Stunning Phu Rhea National Park

Back in 2016, when I lived in Nong Khai, way up in the North of Thailand, I took a road trip up and around The National Parks, of which Phu Rhea is one.

A very cool and slightly overcast day greeted us at the summit, which we arrived at by car.
With a few interspersed shots of sunshine, it was a welcome break from the heat in the valleys below.

Phu Ruae is a lofty table-top mountain overspread with pine trees. Its distinctive point is the overhanging cliff resembling a giant junk's prow. Phu Ruae national park covers an area of 75,525 rai (120.84 km.2) in Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Phu Ruea.

Located in Nong Bua, Phu Ruea and spreading across into the Tha Li districts, the park covers a total area of 121 square kilometers, with the northern tip reaching the Thai-Laos border. This mountain and lofty plateau is dotted with rows of pine trees and an overhanging cliff that resembles the bow of a sailboat. The surrounded area is punctuated by sandstone and granite peaks and populated by wildlife such as bears, deer, hyena, pheasants and big-headed turtles. The high altitude means the climate is cool all year round, in fact it’s the coolest national park in all of Thailand, according to statistics.

October to March are particular chilly and you can often see frost or frozen dew, known as ‘mae kaning’ in Thai, clinging to the plants and grass up near the peak. The park’s most interesting spots and attractions are as follows : -Decho viewpoint is an elevated spot perfect for watching the sun rise and on clear days visitors can see Loei’s mountain peaks in all their glory stretching as far as the eye can see. -
Phu Ruea Peak is the highest point in the park at 1,365 meters above sea level and is surrounded by grassy plains, rocky areas and both natural and cultivated pine forests.