When travelers are fed up with relaxing on the white beaches of Thailand, it's time to head to the north of the country and discover the serenity of life in this part of the Kingdom.
Many go to the city and capital of the province of the same name, Chiang Mai, known for its green hills. But those looking to discover a less well-trodden route should head to the northeast of the country, in the province of Loei.
Loei is located 500 kilometers from Bangkok, and offers travelers no less picturesque scenery than neighboring Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. But in addition to the emerald forests and vibrant festivals that are loved by guests of Northern Thailand, travelers will also find original cuisine here: spicy salads, various spices and famous local coffee.
During the high season, the region is popular with cyclists. Temperatures can reach freezing here at night, so take warm clothes with you. The most interesting excursions are held in the Phu Kradung National Park. One of them includes a walk to a picturesque plateau, the road to which passes through a pine forest.
But you don't have to be physically tough and go hiking in order to enjoy the beauty of this province. To see the region at a more relaxed pace, it is worth taking a few days for the trip.
You can start with a walk in the Loei Hills. If the walk falls on sunny weather and the traveler chooses a good point of view, his gaze will open a ridge of hills stretching for kilometers into the distance, pierced by silvery rivers. One of the peaks, called Phu-Ho, stands out for its shape and height against the background of the others.
Once one of the locals noticed that its outlines Phu-Ho resembles the famous Mount Fujiyama in Japan, and since then many travelers come here precisely to see this similarity. And although the mountains are really similar, the surface of Phu-Ho, in contrast to the snow-covered slopes of Fuji, is covered with green tropical forests.
Many travelers do not climb this 900-meter mountain and admire it from the side. The best place to do this is the nearby Phu Pa Po Mountain, which offers such a wide panorama that you can see sunny weather on one side of Phu Ho Mountain, while it will rain on the opposite slope. The best time of day to visit these places is sunrise or sunset.
But the very process of climbing Phu Pa Po can be an adventure if you make it on one of the small open tractors that lift those who wish to the top. The journey is not very comfortable, but an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. The path along which the ascent takes place is surrounded by trees and lawns with wild flowers, so it will especially appeal to nature lovers. Before the very top, travelers will have to leave their transport and climb a few hundred meters on foot, but the view from the mountain is worth a little effort.
How to get there
- By Air: Nok Air and Air Asia operate daily flights to Loei Airport;
- By train: the province cannot be reached by rail, but you can take the train to the neighboring province of Udon Thani, and then change to a local bus;
- By Bus: Buses to Loei Province depart daily from 8:30 am to 10 pm from Bangkok North Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal).
When to go
The province can be visited at any time of the year, but the most popular among travelers is the period from mid-October to February, when the air temperature here drops to an annual minimum.
