Loei

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Loei General Information

Although geographically located in the northeast or I-San, Loei has many things in common with the northern region – namely its numerous high hills and mountains and its wintry as well as foggy climate. Literally speaking, the province deserves its name “Loei” which means ‘beyond’ or ‘to the furthest extreme’ as Loei lies in the northernmost part of the Northeastern region. Most notable is that Loei is the only province in Thailand where the temperature can drop to as low as zero Celsius in winter while it can become hotter than any province during summer. In short, Loei’s geography and climate is unique when compared to other I-San provinces.

Situated along the Phetchabun Mountain Range, Loei, a province that rises approximately 400 meters above sea level, is dubbed “the land of seas of mountains, the coolest in Siam”. Covering an area of 11,424 square kilometers (equivalent to 7.14 million rai of land), Loei Province, which is 520 kilometers from Bangkok shares a border with Laos to the north with the Khong and Heung Rivers forming the natural border, with Khon Kaen and Phetchabun Provinces to the south, with Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Khon Kaen Provinces to the east, and with Phitsanulok Province to the west. The province can be divided into three main areas: the high mountains in the west, the plains at the foot of the hills in the south and the east, and the lowlands in the basins of the Khong and the Loei Rivers.

Loei Province has an abundance of precious resources such as forests and natural resources. Of equal importance, however, is its unusual mix of northern and northeastern culture which is treasured by both locals and visitors. This remarkable cultural blend has produced more than one local dialect but only one local identity.

History of Loei

Loei is a place where visitors can track down pre-historic remnants such as cave paintings depicting people, human hands, animals and various symbols. Eleven such caves have been discovered; two in Mueang District and the other nine in Phu Kradung District.

Fortunately, the province’s isolation has helped in retaining local traditions, while delaying and buffering against the intrusion of external changes.

The provincial seal depicts the stupa at Phra That Sri Songrak, which was built in 1560 by King Chai Chetha of Sri Sattana Kanahut and King Maha Chakrapat of Ayuthaya as a memorial of the demarcation of the border between the two towns. The two kings ratified their common border at the site where the Oo Stream meets the Mun Stream (currently Dan Sai District).

Today’s Loei

Loei is a gateway to the exploration of both natural and cultural attractions. In addition, there are many traditions and festivals that are well known among tourists such as the Phi Ta Khon Procession, the Loei Cotton and Tamarind Fair and Homage to Phra That Sri Songrak Festival.

Due to its geographical diversity and soil composition, agriculture is the basis for the province’s economy. While the highlands in Loei are favorable to warm-temperature crops such as highland rice, macadamia nuts, passion fruit, and Arabica coffee, the plains at the foot of the hills are suitable for tropical crops like soybean, bananas, maize, sesame, rubber, grapes, and longan. On the other hand, other lowland areas are good for rice, cotton, mangoes, tamarind and flowers like roses, jasmine and Thai Gerbera. However, the main agricultural products are tamarind, rubber, mangoes, longan, bananas and lychees.

Loei Festival Information

- Dok Fai Ban Makham Wan Mueang Loei Fair

Dok Fai Ban Makham Wan Mueang Loei Fair is held in front of the provincial hall during Chinese New Year in January-February. A procession decorated with cotton products is the highlight. There are also shops from various offices.

- Dok Mai Mueang Nao Fair

Dok Mai Mueang Nao Fair is held in Amphoe Phu Ruea during New Year. The fair features shops, pageants and the sale of decorative plants, flowers and agricultural produce.

- Phi Ta Khon Festival

Phi Ta Khon Festival is held at Amphoe Dan Sai in May or June. Aside from merit-making and a sermon, there is a procession bearing Phra Uppakhut, a rain-inducing Buddha image. Adult men and boys wear colourful ghost masks and join in the procession. The ghost costumes derive from a local legend. Some believe that they are from the Buddhist saga Phra Wetsandon Chadok.

- Maphrao Kaew

Maphrao kaew is sugar-coated dried coconut. The meat of the coconut which is neither too young nor too mature is cut into slices or shreds. Then it is cooked in a little water and mixed with natural food colorants. After sugar is added, it is stirred over low heat until the sugar caramelizes and sticks to the coconut. Finally it is removed from the pan and left to cool, ready to be served or packaged.

- No-mai-wan (Sweet bamboo shoots)

Known locally as no-mai-bong-wan or no-mai-hok-wan, the sweet bamboo shoots are grown at the beginning of the rainy season, from April to July. They are grown in loose soil so that the roots can branch out easily. The saplings are watered once every few days. After a month, the plots are weeded to prevent insects.

Sweet bamboo shoots can be made into various kinds of dishes. They provide protein, fat, carbohydrate, sugar, vitamins B1 and B2 as well as fiber.

- Tong

A spicy salad dish made with roast pork, eggplants, basil leaves, garlic, bird peppers, cowpeas or string beans and winged beans. The dish is seasoned with palm sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and fermented shrimp paste and provides protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Loei Attactions Information

- Na Haeo National Park

The park is located at Ban Saeng Pha. With excellent natural reserves, mountains, streams and waterfalls, the park is an ideal place for light adventure activities and trekking. Facilities provided by the Ha Haeo National Park include accommodations, food, guides and provision bearers.

- Namtok Khring

This waterfall is situated 15 kilometers from the District Office on the Mueang Phrae-Rom Klao Road in Tambon Saeng Pha. The waterfall, which has an assortment of plant life, as well as rocks in levels and a large pool, is a good place to unwind.

- Namtok Tat Hueang or the Thai-Lao Waterfall

This large waterfall originating from Maenam Huang and is surrounded by a verdant jungle is located approximately 25 kilometers from the District Office. To reach the waterfall, travel 7 kilometers on the Na Haeo-Rom Klao Road and an additional 10 kilometers on the way to Bo Mueang Noi.

- Kaeng Song Khon waterfall

This waterfall, which drops down several rock levels to a large pool, is located at Ban Hua Na Yung on the Dan Sai-Nakhon Thai Road (Highway No. 2013) 400 meters past Phra That Si Song Rak turn right onto another road and proceed for 2 more kilometers.

- Phra That Si Song Rak

Located on the bank of the Man River, 83 kilometers from Amphoe Mueang, this large Lao-style pagoda similar to that of Phra That Phanom houses relics of the Lord Buddha. Phra That Si Song Rak is a plaster-covered brick pagoda with a square base of 11 meters on each side. The pagoda itself is 32 meters high. Built in the Ayutthaya period in 1560 as a symbol of camaraderie between Ayutthaya and Si Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane), the place it is worth a visit, especially during the Phi Ta Khon celebration held there every May or June.

- Phu Kradueng National Park

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.

- Suan Hin Pha Ngam Park

This Park has limestone mountains that have eroded over time to form an interesting shape, similar to that in Kunming in China. A path, which winds through the rocks, takes visitors to the lovely Suan Hom and Phiang Din Waterfalls. The park is south of town on Highway No. 201. Proceed past Wang Saphung to Nong Hin then take another road for 20 kilometers.

- Phu Luang Wildlife Reserve

This jungle plateau with a cool climate the whole year has certain areas that are open to the public. A trail leads from Lon Mon past a pine forest, a grass field, a flower field on a rock plateau, and various cliffs, for a total distance of about 6 kilometers. From Pha Lon Tae, visitors can see Phu Ho and Phu Kradueng. It is required that visitors to Phu Luang must be accompanied by Park Officers. Advance reservations must be made at Phu Luang Tourist Office, Wang Saphung District Office, in order to arrange accommodations, food and a 3 days/ 2 nights tour. The best time for trekking is from October to May.

- Chateau de Loei Winery and Vineyard

As the climate in Loei is quite similar to that of the South of France, it is perfect for establishing a vineyard and winery. Chateau de Loei is one of the first entrepreneurs in the region that has succeeded in building its own brand based on solid, internationally-accepted quality. At present, Chateau de Loei’s red wine is very popular with local wine experts. Its white wine, made from Chenin Blanc, has also been well received in the market. While browsing through the vineyard souvenir shop, visitors can taste test the wines, sample grapes, try the passion fruit juice and nibble on fresh vegetables from the orchard and farm.

Facilities available include a restaurant, toilets, accommodations (resort) and a touring route in the vineyard complete with lecturer that is open to the public.

- Phu Ruea National Park

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.

- Kaeng Khut Khu

This is an islet in the middle of the Mekong River, 3 kilometers from Chiang Khan District Office. Kaeng Khut Khu is well known for its colorful boulders that are clearly visible during the dry season and totally submerged in other seasons. On the opposite bank of the River, visitors can see “Chana Kham”, Vientiane District, Laos PDR.

- Nam Nao National Park

Nam Nao (Cold Water) is one of the most beautiful and valuable parks in Thailand, encompassing nearly 1,000 square kilometers with an average elevation of 800 meters. The Park is located at the intersection of Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun and Loei Provinces. Attractions within the Park are several waterfalls, caves and the Park's highest peak, Phu Phaa Jit, which 1,271 meters above sea level.

**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org