In the east of Loei Province, just before the border with Nong Bua Lamphu Province, lies the still relatively unknown temple Wat Tham Erawan. The Erawan Cave, which rises high above the temple in the mountain, is a true photo opportunity with its large seated Buddha at the entrance. The cave itself consists of a main chamber divided into smaller rooms, each adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as additional Buddha statues. However, you won't get far without a powerful flashlight, as there is no lighting (well, there is some, but it doesn't work). A smartphone's flashlight function is insufficient (I tried it myself). So be prepared, because apparently, at the end of the cave, there's an opening with a stunning view. Access to the cave is via a staircase from the temple grounds. The climb is quite short and not particularly steep. It took me less than 15 minutes to reach the entrance of Tham Erawan and the seated Buddha. On the way up or down, you'll find beautiful views of the valley through the trees. The rest of the temple is less interesting, but I did notice a pretty golden seated Buddha under a tree.

No entrance fee. Note: If you're looking for an original lunch, Pha Nang Rafting is just 2 kilometers away. Meals are served in small, floating huts that are pulled ashore in the middle of the lake. These kinds of restaurants are common in Isan and always worth a visit, though they can get quite busy on weekends.

There is no public transport to Wat Tham Erawan, but buses between Loei and Udon Thani can drop you off at the nearest intersection on Highway 210. I don't necessarily recommend this route to Erawan Cave, as you then have to walk 3 kilometers to the temple, and finding a bus stop on the side of the road isn't always easy. However, it is an option. The journey from Loei to the nearest intersection takes just over an hour, and from Udon Thani, it takes 2.5 hours.

The Erawan Cave (Tham Erawan) is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Erawan Cave (Tham Erawan)? There is no direct public transport to Wat Tham Erawan. However, buses between Loei and Udon Thani stop on Highway 210 at the nearest intersection. I don't necessarily recommend this route, as you still have to walk 3 kilometers to the temple from there, and finding a bus on Amin Road afterward isn't always easy. It is, however, an option. The journey from Loei to the nearest intersection takes a little over an hour, and from Udon Thani, about 2.5 hours.