Loei Attractions: Tad San Waterfall, near
the village of Pla Ba in Phu Rua, flows strongly from a mountaintop
stream and then passes under a rock formation before leveling
out.
Phra That Si Song Rak Pagoda
was constructed in the Ayutthaya period as a symbol of the
good relations between Ayutthaya and Vientiane. A festival
is held every year to pay homage to the 30 metre tall pagoda.
It is located in Dan Sai district, 83 km from Loei on Highway
203. A legend surrounding the Phra Choa Ong Saen Buddha
image at Wat Pho Chai in Na Kaeo district says that wherever
it is enshrined there will be no drought. On Songkran Day,
local people hold a bathing rite and change the robes of the
image.
Kaeng Khut Khu is a picturesque
section of rapids in the Mekong River at Change Khan district,
48 km from Loei on Highway 201. Islands and rocks obstruct
the flow, leaving only a narrow path for the rushing current.
The most suitable time for visiting Kaeng Khut Khu is February
to May.
Wat Sri Khun Muang on Chai
Khong Road has an elaborate glass mosaic mural. The ordination
hall was built in the distinctive northern style. Over the
front temple gate a painting depicts the story of the Load
Buddha's ten incarnations.
Phra Jedi Wat Pa Sammanusorn
in Wang Saphung district is a well-known meditation centre,
which follows the teachings of the revered Achan Man Bhuritatto.
Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
covers four districts. Its abundant flora and fauna and different
types of landscape make it popular with visitors. Places of
interest include the cliffs at Pha Kob and Pha Loan Tae and
the waterfalls at Tad Loei, Than Thong, Tad San Loei Nga and
Nam Kho. Phu Luang is the highest peak in the province rising
1,570 metres above sea level.
Wildlife is abundant on the higher
slopes of Phu Luang, which is known as the "Emerald of Isan".
To get their, go south on Highway 201 to Wang Saphung; from
there the park is another 26 km on Highway 2140. Accommodation
in Phu Luang can be obtained through the Loei Administration
Office, Tel: (042) 812-033, 811-776.
Strict rules apply to protect
the park's environment. Groups are limited to 10 people and
they can stay for two nights/ three days. Entrance fee is
Bt 696 for adults and Bt 589 for children under 12 years.
The fee includes guide service, two nights lodging, seven
meals and transport to and from Loei. The trip ends at 1500
on the third day. Permits must be arranged in advance and
50 % paid 15 days in advance.
Phu Kradung National Park
is one of Thailand's best known nature preserves. The park
is dominated by a large plateau covering 55 sq km on top of
a mountain that rises 1,350 metres above sea level. The summit
is a grassy plain filled with wild flowers and patches of
pine forest. Due to the elevation, many plants and trees are
the same as in temperate zones.
The main trail to the peak is
a 6 km walk that takes about three hours. The park headquarters
are 3 km further on.
Phu Kradung is 77 km south of
Loei on the road to Khon Kaen (Highway 201).
For reservations to stay in the park contact the National
Park Service, Tel: 579-0529, 579-4842.
The park is closed to visitors
during the rainy season from mid-July to early October due
to mudslides. Temperatures can drop to 3 or 4 degrees C during
December and January. Busiest period is March to May when
schools and universities are on holiday. The park charges
a Bt 25 entrance fee and distributes maps and a guide.
Tham Maholan is a long
cave that descends about 220 metres into the earth. It is
also the site of a temple, Wat Tham Maholan. It is 46 km from
Loei on Highway 201 on the way to Chum Phae.
Tham Bhothisat is a large
cave in phu Kradung district. Situated on top of a hill, the
expansive cave has 14 different caverns. It is located on
the Loei-Chum Phae highway, 10 km west of the Talad Nong Hin
crossroad.
Chiang Khan, 48 km north
of Loei, is a village settlement close the Mekong River in
a wide valley ringed by mountains. It is the starting point
for boat trips that go up river to where the tributary Huang
River joins the Mekong. Downstream trips go as far as the
rapids at Kaeng Khut Khu.
The Mekong and Huang River mark
the border with Laos at this point.Visas can be extended at
the immigration office in Chiang Khan.
Festival Loei-Dok Fai
Ban Fair held in February celebrates the blooming cotton.
Phi Ta Khon Festiva, an
occasion for merit making, is held in June or July. The festival
includes a procession of people dressed as ghosts.
Chiang Khan - Wax Prasat Parade
and Boat Races. In October at the close of the Buddhist
Lent, temples display wax prasats (castles), competing for
prizes while boat races are held on the Mekong.
Night entertainment during the
weeklong festival highlights the Maw Lam - Isan's version
of the musical comedy.
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