Loei Province borders Laos and offers breathtaking views of the Mekong River to the north. Spectacular mountains and national parks are a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. The Phi Ta Khon Festival, held between March and July, is a highly anticipated event for both domestic and international tourists. Participants wear colorful ghost costumes.

The border province of Loei on the Mekong River in northern Thailand is an ideal place to relax – quite literally. It's serene and leisurely, like the gently flowing river to the north, and pleasantly cool compared to the sweltering heat of Thailand. In winter, you can even trudge through frost-covered grass and wish you had gloves with you.

Phu Kradueng National Park is arguably the province's most famous attraction, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Here you'll find highland savannah, pine forests, evergreen forests, maple groves, a wide variety of wildflowers, rhododendrons, waterfalls, and breathtaking clifftop views. Phu Kradueng is a low sandstone mountain, rising from 400 to 1200 meters above sea level. Reaching the cool air and misty views requires a strenuous 9-kilometer hike. Most visitors to Phu Kradueng hike to one of the pine-fringed cliffs to witness the sunrise – Pha Nok Aen or Pha Lorn Sak, located 2 and 8 kilometers, respectively, from the park office. Also worth a visit is the 40-meter-high Tat Hong waterfall. Tourists can rent a tent or book accommodation at the park office (+66 4287 1333, +66 4287 1458). A porter service is also available. The park is closed from June to September each year.

Phu Ruea National Park, located right on the border with Laos, is another great place to escape the heat and experience nature in all its glory. The park stretches across a gently rolling mountain range crowned by a vast pine forest. In Phu Ruea, you can observe some of Thailand's native animals up close, including bears, muntjacs, Asiatic wild dogs, Siamese firebacks, and Siamese big-headed tortoises. The climate in the park is cool year-round, especially in winter when the early morning dew can freeze. The best time to visit is from October to March to enjoy the cool temperatures, the vibrant wildflowers, and the magnificent views from the park's numerous viewpoints. Accommodation is available within the national park (+66 4280 1716, +66 4280 7625). The park is approximately 58 km from Loei city center.

The 560,593 rai Phu Luang Wildlife Reserve is a high plateau with a cool climate year-round. The coldest time to visit is from November to January, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 16 °C, and sometimes even lower. During this period, the maple trees turn a vibrant red and shed their leaves. Summer and the monsoon season are also relatively cool, with temperatures around 20–24 °C, and offer much to discover: wild orchids, white and red rhododendrons in February and March, and smaller wildflowers that turn the savanna purple during the rainy season.

A great way to discover the sights is on a guided nature walk in Phu Luang National Park. The tour lasts one to two days. Phu Luang is open from October to May (www.dnp.go.th). Accommodation can be booked through the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary (+66 4280 1955).

For culture enthusiasts and shopping lovers, the Chiang Khan district on the banks of the Mekong River is a perfect destination. This small town offers numerous accommodations and restaurants, as well as boat trips on the mighty river. Must-have souvenirs include quilts, locally woven fabrics, and candied coconuts. The district boasts many attractions, including Kaeng Khutkhu, a nearby waterfall, and Wat Si Khun Mueang, with its beautiful examples of Lanna and Lan Chang art. Be sure to sample some of the local specialties, such as Phla – a spicy shrimp salad with lemongrass and mint; Kung Ten – fresh freshwater shrimp with herbs and lime juice; or a flavorful fish soup made with freshly caught fish.

Bun Luang and the Phi Ta Khon Festival: If possible, don't miss the Bun Luang ceremony in Loei and the lively Phi Ta Khon "Spirit Festival," which takes place annually between March and July over three days. Bun Luang is a meritorious ceremony where the city's residents ask for the protection of the spirit of the Mun River. The participating "spirits," or "Phi," wear colorful patchwork costumes with masks and accessories made from rice husks and coconut leaves. The boisterous festivities are truly enough to awaken the dead. Don't forget your camera! The festival takes place in the Dan Sai and Na Haeo districts.

Getting there: Nok Air (www.nokair.com) offers two daily flights from Bangkok to Loei with a flight time of 65 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly with Thai Airways or Thai Air Asia to Udon Thani and then take a bus to Loei. It is also possible to take a train from Bangkok to Udon Thani and then a bus to Loei. Regular, air-conditioned buses depart from the northern bus station (www.transport.co.th) to Loei, with a journey time of approximately 10 hours. Several private companies also offer bus and minibus services. Driving to Loei via National Route 1 past Saraburi, National Route 21 past Petchabun, and National Route 203 takes approximately 7–8 hours. The total distance is 540 km.

For further information, please contact the TAT office in Loei at +66 4281 2812 or +66 4281 1480.