Phu Ruea National Park covers areas in Phu Ruea and Tha Li districts of Loei Province, with its northern boundary adjoining Laos. The park’s terrain resembles a large ship perched atop a high mountain, with some rocks shaped as if sculpted, locally called “Kwan Samor.” Surrounding peaks are often shrouded in mist, creating a serene atmosphere amid lush forests, covering an area of approximately 120.84 square kilometers.

In 1976, the Director-General of the Forestry Department and the provincial officer of Loei recommended promoting Phu Ruea forest as a tourist destination. Subsequent surveys confirmed that the area had rich natural resources, including forests, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, making it suitable for designation as a national park.

The name “Phu Ruea” comes from a mountain that juts out like a large sailboat, and the plateau on its summit resembles a ship’s hull. The proposal to establish the area as a national park was approved in 1978 and officially declared in the Royal Gazette in 1979, making it Thailand’s 16th national park.

The park’s terrain consists of high, complex mountains with sandstone and granite formations, interspersed with plateaus. The highest peak, Phu Ruea, rises 1,365 meters above sea level. Other notable peaks include Phu San at 1,035 meters and Phu Ku at 1,000 meters. These mountains are the source of several streams, such as Huai Nam Dan, Huai Bong, Huai Kiang Na, Huai Sai Khao, Huai Tio, and Huai Phai, which feed beautiful waterfalls throughout the park.

Phu Ruea has a cool climate year-round, with extremely cold temperatures in winter that cause frost on the grass, locally called “Mae Ka Ning.” The park features a variety of forests, including mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp, evergreen, and pine forests. The summit areas include pine forests, natural rock gardens, and grasslands. Ground-level plants include wild roses, mosses, ferns, and numerous beautiful orchids such as Ma Wing, Sam Poi, I Ya Ret, Euang Kham, Euang Phueng, and Euang Ngern, blooming in succession throughout the year.

Wildlife is abundant, including bears, muntjacs, wild boars, barking deer, monkeys, black squirrels, Siamese firebacks, junglefowls, rabbits, turtles, and many species of birds. During winter, migratory birds from China are often observed in large numbers.

Phu Ruea National Park is therefore a place for tourism, relaxation, education, and environmental conservation, suitable for visitors of all ages.

road to the peak	viewpoint of the peak	Phurau Summit	Phurau Summit		Phurua Summit	Phurua Summit	Phurua Summit

• By private car: Approximately 60 km from Loei town via Highway 21.

• By public bus: Available from Loei town during the tourist season.

• Access roads within the park are well-maintained, allowing visitors to reach viewpoints and waterfalls safely.

• Wear appropriate shoes for hiking.

• Bring water and necessary supplies.

• Prepare warm clothing, especially for early mornings and winter visits.

• Respect nature and do not litter.

• Use designated camping areas for safety.

Admission Fee

• Thai adults: 40 THB, Thai children: 20 THB

• Foreign adults: 200 THB, Foreign children: 100 THB

Opening Hours

• 05:00 – 20:00 daily