What makes Loei so impressive is the fact that this province has an incredible range of natural attractions. From caves to waterfalls, national parks to reservoirs, there a piece of paradise here for everyone who visits. Start planning your “things to do in Loei” itinerary with this list, right now, and get excited about your trip!
1. Take the journey up to Erawan Cave
Erawan Cave, also known as Elephant Cave, is a sacred cave that houses a large sitting Buddha, as well as viewpoints, that are accessed by climbing 600 stairs. A small market is available at the base of the cave, for last-minute supplies, making it a fun trip for you and your friends!
This cave requires exercise to get to, but it’s well worth it. After you’ve had breakfast at the restaurant near the base of the cave, take the trip up and pay your respects to the Buddha before heading outside for fantastic views. This is one trip you’ll always remember!
2. Trek through Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
For jungle views or a weekend tour of lush fields and trekking, contact the friendly and helpful staff of the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a partially-public sanctuary that has a variety of different environments located within a 6 km square (2.3 square mile) area and can be viewed by reserving a time and a guide.
A trek of three days and two nights is also available and comes with accommodation, food, and a guide. The trek often ends with travellers viewing wildlife, such as Bush Elephants, in their natural habitat. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime attraction!
3. Explore Phu Ruea National Park
Phu Ruea National Park is one of the largest and coldest areas in Thailand, in the winter season. This park is well known for having gorgeous winter flowers, rock gardens, and caves as well as cliffs and viewpoints. It’s a great stop for travellers who love to bask in natural splendor.
The park is great for families or just for a trip alone to take in the sights. There’s a lot to do here, so plan on being at the park all day. And if you’re in the mood for an evening drink, head on over to the Chateau de Loei Winery, the vineyard located at the base of the Phu Ruea Mountain.
4. Hike to the top of Phu Tok Mountain
Phu Tok Mountain is one of the few places in Loei Province that travellers rarely visit, but it ought to be on everybody’s radar. That’s because the mountain not only has amazing views, it is also home to Wat Phu Tok, a temple that serves as a retreat for Buddhist monks.
To get to the viewpoint, you will have to climb 600 steps, many of which are on steep inclines. You don’t, however, have to get to the top of the mountain in order to get great views - the walk up is done on wooden platforms that offer great views of the surrounding area.
5. Spend time on Huai Krathing Reservoir
For some downtime while you’re travelling in and around Loei, take a trip north of the city to visit Huai Krathing Reservoir. It’s a massive body of water, totalling over 26 million cubic metres (918 million cubic feet) and covers over 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres) of land. The views are also impressive: bamboo forests and mountains nestle the reservoir in lush greenery.
You will have the opportunity to rent bamboo rafts and try other water sports activities, here so you can actually spend time on the reservoir - dining opportunities are also available. With so much to do, you might want to spend all day here!
6. Picnic near Namtok Pla Ba Waterfall
Namtok Pla Ba Waterfall is a natural landmark, located less than 20 km (12.4 miles) away from Loei, making it a great place for a picnic or a lazy afternoon. It houses a waterfall, a rock platform, and a freshwater pool, all of which are open to enjoy.
You’ll love walking around the waterfall area and swimming in the pool, but you might get hungry. If you do and you forgot to bring a meal, buy one from one of the vendors in the parking area.
7. Participate in Phi Ta Khon Festival
One of the most interesting festivals in Loei Province takes place in Dan Sai, which is in the mountains on the northeastern side of the province. It is an Isaan festival, takes place in either June or July and is a unique experience for travellers.
The festival has parades with colorful costumes and masks, stage shows, traditional dancing and plays, offerings at the temples, food and more. It is expected that this year’s festival will happen in the last week of June, so if you’re in the area, drop by and see how Loei does festivals!
8. View the grounds at TSA Flower Garden
If you love flowers and gardens, the TSA Flower Garden is the perfect afternoon attraction for you. These are immaculately kept gardens that showcase some of the best plants and trees that can be found throughout Thailand.
If you find something you might like to try to grow at home, head over to the TSA Flower Shop and pick up some seeds! That’s right, you can even pick up seeds here - but please confirm with customs if those seeds can be allowed into your country.
9. Get some exercise at Phu Bo Bit Forest Park
Phu Bo Bit Forest Park is a great one-day getaway from the hustle and bustle of the tourist attractions. It’s here that you can find Phu Bo Bit, a climb of 600 steps that rewards you for your exercise with stunning views of the town and surrounding area, including the mountains.
A bit of advice: Loei locals come up at sunset and stay until nightfall, to take in the lights of the city, visible from the viewpoint. Try it yourself, and make sure to take plenty of photos while you’re at it!
10. Spend time with family at Suan Hin Pha Ngam
Sun Hin Pha Ngam, also known as the Kunming of Loei, is a gorgeous national park that is southeast of the city. With limestone hills, hiking trails, and waterfalls, you can lose yourself for a morning or a whole day in this area.
This park is great for families with small children, as most of the walks are easy. You can do a guided walk or explore independently and there are picnic spots around the area. Also, bring your camera: special views of waterfalls and hilltop vantage points are plentiful here.
11. See the magical sea of fog at the Phu Thok Mountain
Adventure seekers alike, this one is for you. When in Thailand, go beyond the beach trips and scenic cruises and experience nature at its finest. Go on a hike to Phu Thok Mountain and see the magical fog surrounding the scenic mountain. The 359 meter (1,177 foot) mountain is a popular tourist spot that many active travelers and nature lovers enjoy for the topnotch views they see of the Mekong River once they make it to the top. The best time to go on this hike is early morning before sunrise around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM where you will get to see Thailand rise and shine as the sun winks at you while staring at the gorgeous mountain view. Tuktuks are also available to take travelers to the foot of the mountain around 100 baht (3.29 USD). Those who don’t wish to hike can ride in the public pickup truck service by Chiang Khan itself worth 25 baht (0.82 USD). Embrace the majesty of Phu Tok Mountain and experience the hike or climb to Thailand’s most beautiful nature reserves.
12. Be in awe of Wat Neramit Wipattasana's temple beauty
Thailand is filled with scenic temples all over the country and graces its locals with rich historical significance in each one travelers from all over the world come to see. One must-see temple attraction is Wat Neramit which is located at Amphoe Dan Sai and happens to be a newly structured temple made with bold laterite stones faced with a plaster or finer-grained stones that gives the temple a grade A finish. This rather new temple was developed by a renowned monk, Luang Pho Phra Maha Phan Sila Wisuttho who popularized meditation rituals, Vipassana training, and Buddhism practice to those visiting the temple. See this tourist attraction when in the Dansai and appreciate this hidden gem in one of the most scenic cities in Thailand.
13. Go on a food tour at Chiang Khan Walking Street
Travelers who learn best while walking around and manually absorbing culture would enjoy Chiang Khan. This walking street in Thailand is best for those who have big appetites and are curious to explore local and authentic Thai cuisine. Some of the best delicacies to try include candied coconut, grilled crab and shrimp skewers, as well as exotic variants of fruits that can only found in Thailand. Chiang Khan also displays an array of restaurants and are great places to sit, dine and people watch as you learn more about local life in the process. The bar scene is also one you cannot miss when in Chiang Khan, as well as local entertainment found all throughout, from singers, dancers to comedians, there’s something to see for everyone walking around.
