20 amazing places to visit in Loei Province
Loei Province is a popular tourist destination surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and enveloped in fog. It is home to a variety of forest plants and boasts several well-known attractions such as Phu Kradueng, Phu Ruea, and Chiang Khan. The province is known for its cool weather and stunning landscapes, as well as its unique cultural traditions like Phi Ta Khon. In addition to these attractions, there are many other places in Loei Province that offer travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of a mountain city.
Chiang Khan District
Phu Thok
Phu Thok is a popular tourist destination known for its sea of fog viewpoint, which is located about 3 kilometers from the Chiang Khan District. It is situated along the Mekong River and looks like a high mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. From the viewing balcony, visitors can see the mist covering the mountains and the golden light of the sun, creating a truly magical experience. If you’re visiting Chiang Khan, be sure to take the opportunity to visit Phu Thok in the morning to see the sea of mist for yourself. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Skywalk Chiang Khan
Chiang Khan is a great destination for thrill-seekers looking to experience the excitement of the Mekong River. One of the must-see attractions in the area is the Skywalk Chiang Khan, a raised glass floor bridge that provides a unique and spectacular view of the river. The Skywalk is located at the point where the Hueang River meets the Mekong River, creating a stunning two-colored river. In the morning, you may even have the chance to see fog floating above the Mekong. The Skywalk is about 19 meters above the ground and surrounds a large Buddha statue, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk on the Skywalk and take in the incredible sights and sounds of Chiang Khan.
Kaeng Khut Khu
Another must-see attraction in Chiang Khan is Kaeng Khut Khu, a famous tourist destination along the Mekong River. It is a large rocky rapids in the middle of the river that can be viewed from a balcony or pavilion when the water level is low. The rapids and the Mekong River flowing through the Kaeng Khut Khu area offer a breathtaking view, and there is a wide sandy beach with hundreds of thousands of shiny round stones lining the shore. The atmosphere at Kaeng Khut Khu is peaceful and cool, and visitors can walk down to the river to get a closer feel for the ambiance of the Mekong.
Chiang Khan Walking Street
Chiang Khan Walking Street is a must-see attraction when visiting Chiang Khan, especially in the evening. It is a long walking road lined with old wooden houses and shops selling local products and souvenirs. The street is located on the lower Sri Chiangkhan Road near the Mekong River and stretches from Wat Tha Khrok to Wat Si Khun Mueang. It is open every day from 17:00 to 22:00 hrs. After exploring the walking street, you can take a short walk to Rimkhong Road to watch the beautiful sunset in the evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere and charming character of Chiang Khan Walking Street during your visit.
Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Kwai Ngeon
Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Kwai Ngeon is an important and sacred Buddhist site located in the Chiang Khan District of Loei province, Thailand. One of the main attractions at this site is the Buddha’s footprint enshrined on a whetstone (knife sharpening stone), which is believed to be a real footprint of the Buddha. The site has also been designated as a historical site, and is a popular destination for visitors who come to participate in the activity of feeding the rabbits that are raised freely in a designated area. It is an interesting and unique place to visit and learn more about Buddhist culture and history.
Wat Si Khun Muang
Wat Sri Khun Muang is an old temple located in the city of Chiang Khan. It is known for its collection of both Lanna and Lan Xang arts, which can be seen in the ordination hall with its cascading roof, a characteristic of Lanna art. Inside the temple, there is a principal Buddha image seated on a nagaprok, which is over 300 years old. Visitors to the temple come to pay homage and make merit, and the temple also offers various sermons. It is a large and beautiful temple, and there is convenient parking available for visitors who come by car.
BUHOM Cafe and Camping
Buhom Cafe is a cafe located in Chiang Khan, Thailand, that is decorated in a camping style and is situated in a shady eucalyptus garden. The cafe is known for its attention to detail in its decorations, with equipment and furnishings such as tents, sleeping bags, tables and chairs, and cooking corners found throughout the shop. The cafe is popular with visitors who enjoy taking pictures in a fun and unique setting. It is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal in a picturesque setting.
Phu Ruea District
Hai Tak House
Baan Hai Tak is a small village located in the valley behind Phu Ruea District with a beautiful view point that is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The village is known for its stunning mountain ranges and the opportunity to watch the atmosphere at sunrise and sunset. Baan Hai Tak offers a variety of camping and cottage accommodations with panoramic views of the mountains. Visitors can enjoy the colorful twilight and sunset in the evening and wake up to the sunrise and fog in the morning. The natural beauty and atmosphere of the village make it a destination for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature.
Wat Somdet Phu Ruea Ming Mueang
If you visit or pass through the Phu Ruea District, you will have the opportunity to see the Wat Somdet Phu Ruea Ming Mueang temple, which is located in a stunningly beautiful mountain setting. This temple is known for its intricate carvings and detailed sculptures, and features a main Ubosot surrounded by four viharas, all constructed from teak wood. The temple has a special significance as it was founded with the permission of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra Boromarajonani, who helped bring volunteer doctors to the area to provide medical care to the local people. It is definitely worth a visit due to its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings.
Phu Ruea National Park
Phu Ruea National Park, located in Loei province, is known for being the coldest place in Siam. The park is known for its high, intricately shaped mountains that rise above the surrounding landscape. These mountains are made up of various shapes and forms, creating a unique and visually stunning environment. One of the most popular attractions within the park is the viewpoint on the highest peak of Phu Ruea, where visitors can witness the sunrise blending with the mountains in the distance. This viewpoint is particularly popular during the winter months, when the weather is cold and windy. The combination of the cold temperatures and the beautiful landscape make it a popular spot for tourists to visit and take pictures.
Dan Sai District
Phu Dom Gau (Phu Lom Lo View Point)
Phu Lom Lo is a mountain located in the Kok Sathon Subdistrict of Dan Sai District in the Loei province of Thailand. It is situated within the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and cold weather. Phu Lom Lo is located on the border of three provinces – Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Loei – and is a popular tourist attraction due to its large area of queen tiger flowers, which can be viewed from the mountain during the mid-January to late-January time period. The combination of the beautiful mountain scenery and the opportunity to see the queen tiger flowers make Phu Lom Lo a natural tourist attraction that is worth visiting.
Nong Hin District
Phu Pa Po Viewpoint (point 4)
Phu Pa Po is a viewpoint located in Ban Pha Wai, Puan Phu Sub-district, Nong Hin District in the Loei province of Thailand. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 900 meters above sea level and offers views of the nearby Phu Ho mountain range. The Phu Ho mountains are known for their unique appearance, with some peaks resembling high, cut mountains and others appearing flat, similar to Mount Fuji in Japan. This similarity in appearance has earned the Phu Ho mountains the nickname “Fuji, Mueang Loei”. The viewpoint at Phu Pa Po is particularly popular during the rainy season, when the area is often covered in a sea of fog that adds to the atmosphere of the location.
Pak Chom District
Phu Lamduan
Loei province in Thailand is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and the sea of mist that often covers them. This sea of mist can be seen in various districts throughout the province, including Dan Sai, Phu Ruea, Chiang Khan, and Pak Chom. While the Phu Thok viewpoint in Chiang Khan is a popular spot for viewing the sea of mist, the Phu Lamduan viewpoint in Pak Chom is often considered the most beautiful viewpoint in the province. Located along the Mekong River, Phu Lamduan offers not only stunning views of the misty mountain ranges, but also the opportunity to see the islands and curves of the Mekong River below. Visitors can walk around the viewpoint on a wooden bridge, taking in the beauty of the misty sea and the surrounding landscape.
Phaya Anantara Nakathibodi
Phaya Anantara Nakathibodi, or 9-headed Naga, is a prominent statue located in the front courtyard of the Pak Chom District Office in the Loei province. The statue depicts a white Naga with a golden head facing the Mekong River, and is accompanied by a sculpture of a silver serpent head leaning towards it. In addition to these statues, there is also a beautifully sculpted statue of Naga 2 located in the stair area. Tourists often stop by this location to take pictures and view the scenery, as well as to pay homage to the serpent, which is considered a sacred symbol in the Pak Chom District. The natural beauty of the surrounding area, including the Mekong River, which forms the border between Laos and Thailand, adds to the appeal of this location.
Na Haeo District
Phu Kho
Phu Kho is a viewpoint located in the Na Haeo District, known for its beautiful sea of mist and sunrise views. From this viewpoint, visitors can see the mist drifting over the intricately lined up mountains, above the green forests and farmland of the surrounding area. When the morning sun shines on the mist and the green forests on the top of the mountain, it creates a warm and beautiful scene. Phu Kho is a convenient spot to view the sea of mist as it is accessible by car and does not require a long hike to reach. There is also a tent area for camping enthusiasts who want to spend the night in the mountain and watch the sunrise. If you are planning to camp at Phu Kho, be sure to bring your own tent.
Phu Kao Ngom
Phu Kao Ngom, also known as the floating road of the city of Loei, is a beautiful road located on Road No. 2113 on the Dan Sai – Na Haeo route, heading to the Na Haeo District. This road winds through the mountains, cutting through a lush forest on either side, providing beautiful natural views for travelers. From a high angle, the road appears to form the number 9 around Phu Kao Ngom, making it a popular spot for tourists to stop and take pictures. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Phu Kao Ngom is also a great place to view the sea of mist, particularly in the morning when the mist creates a beautiful contrast with the green of the surrounding forest and the winding road.
Wat Si Pho Chai
Wat Si Pho Chai is an ancient temple located in Na Haeo District. It was built along with Wat Pho Chai and was founded by a hunter named Xiang Pha who came across the border from Laos while hunting. When he found a suitable location for settlement, he convinced other villagers to join him and established the village of Ban Siang Pha. Over time, the name of the village became distorted to Saeng Pha, and Wat Si Pho Chai was built as a place of worship and a spiritual center for the community. The chapel at Wat Si Pho Chai has a similar appearance to Wat Chiang in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Rai Lung Nueng
Rai Lung Nueng is a simple accommodation option located in the Na Haeo District. It offers affordable prices and beautiful views of the sea of mist and the surrounding mountains. In addition to the accommodation huts, there is also a tent area for campers who want to enjoy a more immersive nature experience. Rai Lung Nueng is located in close proximity to Phu Hua Hom, a popular tourist attraction in the Na Haeo District. Visitors staying at Rai Lung Nueng can enjoy the views from the accommodation in the morning and then continue on to Phu Hua Hom to see more of the beautiful landscape.
GodangCafé Saengpha
Na Haeo is a district in Thailand where it can be difficult to find restaurants or cafes with a more modern or upscale atmosphere. Most of the dining options in the area are simple a la carte restaurants, with only a few exceptions. For those who are looking for a more unique dining experience with views of the rice fields and mountains, the warehouse style cafe in Ban Saeng Phak, located not far from the Na Haeo District, may be worth a visit. The cafe offers a comfortable atmosphere, with a glass room and balcony seating where visitors can enjoy the green views while sipping on coffee or other drinks and eating small food items.
Location: 137 Moo 2, Na Haeo District, Loei 42170
Reforest Coffee Nahaeo
If you are taking a long drive through winding roads and mountains and find yourself in the Na Haeo District, you may want to consider making a stop at the Reforest Coffee Nahaeo, a small coffee shop located near the Phu Suan Sai National Park. This shop was built as part of a forest restoration project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and it has a cool loft-style design. The shop is surrounded by lush greenery and is situated right next to a body of water, making it a perfect place to relax and take a break after a long drive.
Mueang District
Huai Krathing Reservoir
Huai Krathing Reservoir, also known as Man Reservoir, is a natural attraction located in Thailand. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including a bamboo forest and surrounding mountains, and is a popular destination for tourists looking to spend their vacation in a natural setting. Visitors to Huai Krathing Reservoir can enjoy activities such as leisure rafting and dining with a view of the reservoir. The atmosphere at the reservoir is beautiful and cool, with a pleasant breeze blowing through the area. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Harirak Forest Park
The Harirak Forest Park, also known as “Pang Ung Mueang Loei” due to its similar atmosphere to Pang Ung in Loei province, is a great place for campers to set up a tent and enjoy the peaceful surroundings by the reservoir. Visitors who wake up early in the morning may be able to catch sight of the Sai Mo Bang floating above the water, creating a beautiful scene with the cottages by the water and the trees that line the reservoir. Even if you are not a camper, you can still visit the Harirak Forest Park to see the sunrise and the misty landscape. It is important to be respectful of the natural environment and follow any rules or regulations in place to protect the area.
Dan Sai District
Wat Neramit Wipatsana
Wat Neramit Wipatsana is a temple located on a high hill in Thailand. The ubosot and pagodas within the temple are built entirely of laterite and feature exquisite decorations according to the art of the central region. The temple’s large ubosot is the largest of its kind in Thailand and was created through the imagination and design efforts of monks and novices, with beautiful paintings decorating the surroundings. Wat Neramit Wipatsana is a popular destination for visitors to Dan Sai and is not to be missed for those seeking to explore the area’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
