About Loei
Loei lies in the northwest of Isaan and is surrounded by hilly land with summits wrapped in mist in the cool season. It is the coolest corner of Isaan and known for its nature. In the province lie Phu Kradueng, a national park with a large plateau that you climb on foot, and Phu Ruea, a mountain with views of a sea of mist. The Phi Ta Khon festival in Dan Sai, with colourful ghost masks, is held annually in June or July. The town itself is quiet and mainly a base. Close by is also Chiang Khan on the Mekong. Loei suits anyone who wants to hike and seek the cooler mountain air in Isaan. Loei lies about 520 km from Bangkok and can be reached by bus; from town, regional buses and songthaews continue to Chiang Khan and Dan Sai.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. Phu Kradueng National Park is normally closed to visitors in the rainy season (roughly June to September); Phi Ta Khon in Dan Sai takes place every year in June or July. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight (small airport) or bus (about 8 to 9 hours); from Loei about 1 hour to Chiang Khan. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Loei
- Phu Kradueng A national park with a plateau you climb; the park is closed in the rainy season.
- Phu Ruea A mountain with views of a sea of mist and cool mornings.
- Phi Ta Khon A festival with ghost masks in Dan Sai, in June or July.
- Chiang Khan The old Mekong town lies a short distance from Loei.
