Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately 186.5 square kilometers (116,562 rai) in Bueng Kan Province, spanning Bueng Khong Long, Bung Khla, and Seka districts, near the Lao border. The elevation ranges from 150 to 300 meters above sea level.

The landscape is characterized by isolated sandstone mountains formed through tectonic uplift and millions of years of erosion, creating vast “stone plateaus” with grooves, basins, and unusual rock formations.

The sanctuary includes dry dipterocarp forest, dry evergreen forest, and moist evergreen forest, resulting in high biodiversity. Notably, carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and sundews thrive in nutrient-poor soils on the rock surfaces.

Phu Wua is also an important habitat for wild elephants in northeastern Thailand, along with other wildlife such as barking deer, wild boars, and various bird species.

One of the key highlights is “Lan America,” a large rocky plateau that was once a historical operation site. Today, it serves as a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views, including across the Mekong River into Laos.

The sanctuary is also home to several sandstone waterfalls, most beautiful during the rainy season, including:

• Tham Fun Waterfall, featuring a cliffside stream and long rock shelters

• Chet Si Waterfall, where sunlight creates rainbow-like mist

• Phu Tham Phra Waterfall, located in and spiritual forest area

• Chanaen Waterfall, a large two-tiered waterfall about 100 meters wide

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How to Get There

• BY Car: From Bueng Kan town, take Highway 212 toward Nakhon Phanom. At Ban Chaiyaphon, turn right onto Highway 2026 and continue via Ban Phu Ngoen. Total distance is 28-30 km.From Phu Tok, take the Ban Na Tong–Ban Don Chik route (about 14 km). The road is narrow and requires caution

• BY Public Transport:Take a bus or van from Bueng Kan to Nakhon Phanom and get off at Ban Chaiyaphon. From there, hire a local vehicle to the sanctuary (limited availability).

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Travel Tips

• Best time to visit is August–October when waterfalls are full and seasonal flowers bloom

• Bring at least 2 liters of water and wear non-slip hiking shoes

• Remote trails require a ranger guide; book in advance

• Prepare insect repellent and leech protection during rainy season

• Follow all conservation rules, especially no littering and minimal noise

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Admission Fee:

• Thai visitors: Adults 20 THB / Children 10 THB

• Foreign visitors: Adults 200 THB / Children 100 THB

• Car fee: 30 THB

• Camping fee: 30 THB per person per night

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM Visitors should arrive before 02:00 PM for trekking routes