Northeastern Thailand’s Loei province, which is hilly and sparsely inhabited, shares a border with Laos across the Mekong River. This fascinating landmark in Thailand is one of its most beautiful places with numerous attractions.
If you want to spend a couple of nights along the Mekong River, the northeastern Thai province of Loei is the place to go. With something to offer for everyone, Loei is renowned for its upbeat residents who keep the atmosphere vibrant. While some visitors may think of going to Loei while on vacation in Isan, others may only visit Loei to relax during their trip.
Top 8 attractions in Loei – Thailand
You have the chance to refresh yourself amidst nature in the mountainous region of Loei. No matter if you want to learn more about the local flora and wildlife or visit some of the most beautiful temples, Loei has it all. Here is a pocket list of 8 tip attractions in Loei.
- Kaeng Khut Khu
- Phu Bo Bit Forest Park
- Wat Si Khun Mueang
- Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum
- Phrathat Sri Song Rak
- Wat Neramit Wipatsana
- Chiang Khan Walking Street
- Ban Haitak Viewpoint
Kaeng Khut Khu
The Mekong river’s curve is where you’ll find the Kaeng Khut Khu. This famous stop, which has mountains in the background, draws travelers mainly for its scenic surroundings. If the water is flowing well, you may have the opportunity to watch the waterfall nearby.
This location, which is around 5 kilometers from the town, is great for tasting Thai cuisine as well. You must try the crispy fried shrimp in this place cause it tastes amazing. A bowl of live shrimp is another beloved dish that visitors usually order.
- Location: WP42+JQ3, Chiang Khan, Chiang Khan District, Loei 42110, Thailand.
Phu Bo Bit Forest Park
Phu Bo Bit Forest Park is one of the best attractions in Loei that you must visit on your trip to this land. With minimal effort on your part, the Phu Bo Bit Forest Park rewards you much in terms of aesthetic enjoyment. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and reward yourself with a 360-degree panorama of the bustling town of Loei at the finish, 1400 steep steps await you at the park.
On your journey to the summit in this park, you may also swing by the Buddha Cave. Even though it just takes an hour and a half to make the trip, the park is 3 kilometers away from the town center. This location is perfect for taking in a peaceful and stunning sunset.
- Location: WP42+JQ3, Chiang Khan, Chiang Khan District, Loei 42110, Thailand.
Wat Si Khun Mueang
This Buddhist temple, which was constructed in the Lao style, combines northern and central Thai architectural elements. Rama III is credited with ordering the temple’s construction. The façade of the temple is decorated with a mural of Jakarta Tales. Despite its small size, this temple exudes splendor.
Singhs stalls and a huge guard are placed at the entrance of Wat Si Khun Mueang. The temple also houses a figure of Buddha perched on a Naga serpent. You may go to the temple while taking a stroll down the Chai Kong Road because it is accessible from there. It is free to enter this place and requires no entrance fee.
Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum
The strange and colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival is commemorated annually in the neighborhood, and the Dan Sai Folk Museum is a small but intriguing museum that gives information about it. During the lively celebrations, which feature loads of music and loud noise that is meant to rouse the dead, participants don big and odd masks that mimic ghosts. The local sages and fate tellers choose the celebration dates, which vary every year.
This museum houses two different varieties of Phi Ta Khon in addition to several displays. Phi Ta Khon Yai, which is available in both male and female versions, is designed for pre-planned rituals. The second variety, Phi Ta Khon Lek, is often observed every other year. Additionally, you may watch how the Phi Ta Khon mask is made.
- Location: 134 หมู่ 1 บ้านเดิ่น Dan Sai, Dan Sai District, Loei 42120, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
Phrathat Sri Song Rak
This White Pagoda, which was constructed in the 1560s, serves as a reminder of the goodwill gesture made between the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya and the Lao of Wiang Chan.
Couples that come here to pray for enduring love are happy to celebrate this place of devotion. Inside the temple, red clothing of any kind is not permitted. You really must go here if you’re in Loei between May and June because of the Phi Ta Khon festival. Some of the residents’ works of art are shown in this museum.
- Location: Dan Sai, Dan Sai District, Loei 42120, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
Wat Neramit Wipatsana
Wat Neramit Vipassana is the top attraction in Dan Sai District, Loei Province, surpassing the yearly Phi Ta Khon Festival. This temple is situated 1 kilometer from the other revered temple Wat Phra That Si Song Rak, and 2 kilometers outside of Dansai city in the province of Loei. It is a significant temple in the district located on top of a hill with unique features.
The first is the ordination hall, which is 40 meters wide and 80 meters long and is reputed to be the biggest in Thailand. It has vibrant paintings. The laterite used for the walls comes from Lamphun and the province of Prachinburi.
Chiang Khan Walking Street
Chiang Khan, a little riverside village in Loei, is especially cherished by Thai tourists seeking some cooler weather in a lovely location. Life seems to move much more slowly in this scenic area where old wooden houses line the Mekong River. Traditional dining establishments and antique shops abound.
The best way to see the town is by bicycle, and you can also take a leisurely boat trip along the river; the best time to do this is just before sunset when you can drift along while enjoying the views.
- Location: VMW6+R8Q, Chai Kong, Chiang Khan, Chiang Khan District, Loei 42110, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Ban Haitak Viewpoint
The Ban Haitak viewpoint is 750 meters above sea level and around 20 kilometers from Phu Ruea National Park. This landmark is one of the best attractions in Loei.
The locals gave it the name “Highland” because, in addition to the chilly climate, there is vegetation and high peaks covered in sea mist. Three distinct districts of Thailand, as well as the neighboring nation of Laos, are seen from this viewpoint.
- Location: F7PH+WG7, Lat Khang, Phu Ruea District, Loei 42160, Thailand.