I'm not sure why I only visited Loei now. I first heard about the province over ten years ago when I celebrated Loy Krathong in Ayutthaya with a friend whose family owns a hotel on the river there.

"It's currently a very popular travel destination for Thais," he explained, referring to the relaxed atmosphere and the many outdoor activities. "However, I don't know if it will ever appeal to farang (foreigners)."

As a farang (foreigner), I was impressed by both the variety of activities in Loei and how authentic and untouristy the province is. Read on if you might want to follow in my footsteps!

Accommodation in Loei

As I explained in my last essay, I almost learned the hard way that the best and most comfortable hotels in Loei aren't located in the city itself. Therefore, for most travelers, especially first-time visitors or those without concrete plans, it's advisable to look for accommodation in Chiang Khan. (I'll tell you more about this place and its advantages in a moment—don't worry!).

The strange thing is that many hotels and guesthouses along the main street don't seem to be bookable through international online travel agencies. During my stay at Sams Chiangkhan (and with the option to book Nabaiboon as well), for example, I passed about half a dozen accommodations that offered rooms, even though they didn't appear in the search results.

Sights in Loei

Wat Somdet Phu Ruea

After picking up my rental car at Loei Airport, I immediately headed west on a highway that felt more like a journey than a destination. Miraculously, I only stopped at one of the red stalls selling ngaw (also known as rambutan) and reached my destination, the surreal temple Wat Somdet Phu Ruea, in less than two hours.

Phi Ta Kon Museum

In my case, the next logical stop on my Loei trip was the tranquil Dan Sai district. At first glance, it might not seem like an obvious place to stop. However, since I had missed the actual Phi Ta Khon Festival, the Phi Ta Khon Museum there proved to be an indispensable alternative.

Chiang Khan pedestrian zone

If you don't rent a car or motorbike in Loei (which I highly recommend), you'll probably drive directly from the airport to Chiang Khan. Chiang Khan Walking Street (and its night market) are particularly worth a visit, even though the Mekong River provides a stunning backdrop.

Chiang Khan Skywalk

From Chiang Khan, you can take a songthaew or a Grab taxi to the Chiang Khan Skywalk, which is about 20-30 minutes outside the city. Since it was only built a few years ago, it's not yet a well-known attraction in Loei. But I promise, it's worth the trip!

Excursions from Loei

During my journey there, I visited two places outside of Loei province: the so-called “Siam tulip fields” of Chaiyaphum province and Wat Pa Phu Kon “blue temple” in neighboring Udon Thani, whose other attractions I will describe in more detail in the following section.

Other sights in Isaan

Loei is one of the most unique and fascinating parts of the Isaan region, but it's not the only province worth visiting. Here are some more ideas:

  • Udon Thani: Located immediately east of Loei, Udon Thani offers a similar range of experiences, from Nong Khai (directly downstream from Chiang Khan) to the so-called Red Lotus Sea in the interior.
  • Roi Et: A charming small town with a lush city park and a huge observation tower – Roi Et is in many ways the heart of Isaan.
  • Ubon Ratchathani: Fancy visiting the Grand Canyon of Thailand? Even though the Sam Phan Bok in Ubon Ratchathani doesn't really resemble the Grand Canyon in Arizona, it is still one of the main reasons to visit this province.

    • No matter how many days you spend in Loei, I hope you will dedicate at least a little more time to exploring these other places.

    Other frequently asked questions about visiting Loei

    What is Loei known for?

    Loei is, as far as anyone knows, primarily known for the annual Phi Ta Kon Festival and is considered one of the most rural and relaxed areas of Thailand, visited by few tourists. Paradoxically, Loei's greatest charm lies precisely in its relative obscurity.

    Where to go in Loei?

    For tourists, the city of Chiang Khan in Loei province on the Mekong River, opposite Laos, is the most attractive place. Other worthwhile destinations include the inland city of Dan Sai and the fascinating Wat Somdet Phu Ruea temple.

    How long should one spend in Loei?

    Loei is a sprawling province that can only be reached from Bangkok by a long bus ride or a flight; for a worthwhile trip, you should plan at least one or two nights. Alternatively, a visit as part of a tour through the Isaan region is a good option, rather than doing Loei as a separate day trip.

    Conclusion

    I hope my compilation of things to do in Loei has sparked your wanderlust (or, if you haven't yet planned a trip, inspired you to take one). Some travelers simply fly into Loei Airport and then spend a few relaxing days strolling along the pedestrian street in Chiang Khan. Others rent a car or motorbike to explore remote spots in the heart of Jangwat Loei or take day trips to nearby provinces like Chaiyaphum and Udon Thani. Need help planning your time in Loei to perfectly suit your needs? Request your personalized Thailand itinerary today!