I’m not sure why I finally visited Loei now. I first heard of the province over a decade ago, while enjoying Loy Krathong in Ayutthaya, with a friend of mine whose family owns a hotel along the river there.
“It’s a trending destination for Thais right now,” he explained, citing the relaxed vibe and abundance of outdoor activities. “I don’t know if it will ever be popular among farang, though.”
Well, as someone who is very much a farang, I can say that I found myself impressed, both by the variety of things to do in Loei, as well as just how authentic and un-touristic the province is. Continue reading if you think you might want to follow in my footsteps!
Where to Stay in Loei
As I explained in my recent essay, I nearly found out the hard way that the best and most convenient Loei hotels are not in Loei city. For most travelers, and certainly those visiting Loei for the first time or without much of a plan, it’s probably best to seek accommodation in Chiang Khan. (I’ll be explaining more about this place and why you should go there in a minute—not to worry!).
The strange thing is that many of the hotels and guest houses along the main street seem not to be available for booking on international online travel agents. For example, while I stayed at Sams Chiangkhan (and also had the option to book Nabaiboon), I walked past probably half a dozen properties that advertised vacancy, in spite of not having appeared in internet searches.
Places to Visit in Loei
Wat Somdet Phu Ruea
After picking up my rental car at Loei Airport, I immediately head west, along a highway that was as much a journey as a destination. Miraculously, I managed only to stop at one of the red stalls selling ngaw (aka rambutans) and made it to my destination, the surreal Wat Somdet Phu Ruea temple, in less than tow hours.
Phi Ta Kon Museum
In my case, the next logical stop along my Loei itinerary was the sleepy district of Dan Sai. On paper, this might not seem like an obvious place to stop. However, since I missed the actual Phi Ta Khon festival, the Phi Ta Kon Museum here ended up being an indispensable facsimile.
Chiang Khan Walking Street
If you don’t rent a car or motorbike in Loei (and I highly recommend that you do—let’s just be clear about this), then you will probably head directly from the airport to Chiang Khan. In particular, Chiang Khan Walking Street (and the night market set up there) are worth visiting, though the Mekong River adds a lot of great scenery.
Chiang Khan Skywalk
From Chiang Khan, you can hire a songthaew or Grab car to take you to the Chiang Khan Skywalk, which is about 20-30 minutes outside of town. Having been built just a few years ago, this isn’t a super popular example of what to do in Loei. But I promise that it justifies the trouble of getting there!
Excursions from Loei
I visited two places outside of Loei province during my trip there: The so-called “Siam tulip fields” of Chaiyaphum province; and the Wat Pa Phu Kon “blue temple” in neighboring Udon Thani, whose other attractions I’ll preview more fully in the section below.
Other Places to Visit in Isaan
Loei is one of the most unique and captivating parts of Isaan, but it’s not the only province that’s worth visiting. Here are some other ideas:
- Udon Thani: Located just east of Loei, Udon Thani offers a similar range of experiences, from Nong Khai (just down the river from Chiang Khan, to the so-called Red Lotus Sea inland.
- Roi Et: A charming small city with a lush urban park and giant observation tower, Roi Et is the heart of Isaan in more ways than one.
- Ubon Ratchathani: Want to visit the Grand Canyon of Thailand? While Ubon Ratchathani’s Sam Phan Bok doesn’t really look like the one in Arizona, it’s still one of the main reasons to visit this province.
No matter how many days in Loei you spend, I hope you’ll devote at least a little bit more of your time to exploring these other places.
Other FAQ About Visiting Loei
What is Loei known for?
Loei, to the extent that it is known, is associated with the annual Phi Ta Kon festival, as well as for being one of the most rural and relaxed parts of Thailand, and one that doesn’t have very many tourists. Loei’s main claim to fame, paradoxically, is that it simply isn’t famous at all.
Where to go in Loei?
The most satisfying place in Loei province, for tourists, is the town of Chiang Khan, which is located along the Mekong River across from Laos. Other worthwhile destinations include the inland town of Dan Sai, and the captivating Wat Somdet Phu Ruea temple.
How long should you spend in Loei?
Loei is a sprawling province that also requires a long bus journey or a flight from Bangkok; you should spend at least 1-2 nights here to make the journey worthwhile. Alternatively, you can visit Loei as part of a road trip around the Isaan region, rather than as an à la carte excursion.
The Bottom Line
I hope my round-up of things to do in Loei has gotten you excited about your own trip (of, if you weren’t planning to go, has inspired you to make the journey). Some travelers will simply fly up to Loei Airport, and then cocoon themselves along the walking street in Chiang Khan for a few days. Others will rent a car or motorbike, whether to dig into off-the-beaten-path destinations deep in Jangwat Loei, or to make excursions to nearby provinces like Chaiyaphum and Udon Thani. Need personalized help tailoring your time in Loei to suit your preferences? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
