Living In Loei

[Sparkles]

Having recently retired from teaching in Bangkok my Thai wife and I are looking to relocate to a rural area where we can build a small cottage on a couple of rai ,out of town,and enjoy a more peaceful exsistence than Bangkok offers.

The area around Loei is on our short list and I was wondering if there were any foreigners who had chosen to live there. Have seen a couple of posts re the Tesco fiasco but would appreciate any input. For consideration are supermarkets or accessibilty to the necessaries, Hospitals , UBC and internet availability and things to see and do.

Any help would be appreciated. Work is not a necessity for me but my wife who speaks reasonable English would like to work maybe at a hotel/resort or similar. We plan to visit shortly.

[Gary A]

Having recently retired from teaching in Bangkok my Thai wife and I are looking to relocate to a rural area where we can build a small cottage on a couple of rai ,out of town,and enjoy a more peaceful exsistence than Bangkok offers.

The area around Loei is on our short list and I was wondering if there were any foreigners who had chosen to live there. Have seen a couple of posts re the Tesco fiasco but would appreciate any input. For consideration are supermarkets or accessibilty to the necessaries, Hospitals , UBC and internet availability and things to see and do.

Any help would be appreciated. Work is not a necessity for me but my wife who speaks reasonable English would like to work maybe at a hotel/resort or similar. We plan to visit shortly.

I can start by saying that if anyone had told me I would be living in the boonies up country, I would have told them that they were insane.

I lived with my Thai wife in Jomtien and it took her four months to get me to agree to just have a look at her house in Loei. After about five visits I decided that it was actually quite pleasant out in the boonies. I think we have now been up here going on five years. I am content.

The nearest super stores are in Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Both about 150 kilometers away. There are VERY few farang oriented thing up here and I have discovered that suits me just fine. I have plenty to do to keep me busy but I do exactly as I like and if I DO feel like doing anything, I have plenty to do.

I had acute appendicitis and went to Loei Ram hospital. I was actually impressed with the care I received and since I'm still alive, it must have gone fine. We are about 50 kilometers south of Loei and the area is quite scenic. If I were asked if I could live here without my wife, I would have to say that I could not.

ADDED - We do have UBC and it is fine. I seldom watch TV but it is there if I want it. My Ipstar Internet connection stunk and after about four years of complaining I had them discontinue it. I have found that my AIS EDGE connection through my cell phone is better than Ipstar ever was and a lot cheaper.

Edited March 9, 2008 by Gary A

[LoveDaBlues]

Stay away from Loei; it's in the middle of nowhere and there's a crazy farang running around on a new tractor driving everyone nuts.

[Gary A]

Stay away from Loei; it's in the middle of nowhere and there's a crazy farang running around on a new tractor driving everyone nuts.

That's true, BUT, if you avoid the Nong Gik area you are safe. I'm never more than two kilometers from there.

[LoveDaBlues]

Stay away from Loei; it's in the middle of nowhere and there's a crazy farang running around on a new tractor driving everyone nuts.

That's true, BUT, if you avoid the Nong Gik area you are safe. I'm never more than two kilometers from there.

Okay then it's official; Nong Gik is now the Area 51 of Thailand. DO NOT attempt to enter Nong Gik you will be run down by a farang wearing a black ninja suit and driving a tractor.

[IMChris]

Oh hel_l, and I thaught I would be the only farang there.

[garro]

I don't live in Loei but do live in a rural part of Phitsanulok.

I'm actually moving away to a city in three weeks after almost 4 years.

I would advise any westerner moving to the rural area to go somewhere that your partner has family.

I think this makes life a lot easier and safer for both you and them.

[Spiny]

I have been visiting the area on and off for 10 years now, usually going there 4 or 5 times a year and staying up to a week each time. I would really like the retire there. Superb scenery hilly and rugged and some primary forest still uncut. In all that time of visiting and staying there I have never had anyone say a cross word to me and have been made welcome with typical Isaan hospitality.

I have particpated in many festivals and religious rites and know the Pu yai baans and Poo Yai Amphoer quite well as I has made many charitable donations to wats and schools in the area. Your skills as a teacher would be most appreciated at the local schools

The most disturbing event I have ever witnessed was at the dodgems at the Ork Phangsa fair last year in Chiang Kharn where there was an outbreak of fights between the young (drunk) teenage girls of rival villages. However, this was quickely put down by the local police.

Spent most of my time near Chiang Kharn and in all that time I have only ever met and spoken to 1 farang, a retired policeman who built a house last year near the menan Khong. A couple of years ago I saw a farang during Songkhran time near the Loie river. When Andaman and then Nok Air was flying to Loei I use see the odd farang also. Pity the airport in Loie is closed again as Nok Air quit flying there last October.

In Loie, Loie Ram hospital seems to be quite well equipped, the government clinics and hopsitals are very basic. Once the Tesco Lotus opens up, near the existing KFC , then maybe this will become a weekly meeting point for some of the farangs who have settled in the area. Anyway good luck, I am sure , like most of the posters , to your query, you will find the place to you liking if you like the quiet life.

[Gary A]

I go to Chiang Khan for my visa and 90 day check ins. The last farang I saw there was a very upset Brit. He insisted that he could go into Laos and was told he must go to Nong Kai.

The Loei Tesco Lotus was due to have the grand opening two years ago this month. I'll be surprised if it ever opens. The KFC remains open.

[BigSnake]

Hear from friend that live there it is a beautful place to live, and raise a family.

[Gary A]

Hear from friend that live there it is a beautful place to live, and raise a family.

It's certainly not for everyone but it suits me fine. I really enjoy the laid back life style and the scenery. I was just out in the back yard helping my wife catch five baby ducklings. She said that if she doesn't take them from the mother, the mother will ignore the rest of her eggs to take care of those five. I laugh every day at our "durkey". The hen turkey hatched only six eggs and one was a duck egg. The duckling thinks he is a turkey and so does the mother turkey. I still like to ride a motorbike and the biggest danger here are cattle, buffalo, dogs and kids. I just run over the chickens. Life is good.

[tsocr]

My house is about 50K north of Loei. The people are friendly and country scenery is great. Gets a little chilly in the winter but a change is good. The only problem is the drives to get western food and a good conversation with another farang.

Tsocr

[Gary A]

My house is about 50K north of Loei. The people are friendly and country scenery is great. Gets a little chilly in the winter but a change is good. The only problem is the drives to get western food and a good conversation with another farang.

Tsocr

I live 50 kilometers south of Loei and Chiang Khan is 100 kilometers from where I live. You must be very close to Chiang Khan.

[tsocr]

My house is about 50K north of Loei. The people are friendly and country scenery is great. Gets a little chilly in the winter but a change is good. The only problem is the drives to get western food and a good conversation with another farang.

Tsocr

I live 50 kilometers south of Loei and Chiang Khan is 100 kilometers from where I live. You must be very close to Chiang Khan.

I need to correct myself. 50K NW a few minutes outside Tha Li.

Tsocr

[barrybike]

hi i have rubber trees in dan sai ,are any of ye far from here ,wont be making move there for few years yet ,have to wait few more years before rubber starts to make any money ..

[fishhooks]

Hi Loei chaps; Is it easy and convenient to get from Loei to ThaLi, probably by bus.

Now ThaLi Immigration needs to serve a much bigger area and I need to go there in a few days.

I have also posted another thread re ThaLi as it will be a first time for me and needing a fair bit of travel (and info if poss.)

[robbo1]

Dont live in Loei yet but my wife and I plan to retire there not for a few more years but will hapen I tell my wife Loei is one of those great issan secrets that not many farang know about and hope never do as it would ruin the peaceful lifestyle

[barrybike]

Dont live in Loei yet but my wife and I plan to retire there not for a few more years but will hapen I tell my wife Loei is one of those great issan secrets that not many farang know about and hope never do as it would ruin the peaceful lifestyle

ill say notin robbo maybe see you there some day lol

[fvos]

Hello Sparkles

I have been to visit my wifes parents / family 7 times in 10 years as they live not far from Loei airport.

I have never seen any trouble etc and go into town via 201 on any motorbike that isnt being used around home.

The only close calls I have had is at the main roundabout in the city. Who gives way to who ?

Loei is very quiet ,the brother in law is a school teacher so I tend to get to see the the local schools etc.

Things are not what I saw on my first visit money etc has seen the closing of several food / eating out places near the river etc.

My stays were of 6 weeks at a time and never reallly got bored ,found the leo beer was cheap etc .

Took a six pack of Coopers beer from South Australia and the locals enjoyed it.

I have seen few non thais in the city and on my last holiday / visit took my sony shortwave radio with me to

listen to Radio Australia.

The idea of retiring there is tempting.

I would be interested in exchanging emails etc with english speaking people living in and around Loei.

regards

Fred

[zyprexa]

Hello Sparkles

I have been to visit my wifes parents / family 7 times in 10 years as they live not far from Loei airport.

I have never seen any trouble etc and go into town via 201 on any motorbike that isnt being used around home.

The only close calls I have had is at the main roundabout in the city. Who gives way to who ?

Loei is very quiet ,the brother in law is a school teacher so I tend to get to see the the local schools etc.

Things are not what I saw on my first visit money etc has seen the closing of several food / eating out places near the river etc.

My stays were of 6 weeks at a time and never reallly got bored ,found the leo beer was cheap etc .

Took a six pack of Coopers beer from South Australia and the locals enjoyed it.

I have seen few non thais in the city and on my last holiday / visit took my sony shortwave radio with me to

listen to Radio Australia.

The idea of retiring there is tempting.

I would be interested in exchanging emails etc with english speaking people living in and around Loei.

regards

Fred

Hi Fred . My name is John and I live in Melbourne. I love Thailand and in May I wil be going to Loei to visit a lady I met online. They seem like very nice people. I would really like to talk to you about Loei if you have the time. Its possible if I like the place I may retire there. My e mail adress is [email protected]. Cheers John

[kalasin]

Having recently retired from teaching in Bangkok my Thai wife and I are looking to relocate to a rural area where we can build a small cottage on a couple of rai ,out of town,and enjoy a more peaceful exsistence than Bangkok offers.

The area around Loei is on our short list and I was wondering if there were any foreigners who had chosen to live there. Have seen a couple of posts re the Tesco fiasco but would appreciate any input. For consideration are supermarkets or accessibilty to the necessaries, Hospitals , UBC and internet availability and things to see and do.

Any help would be appreciated. Work is not a necessity for me but my wife who speaks reasonable English would like to work maybe at a hotel/resort or similar. We plan to visit shortly.

I can start by saying that if anyone had told me I would be living in the boonies up country, I would have told them that they were insane.

I lived with my Thai wife in Jomtien and it took her four months to get me to agree to just have a look at her house in Loei. After about five visits I decided that it was actually quite pleasant out in the boonies. I think we have now been up here going on five years. I am content.

The nearest super stores are in Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Both about 150 kilometers away. There are VERY few farang oriented thing up here and I have discovered that suits me just fine. I have plenty to do to keep me busy but I do exactly as I like and if I DO feel like doing anything, I have plenty to do.

I had acute appendicitis and went to Loei Ram hospital. I was actually impressed with the care I received and since I'm still alive, it must have gone fine. We are about 50 kilometers south of Loei and the area is quite scenic. If I were asked if I could live here without my wife, I would have to say that I could not.

ADDED - We do have UBC and it is fine. I seldom watch TV but it is there if I want it. My Ipstar Internet connection stunk and after about four years of complaining I had them discontinue it. I have found that my AIS EDGE connection through my cell phone is better than Ipstar ever was and a lot cheaper.

With 6,369 posts in 4 years I do have a clou of what you like to do...

[zyprexa]

Hello Sparkles

I have been to visit my wifes parents / family 7 times in 10 years as they live not far from Loei airport.

I have never seen any trouble etc and go into town via 201 on any motorbike that isnt being used around home.

The only close calls I have had is at the main roundabout in the city. Who gives way to who ?

Loei is very quiet ,the brother in law is a school teacher so I tend to get to see the the local schools etc.

Things are not what I saw on my first visit money etc has seen the closing of several food / eating out places near the river etc.

My stays were of 6 weeks at a time and never reallly got bored ,found the leo beer was cheap etc .

Took a six pack of Coopers beer from South Australia and the locals enjoyed it.

I have seen few non thais in the city and on my last holiday / visit took my sony shortwave radio with me to

listen to Radio Australia.

The idea of retiring there is tempting.

I would be interested in exchanging emails etc with english speaking people living in and around Loei.

regards

Fred

[Swelters]

This Loei area looks very nice and we have enjoyed village time there. There is a definite hilltribe and Lao feel to the rural areas. I commend the hardy enthusiast who can live there. But it is pretty far.

I hope it is not too far off topic to suggest that the ring of fair sized hills 100 km northeast of BKK that stretch from Pak Chong east are also high enough to bring some relief from heat and some interesting agri-opportunities such as grapes and avocados like Loei, while being accessible by bus within three hours and not at all overrun by tourism or alien influence. I don't include Wan Nam Kheo in this suggestion.

On the issue of living in the wife's village, there are two schools of thought.

a. Absolutely good thing.

b. Absolutely bad thing.

Both supported by ample data.

Swelters

[gwynt]

Hear from friend that live there it is a beautful place to live, and raise a family.

It's certainly not for everyone but it suits me fine. I really enjoy the laid back life style and the scenery. I was just out in the back yard helping my wife catch five baby ducklings. She said that if she doesn't take them from the mother, the mother will ignore the rest of her eggs to take care of those five. I laugh every day at our "durkey". The hen turkey hatched only six eggs and one was a duck egg. The duckling thinks he is a turkey and so does the mother turkey. I still like to ride a motorbike and the biggest danger here are cattle, buffalo, dogs and kids. I just run over the chickens. Life is good.

I just love the place we have the family house in Nadindum ( 12km from Loei) at the moment but plan a bigger place for me and wifey.

Been back and forth for more than four years always a great welcome we have donated computers to both the senior school and the nursery, this year it's a toilet block for the school in Huimwang my wife has raised money from the village her brother and cousin will do the work and the money is managed by her ex teacher still the head.

Not too many farrangs an austrian guy has a restraunt at the King hotel not always there though, I have met a few expats at thai bar on Phu ruea when we have visited the area.

Plan is to retire there to run the land we have and just live in peace in a beautifull area.

[robbo1]

Hear from friend that live there it is a beautful place to live, and raise a family.

It's certainly not for everyone but it suits me fine. I really enjoy the laid back life style and the scenery. I was just out in the back yard helping my wife catch five baby ducklings. She said that if she doesn't take them from the mother, the mother will ignore the rest of her eggs to take care of those five. I laugh every day at our "durkey". The hen turkey hatched only six eggs and one was a duck egg. The duckling thinks he is a turkey and so does the mother turkey. I still like to ride a motorbike and the biggest danger here are cattle, buffalo, dogs and kids. I just run over the chickens. Life is good.

I just love the place we have the family house in Nadindum ( 12km from Loei) at the moment but plan a bigger place for me and wifey.

Been back and forth for more than four years always a great welcome we have donated computers to both the senior school and the nursery, this year it's a toilet block for the school in Huimwang my wife has raised money from the village her brother and cousin will do the work and the money is managed by her ex teacher still the head.

Not too many farrangs an austrian guy has a restraunt at the King hotel not always there though, I have met a few expats at thai bar on Phu ruea when we have visited the area.

Plan is to retire there to run the land we have and just live in peace in a beautifull area.

Most common place I know where farang drink would be BHAN THAI restaurant farang food not bad but thai food is overpriced still prefer to eat off the street best place for kaprow moo is a little place just near where the monday night markets are arroy mak mak and they sell big browns of leo beer for 40 bhat I think dont quote on price of beer but food very nice

[barrybike]

so how many have we now that plan or are living near around or in loei ????

[robbo1]

I know a few farangs are living around the area that have something to do with the mines that are going on around Wang Supporn I hope the spelling is right I also think there could be a mine starting up somewhere between Loei and Chang Kaan

[fishhooks]

When I took the local bus from Loei to Thali a while back, I noticed what I thought were holiday type guest houses or similar off to the side of the road in the mountains not too far from Thali.

Area looked nice and relaxing.

Anyone have knowledge of these places or contact details.

Thought some of the Loei Expats may be able to help, thanks in anticipation.

[tsocr]

When I took the local bus from Loei to Thali a while back, I noticed what I thought were holiday type guest houses or similar off to the side of the road in the mountains not too far from Thali.

Area looked nice and relaxing.

Anyone have knowledge of these places or contact details.

Thought some of the Loei Expats may be able to help, thanks in anticipation.

I am assumimg you where on 2115 to Tha Li. I travel that road all the time on my way home from Loei. I do not live to far out from Tha Li. I only know of some well to do Thai folks that have build some nice homes. I will check with the misses to she if she knows.

Tscor

[Mai Krap]

There are many resorts in this general area from Phu Krudung to Chiang Khan and from Loei to Dan Sai, Many situated in Phu Rhua, which is the top of the mountain and has a fantastic little valley known for cool weather and flowers.

I was told last year all the mining was closed down and the people involved left the area, I have not checked it out but the source was very reliable. It may be the projects were sold off so they closed for a time and have new people if they are back working. It was never more than a couple dozen expats working in the mining.

I lived up there for a year and rode my little motorcycle all over the area up and down every dirt road I could find. At the time there were hardly any cars on the road and it felt like I had the entire place to myself.

There are some large wine vinyards on the mountain and before they would let you just wonder around and have picnics or whatever you wanted to do. Thats been 5 years ago and I have not been back so it may not be the same.

Loei translates to something like "End Of The Road" as it was almost impossible to get to a hundred years ago. Its a beautiful place but it lacks medical and goods compared to Ubon, Udon, Korat, and Khon Kaen. It can make a great holiday for most who venture there but like Gary said last year, it aint for everybody. I still have friends up there and they are happy to come see me in Bangkok or Pattaya as they all get a little lonely at times and need to practice their English.