|
This sparsely populated province in the North-East
of Thailand has a lot to offer for the independent
traveler with a strong sense of adventure and a dash
of curiosity. Close to the Laos border, this can be
a great place to stop off for a few days and discover
the spirit of Thailand.
With its low mountains, flowing waterfalls and immense
areas of open, fertile land forming plains that hold
the province's main town and the River Loei, this
is a place of great natural beauty and contains a
wide range of both natural and cultural attractions.
The province of Loei experiences different weather
conditions to much of the rest of Thailand. During
the winter the temperature can drop to 0 degrees C
with swirling fogs and mists, whilst in the summer
it is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 0 degrees
C.
There are three main areas in this richly diverse
province that draw travellers: Loei city, Dan Sai
and the sleepy yet picturesque and very welcoming
town of Chiang Khan.
The city of Loei was formed in 1853 by king Mongkut
(Rama IV) in order to better administer the accelerated
population in the area. Loei city is the capital of
Loei Province and there are many things for visitors
to see and do.
The extremely beautiful Phu Kradung National Park
is well worth exploring, and it is easy to spend an
entire day there as it contains several sparkling
waterfalls and Tham Yai - which literally means 'big
cave' in Thai.
Another great day trip idea is the Phu Reua National
Park, which can be combined with a visit to the nearby
Tham Erawan and Wat Tham Erawan.
The Culture Center of Loei is a great place to explore
at your leisure and get to grips with the local history,
and you can discover the uniquely creative side of
the people at the Sirindhorn Arts Centre.
The centrally located night market is a good place
to pick up a bargain, engage in some colourful local
banter and find a cheap and tasty meal.
If you are in Loei city at the end of January, don't
miss the Cotton Blossom Festival, where floats are
decorated with cotton and there is dancing and cavorting
in the streets.
Send
us your comments
|
