Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary

Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary is a large protected area in Phu Luang District, Loei Province, northeastern Thailand, covering about 848 square kilometers on the Phu Luang mountain range. Established in 1974, it is known for its cool climate, pine forests, open savanna meadows, and diverse wildlife including wild Asian elephants. The sanctuary features high peaks such as Phu Lo at 1,571 meters and is noted for endemic orchids and seasonal wildflowers.

Visitors can expect a remote mountainous sanctuary with pine forests, grassy savanna plateaus, cool misty climate and limited developed tourism infrastructure. Access is controlled and requires advance permission from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Exploration is typically with ranger guidance along forest trails and viewpoints, with opportunities to observe wild elephants from a distance, diverse birds, orchids including Lady's Slipper orchids, and seasonal wildflowers. Facilities are basic and centered at the headquarters and ranger stations.

Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 under Thailand's Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act to protect the Phu Luang mountain ecosystem. It was established to conserve watershed forests, pine and evergreen forests, and important wildlife habitats, particularly for wild Asian elephants, and is managed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The Phu Luang mountain is regarded locally as an important natural landmark in Loei Province and supports traditional forest-related livelihoods of surrounding communities; the sanctuary is valued for nature education and conservation awareness.