pha Nok Aen. We can choose our favorite places to take pictures. Wait for the sun to rise from the horizon. This time is very beautiful. The light gradually shines from the horizon until the sun rises fully.

The sky is bright, and the market is closed. People are starting to walk back to their accommodation, including the two of us. When we arrived at the tent, we saw the same old dog. I don't know if it was guarding the tent or not, but it posed for a picture. Aw, it's begging for attention.

Upon reaching the tent, we packed our belongings and returned the bedding to the rental location. We stopped for a meal to regain our energy before bidding farewell to Phu Kradueng. The distance remained the same, 9 km (really?). We walked to the back of the Pa, taking a quick photo with the sign to commemorate our conquest (we're leaving now, so we can brag a little, haha).

The descent took approximately five hours, with more frequent rest stops than the ascent. This was due to fatigue accumulated over two days of trekking, resulting in diminished strength and increased reliance on leg strength for support during the descent. We found the descent to be twice as tiring as the ascent. As you can see from the photos, the conditions were challenging. Upon reaching the bottom, we noticed a newly constructed shelter for conquering heroes, which was not present during our ascent.

The park provides restrooms and showers for visitors. We showered there before taking the red truck back to where we were dropped off. We returned to Pha Nok Khao and waited for the 7:30 p.m. Sun Bus from Loei. We arrived at Pha Nok Khao around 8:20 p.m. and returned to Bangkok safely.

This journey has taught us many valuable lessons. We learned the importance of regular exercise to prepare for life's challenges. We witnessed the beauty of friendship with strangers who encouraged us throughout our ascent and descent. We observed the challenging lives of porters who carry heavy loads up the mountain, reminding us to persevere in our own endeavors. We realized that situations don't always go as planned, and adaptability is crucial. We discovered that happiness doesn't require material wealth. Traveling is our true joy. We hope our journey inspires others, even in small ways. Thank you for reading. Farewell.