Phu Kradeung, Loei Province
Phu Kradeung is a famous sandstone plateau in Loei province. Its steep gradients present a tough challenge for young and old. Once you are up there, you can hire tents and camping gear. There are eateries and washrooms and enough to keep you busy for a few days at least. Read my blog entry for a full description of the climb. To get to the base for an early start you need to book a stay nearby - there are several basic resorts to choose from.
Above: Lom Sak Ledge makes for a great photo.
Porters can carry your stuff for 30 baht per kilo, you collect at the top. Some of the loads weigh 50 kgs and up. Pictured below: a porter rest-station
and collecting your gear at the top.
and collecting your gear at the top.
Absolutely everything in the plateau restaurants
has to be carried up by porters.
has to be carried up by porters.
Above: Allow 4.5 hours to go up and another 4 to come down. Look out for the bad-knee-man by the Mekong River when you come down. His selection of remedies can probably fix things!
Below: This Thai guy was 73, and going up and down same day. Cheery as you like - wow!
Below: This Thai guy was 73, and going up and down same day. Cheery as you like - wow!
Left & above: Mostly the track follows a well-worn path, or requires scrambling over boulders, but when it is too steep, there are steps and handrails. The steepest parts are right at the top and a section near the start.
Above L to R: Cliff-top viewpoints for sunsets; cross-section showing way-stations for drinks, eats and toilets; hire a bike with sand-tyres for getting through the beach-like parts of the plateau.
Below: You assemble at 04.30 to trek to the cliff for sunrise. Follow an Army guy leading the way.
Below: You assemble at 04.30 to trek to the cliff for sunrise. Follow an Army guy leading the way.
