Phu Ruea National Park

📍 Location of Phu Ruea National Park 🚘 Directions to Phu Ruea National Park

About Phu Ruea National Park

The allure of the morning sunrise is a sight to behold at this particular spot. The experience is highly dependent on the weather conditions. On a clear day, the sunrise is nothing short of impressive, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. However, on a cloudy day, the spectacle might be less than satisfying. The location is not just about the sunrise, it also boasts beautiful flower gardens and a Buddhist shrine at the top of the mountain. It is also known as one of the coolest places in Thailand, with temperatures dropping to as low as 13 degrees.

However, the location has been criticized for its dual pricing system. The entrance fee for locals is significantly lower than that for foreigners, which has led to some visitors feeling discriminated against. This practice is common in Thai national parks, but it has been a point of contention for many tourists. Some visitors have found ways around this by using local identification, such as a Thai driving license.

The journey to the summit is an adventure in itself. Visitors have the option to hike or drive up the winding road. There is ample parking at a small welcome center near the top. From there, one can either walk or take a songtaew, a local form of transport, to the summit. The final walk up is not steep but a gradual incline, offering plenty of scenic views along the way.

The view from the summit is described as breathtaking, giving a feeling of being on top of the world. The panoramic view extends over 180 degrees, and on a clear day, one can see as far as neighboring Laos. The sight of being above the layers of clouds is simply fabulous.

For those who choose to hike, it's important to note that the trail is not well marked. Some hikers have reported getting lost along the way. The rangers may provide misleading information about the distance to the top. Despite this, the views along the trail are beautiful, although it can get hazy in February. The top of the mountain is very manicured and designed to cater to tourists.

The national park is located west of Loei town. The road leading to the park is quite good, although the climb up the high mountain range can be slow. The entrance fee for the park is 30 baht for Thais and 240 baht for non-Thais. About a kilometer from the mountain top, there is a car park, picnic facilities, and toilets. From here, visitors can either walk to the top or pay an additional fee to travel up in a small truck. The views, gardens, and air at the top are described as quite magical and well worth the trip.

Despite the beauty of the location, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the additional costs. Some have reported being forced to pay extra to take a songthaew for the last kilometer to the top, even when they had their own transport. This has been seen as an unnecessary expense and has left some visitors feeling extorted. Despite these issues, the stunning views and unique experience make the location worth a visit.