Possible trip to Loei

[Guest siamjourney]

I'm trying to get any information about visiting the Loei area.  Is this a good time of year to go?  I would appreciate any recommendations for nature hikes, lodging, restaurants, and/or things to avoid.

 

Thanks.

[khwaibah]

Check the Isan Forum. You will get more info there than in the Chiang Mai Forum.

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/32-isaan-forum/

 

[elektrified]

Loei is a beautiful part of Thailand. You have to go to Dan Sai and then take a long mountain road up to the main town. The village of Dan Sai is boring and there is nothing to do. As I recall it's about a 70-90? minute drive up the mountain. There are some fabulous homes on huge 10-20 rai+ lots with beautiful farmland. Unfortunately I think you have missed the Pi Ta Khon Festival which I believe is in June. That is really something to see. I recommend the Phurua National Park and the view from Phurua Peak is awesome. The Pi Ta Khon Museum is interesting. From my experience there is absolutely nothing to do at night. Maybe things have changed.

 

Probably not the best time of the year to go as it will be raining. October should be O.K. Also they have this red clay-like soil up there and it gets on your socks, shoes, pants, etc. and will never come off. The mud during the rainy season could make things even worse. I experienced this in one part of Brazil too.

 

 

[VBF]

Loei is a beautiful part of Thailand. You have to go to Dan Sai and then take a long mountain road up to the main town. The village of Dan Sai is boring and there is nothing to do. As I recall it's about a 70-90? minute drive up the mountain. There are some fabulous homes on huge 10-20 rai+ lots with beautiful farmland. Unfortunately I think you have missed the Pi Ta Khon Festival which I believe is in June. That is really something to see. I recommend the Phurua National Park and the view from Phurua Peak is awesome. The Pi Ta Khon Museum is interesting. From my experience there is absolutely nothing to do at night. Maybe things have changed.

 

Probably not the best time of the year to go as it will be raining. October should be O.K. Also they have this red clay-like soil up there and it gets on your socks, shoes, pants, etc. and will never come off. The mud during the rainy season could make things even worse. I experienced this in one part of Brazil too.

 

 

Having friends in Loei, I agree with all the above venues. I've frequently made the trip by bus from Pattaya to Loei, and apart from the boring bus ride (!) loved it. The first time, even that is an adventure  The Wang Saphun Monkey Temple (not sure of its proper name) is worth a visit so is Pla Hin Nam Waterfall 

 

I've usually visited between January to March - for me, that's a perfect time as I love hot weather. Certainly no "night-life" as there is in Pattaya/Phuket etc but a really welcome break. As I said, I visit friends anyway and they put me up (or put up with me ) so can't help with accommodation suggestions . Take a look and enjoy!