Approximately twenty percent of the total area of Thailand is still covered by forest. Most of this forest cover has been maintained as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves and other forms of protected areas. Each forest has its own distinctive characteristics with varied fauna and flora. Some, like Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, are cool all year round and abound with beautiful birds. Some, such as Huay Kha Khaeng, are dry and hot. On the other hand, places like Khao Sok are damp, humid and wet.

The forest at Phu Luang, our destination for this trip, is home to an estimated 40-50 wild Thai elephants, along with tigers, mountain goats, barking deer, monkeys, gibbons and many other animals. The 560,000 rai of this extensive plateau was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and can be entered only for scientific and educational purposes.

Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary rises more than 1,500 meters above sea level. The skirts of the mountain are forested with deciduous and evergreen formations, but the most rewarding part is the 100-square-kilometre plateau on top. Phu Luang is one of the most crucial sanctuaries for orchids in Asia, for within its 100 square kilometres it supports about 160 species, some of them rare and some of them unique to northwest Isan.

The Natural History Section of the Siam Society has obtained special permission for a limited number of members to take part in this trip, which will be led by Thailand’s outstanding naturalist and scientist, Dr Weerachai Nanakorn, 1st Vice President and Honorary Leader of the Natural History Section.

Please note that this programme requires attendees to be in good physical health condition. We will be spending two nights at a resort near the mountain at an elevation of 500 metres. Amenities and dietary choices may be limited.