Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Siam Society is holding a study trip to the Northeast to explore Phu Ruea National Park and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, from Feb 24-26.

Located about 50km west of Loei province, which is hailed as the emerald of the northeastern region, Phu Ruea National Park covers around 120km², with the highest point of the ridge offering one of the country’s most spectacular panoramas.

The land drops away sharply on the Lao side, allowing views over towns and villages to countless green-ridged mountains spreading towards Luang Prabang. To the northwest rises Phu Soy Dao on Laos’ western border, and to the south are the Phetchabun mountains. The forest at Phu Luang, meanwhile, is home to an estimated 40-50 wild elephants, along with tigers, mountain goats, barking deer, monkeys, gibbons and many other animals.

Situated more than 1,500m above sea level, the 560,000 rai of this extensive plateau was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and can be entered only for scientific and educational purposes.

The skirts of the mountain are forested with deciduous and evergreen formations, but the most rewarding part is the 100km² plateau on top. Phu Luang is also reputed as one of the most crucial sanctuaries for orchids in Asia, as within its 100km² it supports about 160 species, some of them rare and some of them unique to northwest Isan.

This weekend trip will be led by Thailand’s outstanding naturalist and scientist Weerachai Nanakorn. The fee is 24,500 baht (23,500 baht for members) and will cover transportation, two-night accommodation and meals.

Email [email protected] or call 02-661-6470–3 ext 205 between 9am and 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday.