Bangkok (Thailand) – May 28, 2015 – The highlands of religion, philosophy, folk wisdom and tradition of Loei Province in northeastern Thailand will welcome around 300 cyclists from Thailand and around the world to the “Tour of I-san Loei Classic” on June 7, 2015.

The event is organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the Loei Provincial Administration, Life and Living Bikenet and Nok Air, and aims to promote green tourism in the northeastern region, or I-san, as part of the Tour of I-san Classic tourism promotion project.

Ms. Somradee Chanchai, Executive Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the Northeast Region, explained: “The Loei Classic is one of five planned routes as part of the ‘Tour of I-san’ cycling campaign. Four other races will be organized in Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Ubon Ratchathani. Each route offers a scenic and unique experience, highlighting the main attractions of the respective province. Our goal is to attract more tourists and travelers to I-san, where an amazing diversity of traditional cultures awaits discovery.”

The 70 km Tour of I-san Loei Classic is open to all cyclists, from professionals to amateurs, and is divided into two categories: A for road bikes and B for mountain bikes. The winners of both categories will receive trophies and cycling jerseys. Registration is open now until May 31, 2015; the number of participants is limited to 300.

All race categories start and finish at Phu Pa Pao, also known as Loei's Mount Fuji, in the Phu Luang district. The cycling route is a scenic loop through lush nature and Loei's cultural and ethnic communities, including Suan Hin Pha Ngam, a fascinating limestone garden dating back approximately 230 to 280 million years – similar to the rock garden in Kunming, China; Phu Pa Pao and Phu Ho; and the Thai Dam community, known for the sacred rituals of Phi Ta Khon and Phi Kon Nam.

Ms. Somradee said: “Loei’s motto is ‘City of the Sea of ​​Mountains, coldest place in Siam, with beautiful flowers in three seasons,’ but this mountainous province has far more to offer than one might initially suspect. As a highland of religion, philosophy, folk wisdom, and traditions, Loei is home to diverse ethnic communities and offers something to discover around every corner – from mist-shrouded mountains to historical sites and temples, to traditional villages, all rich in culture and traditions.”

Loei is accessible by road (car, bus, and train) or plane. The province is located approximately 550 km northeast of Bangkok, which translates to a flight time of about one hour or a driving time of seven hours. Nok Air and Thai AirAsia currently offer daily flights between Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport and Loei.

Media contact: International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org