Although geographically located in the Northeast, Loei has many things in commom with the Northern region. There are high hills, mountains, wintery weather and fog. It is the only province in Thailand which has the dubious distinction of the temperature plummeting to zero Celcius (32 F.). Loei is 520 Kms. from Bangkok.

 

What to see and what to do in Loei?

 

Phra That Si Song Rak is located on the bank of Man River about one kilometer away from Amphoe Dan Sai. Constructed in 1560, it commemorates the mutual cooperation between Krung Sri Ayutthaya and Krung Sri Satana Kanahut (Vientiane). The structure is about 30 meters high. Its annual celebrations are attended by thousands of people.

Phu Rua National Park, 1,375 meters above sea level, is another majestic mountain with a vast pine-covered plateau on top. A cliff shaped like the bow of a Chinese junk juts out over the mountain. The park is 59 kilometers from Loei or 9 kilometers from Amphoe Phu Rua. There are buses leaving both from Loei and Amphoe Lom Sak of Phetchabun to Phu Rua daily.

Kaeng Khut Khu These rapids in the middle of the Mae-Khong River at Amphoe Chiang Khan create a narrow but extremely swift current. Immersed in and smoothed by the rushing water for countless years, the rocks produce multi-colored scenes of unique beauty.

Wat Si Khun Muang is located to the North of the Chiang Khan Market. The main chapel is shaped like those found in the North. The wall murals depict a religious legend.

Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary is located on a high plateau with an elevation of 1,550 meters. The area of Phu Luang covers several districts which are Wang Saphung, Phu Rua, Dan Sai and Phu Luang. Travel 35 kilometers from Amphoe Wang Saphung to Huai Kung and walk to the Loan Tae tourist rest stop, 7 kilometers away. Phu Luang forest is a blended forest of tropical and colder climate plants. Wild animals are abundant. Arranging for transportation, accommodation and sight-seeing is done only with the Phu Luang Tourist Office, Amphoe Wang Saphung Administrative Office. Prior reservation is advisable, Tel. (042) 841141. The sanctuary is close during June - September for restoration.

Phu Kradung National Park is located on a high plateau about seventy kilometers from Loei on the Khon Kaen - Loei Highway. Lush and fertile, it is the home of many kinds of wildlife. With an elevation of 1,325 meters, the Park is ideally suited for cold climate plants and trees. Bungalows and tents are provided by the National Park Section, Forestry Department. Prior reservation shouId be made through tel. 5790529, 5794842 to ensure over night stays.

Transportation to the Phu Kradung National Park
One can take a train from Bangkok Railway Station to Khon Kaen. From there take a Khon Kaen - Loei bus to the market in front of the Amphoe Phu Kradung Administrative Office. Next, take a minibus to the office of the Phu Kradung National Park, 5 kilometers away. This is the starting point of the trekking journey to the peak of the mountain. From there, a 5 kilometers long footpath leads to "Lang Pae". Then, after a 4-kilometer walk along a pastural area you will arrive at the bungalows on Phu Kradung. For your convenience, the office provides you with porters to carry your luggages to the mountaintop.
Buses are available from the Northeastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok (Mo Chit) to Amphoe Phu Kradung Bus Terminal in Tambon Pha Nok Khao. From there take a local bus to the office of the Phu Kradung National Park and trek from there to the top.

Phu Pha Man National Park is situated at Km.264 of Loei - Chum Phae Road. Pha Nok Khao Attractions in the park include several caves with stalagmites and stalactites, prehistoric wall paintings and three beautiful waterfalls.

Phi Ta Khon Festival has its origin in a traditional Buddhist tale. When Prince Vessandorn, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, the welcoming parade was so delightful that spirits emerged to celebrate. Phi Ta Khon is celebrated largely by young men who dress as spirits to parade a sacred Buddha image and tease villagers. The festival is held during May or June every year.