Loei ( เลย )

Loei ( เลย )



  City of the Sea of Mountains, Coldest Place in Siam, and Beautiful Flowers of Three Seasons.
Sharing a Mekong River border with Laos, Loei province is in many ways more similar to the north of Thailand than to the rest of Isan, even earning the nickname “the Mae Hong Son of the northeast.” Loei is an up-and-coming ecotourism region surrounded by undulating mountain ranges, abundant with various kinds of flora and capped with fog enshrouded summits. The most majestic mountains are Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea. 

     However, while Loei features numerous outdoor activities and fascinating cultural attractions, tourism is relatively new to the province and the area is greatly unspoiled.The temperature in Loei is generally cool thanks to the mountains and rivers it contains, but can get surprisingly cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. 

     Loei has unique cultures and traditions in addition to beautiful geographical surroundings, such as the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival. There are many spectacular sights and exiting activities awaiting travelers to come and experience the miracle of this land.

     Agriculture drives Loei’s economy, with villages primarily engaged in crops ranging from macadamia nuts, passion fruit, and Arabica coffee in the highlands to bananas, sesame, and rubber in the plains; however, thanks to its spectacular natural attractions, including several national parks and the Mekong River, Loei is an up and coming ecotourism destination. 

As a result of its natural beauty and unique mixture of northern and northeastern cultures, Loei is creating much the same buzz Mae Hong Song once did and tourists are taking note.

Phu Kradueng National Park ( อุทยานแห่งชาติภูกระดึง )


This is the ultimate destination for many Thai trekkers. The goal is to hike up to the summit and conquer the distance of 1,325 meters above sea level. At the top of Phu Kradueng is a wide plain of about 60 square kilometers. 

      There is a cold-climate pine forest and a grass field full of wild flowers and orchids that bloom in different seasons. In addition, there are several lovely waterfalls and an observation point that is provides spectacular views during sunrise and sunset.

To get there, take Bangkok-Loei bus and get off at Pha Nok Khao, the boundary between Khon Kaen and Loei. From there, take a mini-bus to the park office at the foot of the mountain and walk up Phu Kradueng for 6 kilometers. The park is open during October to May and closed during the rainy season to rejuvenate the flora and fauna. 

Park attractions include: Pha Nok Aen, the cliff that offers a breathtaking view of the crimson sunrise, Pha Lom Sak, a sandstone ledge jutting into space providing a fine view of the hills and valleys and Pha Yiap Mek, where cottony clouds suggest a misty world of shadow figures.

      The park is open to visitors from 7.00 a.m. until 2.00 p.m. daily and is closed for forest regeneration during 1 June – 30 September every year.  
Admission : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

Phu Ruea National Park ( อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเรือ ) 


This National Park with an area of 75,525 square kilometers has a vast pine-covered plain 1,365 meters above sea level at its summit. 

Due to its high elevation and cool climate visitors are drawn to the Park all year round. However, during the cool season, visitors flock to the Park to experience wintry weather. 

    Attractions in the Park include observation points, waterfalls, rock gardens, and caves. In particular there are Pha Lon Noi, which offers a spectacular sunrise and beautiful scenery, Pha Sub Thong, a very steep cliff, Namtok Huai Phai, a 30 meter-high waterfall, and Phu Ruea Summit, which provides a fine view of Huang and Khong Rivers. 

        In addition, there are several resorts on the slopes of Phu Ruea, as well as Chateau de Loei Winery, a huge vineyard with modern wine-making facilities. The Park is located 60 kilometers west of Amphoe Muang on Highway No. 203.