Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More

10 Best Things to Do in Loei

1. Attend the Phi Ta Khon Festival 👍 Must Do

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

For a complete travel guide to Phi Ta Khone, check out:Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Loei?

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HOP INN Loei

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Indiego Space

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Loei Village Hotel

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2. Enjoy the laid-back vibe of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

For more things to do in Chiang Khan, check out:Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More

3. Check Out the Mekong View from 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.

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.

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.

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 💎 Hidden Gem

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 🥘 Place to Eat

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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.