Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More  - A Complete Travel Guide

Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More

A Complete Travel Guide
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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Loei, a mountainous province in Isaan, is not as well-known among foreign tourists as other parts of Thailand. However, it has gained recognition for the wildly popular Phi Ta Khon, or Ghost Festival, which typically takes place at the beginning of the rainy season each year. Chiang Khan has also become a beloved hidden gem for travelers seeking the laid-back charm of a small town along the Mekong River.

That said, there are so many more things to do in Loei, and I'm here to help you discover all the cool experiences this province has to offer, including, of course, Chiang Khan and the Phi Ta Khon Festival, but also lesser-known gems like hiking in Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, visiting the Tai Dam Museum House, and more. So without further ado, here’s a complete travel guide to Loei!

One Month Itinerary for IsaanOne Month Itinerary for Isaan

Loei Things to Do Map

Loei Things to Do Map

10 Best Things to Do in Loei

1. Attend the Phi Ta Khon Festival

A woman under the mask of Phi Ta Khon in Loei

One of the main reasons I made this trip to Loei was to witness the Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, a vibrant celebration where locals dress up as "ghosts" in hand-carved masks and colorful patchwork costumes. They parade through the streets of Dan Sai, Loei, over the course of three days each year, and it has always been a dream of mine to attend one in person.

A woman smiling with Phi Ta Khon in Loei

The dates of the event held in 2025 were from the 28th to the 30th of June, but it's not fixed each year. They often announce the date a few months prior to June each year, so you will have to watch out for the press release over at TAT Newsroom for the actual date.

A parade at Wat Phon Chai seen from above Phi Ta Khon in Loei

The whole point of the festival is to celebrate fertility, rain, and community blessings, marking the beginning of the planting season. Everything begins at Wat Phon Chai, an old temple in the city center. The festival often features large street parades filled with locals wearing colorful ghost masks and costumes, dancing through the streets, with both sides lined with shops and stalls selling souvenirs and street food.

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 Phi Ta Khon in Loei

Although the official press release often highlights the parade on the second day of the festival, you can enjoy the festivities on any of the days. In fact, I highly recommend visiting on a different day, as the parade day can be overwhelmingly crowded. When I was there, it was so packed that the parade didn’t even feel like a parade, more like a slow-moving crowd, thanks to the massive throngs of people filling the entire street of Dan Sai.

People taking photos with Phi Ta Khon in Loei

I planned to arrive around 9:30 AM, 30 minutes before the parade, but ended up stuck in traffic leading into Dan Sai for three hours. When I finally arrived, it took me over 30 minutes just to find parking. I eventually had to leave my car on a mountain road, about a 30-minute walk from Wat Phon Chai. Yup, the festival gets that crowded!

People dancing at Phi Ta Khon in Loei

I met a local a few days later, and she told me she had gone on the first day of the event, and it was much more manageable. So if you want to have a great time at the festival, I recommend visiting either the first or last day. Also, be sure to book your accommodation near Dan Sai months in advance, as places get fully booked very quickly.

A person picking up a mask at Phi Ta Khon in Loei

I was based in Lom Sak, Phetchabun and had a hard time finding any last-minute accommodation. In the end, there were none available, and I had to drive even farther out to find a place. Don’t be like me! That said, the festival itself was incredibly lively and a lot of fun to experience, with plenty of street food, dancing, and locals in vibrant, exotic costumes. What’s not to love? If you are planning to visit Loei, be sure to align it with the Phi Ta Khon Festival!

Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel GuidePhi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide

2. Enjoy the laid-back vibe of Chiang Khan

A street full of wooden houses in Chiang Khan

One of the highlights of visiting Loei is enjoying the laid-back vibe of Chiang Khan, a small riverside town known for its relaxed atmosphere and charming walking streets. Lined with beautifully preserved wooden shophouses, the town feels like a step back in time. It reminded me a lot of the towns I’ve visited in Laos - peaceful, quiet, and wonderfully laid-back.

Wooden houses in Chiang Khan

One of the favorite things to do here is visiting Chiang Khan famous Walking Street, which comes alive every evening, and even more so during the weekends. During the day, along both sides of the streets, you will find these lovely wooden houses featuring boutique hotels, cafes, restaurants, handcrafts shops, and souvenir stores.

People walking at Chiang Khan Walking Street

When evening comes, the street becomes extremely lively as it turns into a walking street and people come out in droves to enjoy the abundance of street foods, snacks, and more. The walking street starts from 5 PM and goes all the way to 10 PM every day.

Boardwalk by the Mekong in Chiang Khan

On the other side of these wooden shophouses, you’ll find a lovely boardwalk running alongside the Mekong River, perfect for a peaceful morning or evening stroll. You can watch the sunrise or sunset, grab some street food from the walking street, and find a quiet spot along the platform to enjoy the stunning river views in solitude. The boardwalk stretches for nearly 2 kilometers, and during the day, you can even rent a bicycle and ride along its full length.

People taking photos at Chiang Khan Walking Street

There are also several attractions around Chiang Khan that can easily fill the rest of your day, such as Kaeng Khut Khu, a lovely viewpoint, Wat Si Khun Muang, a highly revered local temple, and Skywalk Chiang Khan, which we will cover next. Chiang Khan is one of my favorite places in Loei, so don’t miss it!

Laos seen from Chiang Khan

If you’re planning to stay overnight, I highly recommend booking a place with a view of the Mekong River. Trust me, it’s so much better to have a balcony facing the water, where you can relax and watch the river change throughout the day, all from the comfort of your room. I stayed at SAMS Guesthouse, which offered the perfect view of both the river and the walking street, but you can find plenty of other hotels here.

Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & MoreChiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More

3. Check Out the Mekong View from Skywalk Chiang Khan

The viewpoint at Skywalk Chiang Khan

There are many awesome things to do in Chiang Khan, and you’ll find countless viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River, but the best one of all has to be Skywalk Chiang Khan. Located about a 30-minute drive from town, it sits right near the border with Laos and offers breathtaking panoramic views. You will have to get there by a rental may it be a car or a motorbike, as there's no public transportation here.

The buddha statue at Skywalk Chiang Khan

When you arrive, you’ll need to park your car at the designated parking area at the bottom of the hill. From there, you can purchase a ticket at the kiosk for 60 THB per person, which includes a shoe cover for walking on the glass platform and a round-trip shuttle service that will take you up to the skywalk and back down. You can't drive all the way to the skywalk yourself, unfortunately.

The view from Skywalk Chiang Khan

Once you’re there, you’ll find a massive Buddha image overlooking the Mekong River, as well as the skywalk with its transparent platform extending out over the cliff and the river below. The view is astounding, as you’d expect from this part of Thailand. The Mekong curves beautifully around a mountain, forming the natural border between Thailand and Laos, with the rolling hills of Laos providing a stunning backdrop.

Me standing on Skywalk Chiang Khan

The Skywalk is definitely a must-do when you're in Chiang Khan. It's open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is just 60 THB. If you’re visiting during the cooler months, try to arrive right at 7 AM. You might be lucky enough to catch the magical sea of mist blanketing the Mekong. I visited during the rainy season at mid-day and was just grateful the sky cleared up while I was there. It had been pouring for days before, so I’ll take the win! 🤣

4. Hike Up Phu Bo Bit Forest Park For Sunset

Me watching sunset at Phu Bo Bit Forest Park

If you're looking for the best viewpoint in Loei City, Phu Bo Bit Forest Park is the place to be. This forest park covers the area around Phu Bo Bit Mountain, located just a few minutes from Loei city center. It offers a fun and challenging hike with a reward well worth the effort, especially if you go around sunset, like I did.

Loei City seen from Phu Bo Bit Forest Park at sunset

The city has done an excellent job constructing and maintaining the park, with well-kept stairs, scenic platforms, plenty of seating areas, and walking paths that allow you to admire the view from every angle. You will often see many locals exercising here in the evening, jogging up and down until sunset, which is always fun to see.

Me walking on the platform at Phu Bo Bit Forest Park

To visit Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, you’ll need to drive to the park entrance, where you can purchase a ticket for 100 THB per person and park your car. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM. From the entrance, it’s about a 700-meter steep climb to the top, so be prepared. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water!

The path up Phu Bo Bit Forest Park

Along the way, you’ll come across several caves, pavilions, and viewpoints where you can take a break and enjoy the surroundings, so take your time on the hike. Since the trail runs through forested areas, be sure to bring mosquito repellent and avoid touching the black hairy caterpillars, trust me, the itch can last for days!

The stairs at Phu Bo Bit Forest Park

It took me about 45 minutes, without stopping, to hike from the entrance to the top of Phu Bo Bit. The trail is quite steep but manageable. I went in the evening when the heat wasn’t as intense, which made the climb much more bearable. I highly recommend hiking either in the morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable experience.

People watching the view at Phu Bo Bit Forest Park

Out of everything I did in Loei, this hike turned out to be one of my favorite experiences, perhaps because I didn’t expect the view to be so epic or the sunset to be so beautiful, especially during the rainy season. I ended up spending almost two hours at the top, completely alone, just waiting for the sun to set, and it was absolutely worth it. If you’re planning to spend a night in Loei, make sure to carve out time for this hike!

5. Have Street Food/Drink at Sab Kor Food Street

Naga statue at Sab Kor Food Street in Loei

While you're in Loei City, if you're looking for a night market to stroll around, try street food, enjoy the view, or have a drink with friends, I highly recommend checking out Sab Kor Food Street. It's located along the city's main canal, right next to the iconic Naga Water Fountain Monument and the adjacent open-air square.

People at Sab Kor Food Street in Loei

It’s not a big night market, nor is it as crowded as the one in Chiang Khan, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming. It’s spacious, laid-back, and lovely, with a handful of street food stalls and casual eateries offering street-side seating where you can enjoy a cheap and tasty dinner.

Food from Sab Kor Food Street in Loei

There’s also a small bar called Outlaw Brewing where you can grab a drink with friends while enjoying the view of the canal. Or, if you prefer something more low-key, just find a quiet spot by the water and savor your street food at your own pace. The market is open from 6 PM to 9 PM every day except Saturdays. It’s a peaceful, laid-back place, highly recommended if you're looking to wind down in the evening.

6. Check Out Wat Somdet Phu Ruea

The wooden temple at Wat Somdet Phu Ruea

Located between Dan Sai and Loei City, Phu Ruea is an awesome place to drop by as you travel between the 2 cities. One of the highlights of visiting Phu Ruea is Wat Somdet Phu Ruea, a massive temple with a slew of stunning wooden structures, giant religious monuments, tunnels, and a stunning view of Phu Ruea National Park.

Wooden structures at Wat Somdet Phu Ruea

Located just off the main road from Dan Sai to Loei, this temple makes a perfect stop after experiencing the vibrant Phi Ta Khon Festival. The complex is filled with sights worth exploring, starting with its intricately carved wooden temples and beautifully decorated interiors.

The view from the Golden Rock at Wat Somdet Phu Ruea

At one end of the complex, you’ll find a striking golden rock topped with a pagoda, an impressive replica of the sacred one in Myanmar. There’s also a long tunnel with stairs connecting different levels of the temple, lined on both sides with murals depicting stories from the life of the Buddha, or you can drive all the way to the top if you prefer.

Tunnels at Wat Somdet Phu Ruea

It’s a great place to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere during the long drive to Loei City. The temple is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

7. Visit Tai Dam Museum House

The Tai Dam community at Tai Dam Museum House in Loei

Located in a village between Loei City and Chiang Khan, you will find Tai Dam Museum House, a house museum dedicated to preserving the history and tradition of the Tai Dam people, an ethnic group who migrated to this part of Thailand from Laos and Vietnam over a century ago via the Mekong River.

Old houses at Tai Dam Museum House in Loei

At the museum, you'll find traditional stilted wooden houses built in authentic Tai Dam style, made from teak or bamboo with thatched roofs and beautifully carved wooden details. One of the larger houses has been converted into a museum, showcasing how the Tai Dam people live, where they originally migrated from, and much more.

Courtyard at Tai Dam Museum House in Loei

You’ll also get to meet actual Tai Dam locals who work at the museum and live nearby. They’re more than happy to share their culture with visitors. I spoke to one of the local women, and she told me you can even book a homestay experience with them, and you can stay in the wooden house, and they’ll cook traditional Tai Dam dishes for you at dinner. Pretty cool!

Tai Dam people dancing at Tai Dam Museum House in Loei

You can also try on traditional Tai Dam clothing for photos or request a folk dance performance. They’ll gather a group and put on a lovely show for you. Everything is free of charge, though donations are appreciated after the performance. The people were incredibly welcoming. They even offered to take photos of me with the ladies in traditional dress. Overall, it was a super fun and memorable experience. The museum is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

8. Drive Along the Mekong River

Sea of clouds along the Mekong River in Loei

If you have a car, I highly recommend spending some time driving along Highway 211, which winds alongside the Mekong River and the Laos border. The scenery along the way, especially in the morning when the clouds still linger over the mountains, is absolutely breathtaking.

My car on the road along the Mekong River

I was driving from Chiang Khan to Nong Khai, and I was completely taken by surprise at how photogenic the entire route was. I lost count of how many times I pulled over just to snap photos of the Mekong River. There are plenty of worthwhile stops along the way, too, check out the views from Phu Sam Thong Viewpoint, Phan Khot Saen Khrai Viewpoint, and the river beach at Hat Bia.

Me walking pass a waterfall near Mekong River

Since you'll be so close to Nong Khai province, it's also worth exploring some of its attractions, like the beautiful Than Thip Waterfall (Namtok Than Thip) or the famous glass skywalk at Wat Pha Tak Suea. Loei has several scenic drives, but this stretch along Highway 211 is easily one of my favorites.

9. Hike to the Top of Phu Kradueng

Hilly mountains in Loei

One of the most famous hikes Thais like to do in Thailand is to experience the cooler climate, stunning view of the sea of clouds, and bonding experience with their group of friends at Phu Kradueng, easily one of the most iconic mountains in Thailand.

Located in Phu Kradueng National Park, this mountain plateau sits over 1,300 meters above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views, seasonal waterfalls, and cool pine forests that feel worlds away from the tropical lowlands. The hike to the top is no small feat with about 9 kilometers in total, but it’s well worth the effort.

The trail begins at the park entrance and gradually turns into a series of steep ascents. Most people take 3 to 5 hours to reach the top, depending on fitness and rest breaks. Once you get to the final point, there’s still a 3 km walk across the plateau to the campsite area where everyone stays overnight.

Pru Kradueng National Park Office

What makes Phu Kradueng special is not just the challenge but the reward at the top. You’ll find wide open pine forests, flower fields, and several scenic viewpoints like Pha Nok Aen, which is especially popular at sunrise. Other highlights include waterfalls like Tham Yai and cliffs like Pha Lom Sak, the best view for sunset.

The park is only open from October to May, as the trail is closed during the rainy season, so be sure to plan carefully. It’s best to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and have plenty of time to explore once you reach the top.

You can either carry your own gear or pay porters to take your bags up for you. Accommodation is available at the top in the form of tents. They are only available for rent at the spot; 150 THB for 2 people, 200 THB for 3 people, and 400 THB for 4 people. These prices don't include sleeping accessories. The sleeping accessories are available for rent for 60 THB.

There are over 5000 tents here, which makes it one of the largest campsites in Thailand, so unless you plan to hike during public holidays like Song Kran or New Years, there should be space available without booking. You can book online here or via Queq app.

10. Hike Around Hin Pha Ngam Park

Stone formations at Hin Pha Ngam Park

Last but not least, if you are visiting Phu Kradueng, be sure to check out Hin Pha Ngam Park, a striking natural park known for its unique limestone rock formations, so much so that it's often referred to as the "Kunming of Thailand".

The park features dramatic eroded karst formations, some resembling animals or everyday objects, all surrounded by lush jungle. You can park at the designated area and explore the stone garden at your own pace. To reach the hiking trail to the viewpoint, you can either walk or take a 30 THB ride on a community-run e-tak (a local electric cart).

Visiting the park, including the short hike to the viewpoint, should take around 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. If you’d like a deeper insight into the area, local guides are available for just 100 THB per group (for groups of fewer than 10 people).

What to Eat and Drink in Loei?

1. Eat at Khao Piak Pak Mha

Vietnamese noodle at Khao Piak Pak Mha

Khao Piak Pak Mha is a local's favorite and a great place for breakfast or lunch. This Vietnamese restaurant located in Loei city is famous for its Khao Piak dish or Vietnamese noodle soup that is still priced at only 30 THB for the smallest portion. You can't find any dish at that price nowadays.

Interior of Khao Piak Pak Mha

There are also other dishes like Khai Grata (fried eggs on a pan) as well as drinks, but mostly, they just do Khao Piak and they do it really well. If you are spending a night in Loei City, be sure to come check out Khao Piak Pak Mha. The restaurant is open from 6 AM to 2 PM every day except on Sundays.

How to Get to Loei?

A woman posing at a viewpoint in Loei

By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Loei is by bus. They typically leave from Morchit Bus Terminal, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 370 to 400 THB and takes between 8 - 10 hours, depending on the traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.

If you want to skip Loei City and go straight to Chiang Khan, you can also catch a direct bus from Bangkok. It’s a bit more expensive at 500–800 THB, but it will take you right where you want to be. You can book your ticket here.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Loei. The journey should take about 8 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Loei?

Song Taew to Chiang Khan in Loei

By Bus: Although many tourist attractions in Loei are not accessible by public transportation, the two main places on this list, Loei City and Chiang Khan, are. So if you want to travel between the two without renting a car, you should be able to catch a bus from Loei Bus Terminal.

The bus usually leaves hourly from 5 AM until 4:30 PM, but sometimes departs earlier than scheduled, so it's best to arrive about 30 minutes in advance. You can buy your ticket at the station, and it should cost around 50 THB. The ride takes about an hour to reach Chiang Khan, and you’ll be dropped off at this spot upon arrival.

By Song Taew: If you happen to be at the bus terminal after 4:30 PM, or if you're told there’s no bus, you can take a Song Taew instead. It’s a form of local public transportation that runs every day of the year.

The Song Taew costs around 40 THB per person and takes about 1.5 hours, as passengers often get on and off along the way. They run frequently throughout the day until late evening, so you can simply go to the bus station and hop on one heading in that direction.

By Car: For further away places, I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent one from here or if you prefer a more reputable company, it's best to rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.

What to Pack for Loei?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Loei, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Loei, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:

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