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Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, Loei
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| Phu Luang, literally meaning “big mountain”, covers an area of about 848 square kilometers in the districts of Wang Saphung, Phu Ruea, Dan Sai and Phu Luang. The plateau atop Phu Luang covers about 140 square kilometers. Phu Luang consists of many mountains with the altitude ranging 400 – 1,550 meters above sea level, the highest peak being the 1571 meters high names Phu Khwang.
The 3 seasons on Phu Luang have much lower temperatures than their counterparts at the ground level. Summer during February-April has an average temperature of about 20 – 24 degrees Celsius. The rainy season during May – October has similar temperatures drops to an average of 0 – 16 degrees Celsius. On some days during November – January, temperature can drop down to 4 degree Celsius.
Such low temperature makes Phu Luang a haven of temperate plants such as coniferous trees, maples, peach, and more than 160 varieties of wild orchids. Other attractions in Phu Luang are rock cliffs, rock gardens, scenic trails, and dinosaur’s footprint of more than 120 million years ago at Khok Pha Taloen in the eastern Sanctuary.
Many forests grow in this Sanctuary. Deciduous forests with many varieties of trees at the altitude of 400 – 600 meters contain such big trees as Dipterocarpus obtusfolis, Terminalia alata, Lagerstrosmia cuspidate. In the dry evergreen forests at the altitude of 400 – 1,000 meters grows, for instance, eaglewood, Lithcapus trachycarpus and wild hog plum, etc…The alpine primeval forests grow at the altitude of above 1,000 meters. Along the creeks and valleys, prominent plants are maples, oak and pine. Phu Luang sis distinguished for its coniferous woodlands, meadows, and rock terrain. It is further charmed with numerous wild flowers, which alternately bloom to add life and color to the forest. The Forestry Department has allowed access for eco-tourism to only the area in Amphoe Wang Saphung. Besides, tourists are limited only to designated areas during October-April. Interested persons can contact Wildlife Conservation Division, Royal Forest Department.
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