Mae Charim Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected natural area in northern Thailand known for its rich biodiversity and rugged mountainous terrain, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and trekking.
Established in 1993, Mae Charim Wildlife Sanctuary covers a vast expanse of mountainous terrain in Nan Province, northern Thailand. It protects a range of habitats including evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and hill evergreen forests, which support diverse wildlife species such as the Indochinese tiger, gaur, Asiatic black bear, and various bird species including hornbills and pheasants. The sanctuary's steep valleys and ridges are part of the Luang Prabang mountain range, contributing to its varied elevation and microclimates. Visitors can explore several trekking routes through dense forest and along river valleys, experiencing remote landscapes with limited human disturbance. The sanctuary is a crucial conservation area in Northern Thailand, playing an important role in protecting endangered species and preserving watersheds critical to local communities. Aside from wildlife viewing, recreational opportunities include hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. There are also cultural encounters with local hill tribes living around the sanctuary's edges, providing additional dimensions to the visit. Its remote location means visitor numbers remain low, and infrastructure is minimal, making it a destination for travelers seeking a genuine wilderness experience. Peaceful forest campsites and river spots offer quiet escapes amid pristine nature.
Doi Phu Kha mountain range scenic viewpoints
Rare sightings of Indochinese tigers and gaur
Remote forest trekking routes with diverse birdlife
Clear mountain streams ideal for quiet nature observation
This mountain range provides the sanctuary's highest elevations and panoramic views over northern Thailand's forests.
The sanctuary is one of the few remaining areas supporting this elusive big cat species in Thailand.
These forests dominate the higher altitudes and support unique flora and fauna adapted to cooler conditions.