Loei Hotels & Attractions, Travel & Holidays to Loei, Thailand

Although geographical located in the Northeast, Loei has many things in common with the Northern region with numerous high hills and mountains, wintry and foggy climate. It is the only province in Thailand which has the dubious destination of the mercury plummeting to zero Celsius. Loei is 520 kilometers from Bangkok.

History:
In 1853, King Rama IV realized that the number of people living in this part of Thailand had increased. He decided there were enough people in the area to establish a town, so he sent Phraya Tainam to survey the counties around the region. Phraya Tainam recognized that Ban Hae, which is situated on the banks of Nam Man canal, near the Loei river, was the best place for a town. He also realized that the existence of the surrounding mountains could provide a safe situation for a settlement. Phraya Tainam recommended that the King officially recognize this area as Muang Loei.

An Act was passed in 1897 to improve administrative structures in Thailand. The whole country was divided into Provinces, District (Amphoe), Counties (Tambon) and Bans (Villages).

Muang Loei was established in Amphoe Kudphong. On January 4th 1907. the Minister if the Interior proclaimed Muang Loei to be Loei Province (Changwat Loei) Also, in 1907, the name of the area was changed from Nam Loei Waterway to Nam Hueng Waterway.

Geography:
Most of the Province consists of a series of extended low mountain ranges with the town of Loei nestling in a fertile basin. There are three distinct geographical areas in the province :-

The mountains, mainly West of Loei, around Nahaew, Phu Rua, Dansai and Tali districts.

The population here is sparse because of the small areas for cultivation and because the terrain makes communication inconvenient.

Climate:
Since Loei is situated among a mountain range, the temperature greatly compared to the rest of Thailand. It can be very hot in the Hot Season with temperature up to 43.3 degress Celsius (around April). The other hand in the Cold Season (around December) the temperature can to minus 1.3 degrees at night.

Attractions:
Phra That Si Song Rak is located on the bank of Man River about one kilometer away from Amphoe Don Sai. Constructed in 1,560, it commemorates the mutual cooperation between Krung Sri Ayutthaya and Krung Sri Satana Kanahut (Vientiane). The structure is about 30 meters high and its annual celebrations are attended by thousands of people.

Phu Rua National Park 1,375 meters above sea level, is another majestic mountain with a vast pine-covered plateau on top. A cliff shaped like the bow of a Chinese junk juts out over the mountain. There are lodgings at the park.

Private bungalows near the park are also available. The park is 59 kilometers from Loei or 9 kilometeres from Amphoe Phu Rua. There are buses leaving both from Loei and from Amphoe Lom Sak of Phetchabun to Phu Rua daily.

Kaeng Khut Khu rapids on the middle of the Maekhong River at Amphoe Chiang Khan creates a narrow but extremely swift current. Immersed in and smoothed by the rushing water for countless years, the rocks produce multi-colored scenes of unique beauty.

Wat Si Khun Muang is located to the north of the Chiang Khan market. The main chapel is shaped like those found in the North. The wall murals depict a religious legend.

Phu Luang Widlife Sanctuary is located on the high plateau with an elevation of 1,550 meters. The area of Phu Luang covers several districts; Wang Saphung, Puh Rua, Dan Sai and Puh Luang. Travel 35 kilometers from Amphoe Wang Saphung to Huai Kung and take a walk to the Loan Tae tourist resting spot, 7 kilometers away. Phu Luang forest is a blend forest of tropical and colder mate forest. Wild animals are abundant. Arranging for transportation,accommodation and sight-seeing is only by Phu Luang Tourist Office, Amphoe Wang Saphung Administrative Office. Prior reservation is advisable, Tel. (042) 841566 The sanctuary is closed during June-September for restoration.

Phu Kradung National Park is located on high plateau about seventy kilometers from Loei on the Khon Kaen-Loei Highway. Lush and fertile, it is the home of many types of wildlife. With an elevation of 1,352 meters, the Park is ideally suitable for cold climate plants and trees. Bungalows and tents are provided by the National park section, Forestry Department, and prior reservation should be made through tel. 5797223, 5795734 to ensure over night stay. As for private accommodation, the April Camping Co., Ltd. offers approximately 200-300 small bungalows each of which can accommodate two guests. For additional information and reservation, please contact Tel. 2700090.

Transportation to the Phu Kradung National Park:
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station for Khon Kaen-Loei bus to the market in front of the Amphoe Phu Kradung Administrative Office. Next, a minibus to the office of the Phu Kradung National Park 5 kilometers away . This is the starting point of the trekking journey to the peak of the mountain. From there, a 5 kilometers long footpath leads to "Lang Pae". Then, after a 4 kilometre walk along a pasturage you will arrive at the bungalows on Phu Kradung. At your convenience, the office provides you with porters to carry your luggage to the mountaintop.

Bus from the Northeastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok (Mo Chit) also departs for Amphoe Phu Kradung Bus Terminal in Tambon Pha Nok Khao. From there take a local bus to the office of the Phu Kradung National Park, and trekking from there on to the top.

Phu Pha Man National Park is situated at Km. 246 of Loei - Chum Phae Road not far from Pha Nok Khao. Attractions in the park include several caves with stalagmite and stalactite, prehistoric wall paintings and three beautiful waterfalls.

Major Events:
Phi Ta Khon Festival The Festival has its origin in a traditional Buddhist tale. When Prince Vessandorn, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, the welcoming procession was so delightful that spirits emerged to celebrate.

Phi Ta Khon is celebrated largely by young men who dress as spirits to parade a sacred Buddha image and tease villagers, and monks reciting the story of the Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. The festival is held during May or June every year.

How to get there:
By Bus
Non air - conditioned buses and air - conditioned buses leave Northeastern bus terminal on Phaholyothin Road.
Tel. 271 0101 Non-air, 279 4484-7 Air.

By Train
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station for Udon Thani and Khon Kaen. From there take a bus to Loei.
For further information please contact Tel. 2237010, 2237020

By Plane
Bangkok Airways Co., Ltd. flies to Loei 3 time a week.
For more details please contact Tel. 2534004

Discount Thailand hotels reservations. Cheap Bangkok hotel rates, Pattaya hotels, Phuket hotels, Krabi hotels, Koh Samui hotels resorts online booking.