Thinking about a weekend in Loei, with a trek/climb to the top of Phu Kradung. Next weekend. Its nine kilometers to the top.... Im 40, with a bit of a pot belly lol and not very fit. I have occasional spells where I go the gym for a few weeks at a time (then give up for a couple months) and im always ok with an hour or two regular excercise but as I said, i definatley would not say i am fit.

So has anyone reading this done this trek? How hard is it? Would a 40 year old bloke of below average fitness genuinely be able to make it to the top with experiencing at least one heart attack?

Is a weekend in Loei a good trip away without doing this mountain? Im with the mrs so its going to be a chilled weekend anyway. Im not looking for bars and stuff. Just a nice trip away, see some cool things, chill out a bit and come back.

Any input greatly appreciated.

I say go for it. You certainly won’t be alone up there and you don’t need to carry your own gear if you don’t want to. This is the time of year to get up in the mountains of Thailand and enjoy some cooler weather and great views.

I've also wanted to go up this mountain for some time. I've been up neighbouring hills, Pu Kieow and another one. I met the Head policeman of Pu Kradeung recently and he offered to take me up in a helicopter. I think I'll recline his offer as he was very drunk at the time. But an option is to pay for the helicopter ride up. There are many nice little cabins to stay the night, I heard.

There are various videos of the climb on you tube. Perhaps they would give you an idea.

I'm about the same as you,, 46 years of age, bit of a belly due to too many Leos

Done It about 3 years ago,, make sure you got plenty of water on you,, as you will be slurping that down you,, like there's no tomorrow,

They have people to carry your stuff up for you,, think they weigh It, and then charge you by the kilo,,( I'm not gay ) but check out the legs on them,,, they have got cows instead of calf's

Half way up there is a place where you can sit down,, have some food and some refreshments,,, catch your breath,, and then off you go again.

The view at the top is well worth the ,, gasps , puffs, moans and the pain you will go through in making It to the top.

Mate of mine did it and loved it. Funny bit was he saw a little fat Thai kid being carried in like a hammock up by 2 guides. Not sure what being carried up would cost. Apparently beware wild elephants! Youtube cow bell mountain or Phu Kradung.

If your in that region just near Si Chompu is a really majestic temple called Wat Tum seng tum. I've climbed that more than once and it really is a beautiful view at the top and the temple is inside a mountain. Just another suggestion.

There is an official Phu Kradung website on the net. Explains it all.

Edited November 14, 201312 yr by krisb

There are various videos of the climb on you tube. Perhaps they would give you an idea.

Like this one...

I have no idea, but I also want to give it a try.

Real appreciate the feedback people thank you. Im gonna go for it.... For what I can gather it is more of a trek, than an actual climb so I guess its just something you have to 'soldier on' with. Head down, i-pod on, and get on with it. I know, I make it sound like a chore or a task and I guess it kinda is just that.... I just want to acomplish the trek, I guess. The views are supposed to be incredible and I love the mountains up north.

Thanks again for the feedback, ill re-post how I got on next week

I would go for it. I climbed snowdon last year when back in the uk and I am over 40, a smoker and carrying some timber.

I won't deny it was hard at times but was very satisfying to reach the top.

Not sure how hot it will be, maybe a dawn start may be an idea though.

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