The Main Trail to the top from Amphoe Phu Kradueng[edit]
This is a very old and historic trail about 5.5 km in length, climbing the southeastern flank of the mountain. It starts from the main park office in Amphoe Phu Kradueng, at an elevation of about 300 m. There are many places to rest on the way up. These rest plateaus are called Sam (ซำ). At each there are several vendors selling food and drinks, and some provide toilet facilities and/or medical services as well. There are eight of these on the way up. In order of ascent, they are:
Sam Haek (ซำแฮก) - This rest area is located approximately 1000 metres from the starting point, on an intermediate plateau immediately above a very steep section of the trail. Most Thai visitors believe the word haek (แฮก) means "to be out of breath", "to pant", because of its resemblance to the sound made when out of breath. However, the real meaning is sacred or holy object in the local dialect.
Sam Bon (ซำบอน) - This rest area is approximately 700 metres from Sam Haek.
Sam Kok Kork (ซำกกกอก) - This rest area is approximately 440 metres from Sam Bon.
Sam Ko Sang (ซำกอซาง) - This rest area is approximately 200 metres from Sam Kok Kork.
Sam Kok Wa (ซำกกหว้า) - This rest area is approximately 580 metres from Sam Ko Sang.
Sam Kok Phai (ซำกกไผ่) - This rest area is approximately 460 metres from Sam Kok Wa.
Sam Kok Don (ซำกกโดน) - This rest area is approximately 300 metres from Sam Kok Phai.
Sam Khrae (ซำแคร่) - This rest area is approximately 450 metres from Sam Kok Don.