Phu Ruea National Park
# Phu Ruea National Park

Phu Ruea National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเรือ) is a national park in Loei Province, Thailand. The park is centred on Phu Ruea mountain, a popular, scenic peak in the Phetchabun Mountains. The park was established on 26 July 1979.

## Geography

Phu Ruea National Park is 52 kilometres (32 mi) west of Loei town in Nong Bua Sub-district, Phu Ruea District and also Tha Li District. The park's area is 75,525 rai ~ 121 square kilometres (47 sq mi).

Phu Ruea mountain is 1,365 metres (4,478 ft) high and experiences some of Thailand's coldest temperatures. In December and January temperatures here can fall below freezing. Phu Ruea means 'boat mountain', a name inspired by the shape of a cliff at the peak.

The peak of Phu Ruea offers views of the Mekong and Hueang Rivers and Laos. The park has numerous waterfalls, the highest of which is the Huai Phai waterfall at 30 metres (100 ft). Pha Sam Thong is a large cliff.

Other peaks within the park include Phusun at 1,035 metres (3,396 ft) and Phuku at 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

## Flora and fauna

Types of forest in the park include mixed deciduous, deciduous dipterocarp, dry evergreen, and coniferous. Plant species include orchids such as Phalaenopsis pulcherrima, Rhynchostylis retusa and various Vanda and Dendrobium species as well as various rhododendron such as Rhododendron simsii and Rhododendron $lyi.^{:127–128}$

Animal species include sun bear, northern red muntjac, sambar deer, dhole, black giant squirrel and Siamese hare. Bird life in the park includes red junglefowl, Siamese fireback, yellow-vented bulbul, greater coucal, plain prinia, coppersmith barbet, Asian barred owlet as well as brown-throated $sunbird.^{:126}$ The endangered big-headed turtle is present in the park.

