The Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Thailand's most important wildlife reserves and covers 186 sq km of rugged forest along some hills along the Mekong River. The forest is flush with waterfalls (only active during or just after the rainy season) and is reputedly home to leopards, bears, pheasants monkeys and also about three dozen elephants, which can occasionally be encountered on walks.
Staying at the reserve is technically possible with written permission from the Wildlife Conservation Office, but it is much easier to arrange a homestay at Ban Kham Pia.
