Loei is one of the most sparsely populated provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Province of Laos.


Loei is a city surrounded by undulating mountain ranges whose summits are covered by foggy lines, abundant with various kinds of flora. The well-known ones are Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea.



History

In 1853 king Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to better administer the increased population in the area. In 1907 the province was created.



Symbols

The seal of the province shows the stupa at Phra That Si Song Rak built in 1560. It was built by King Maha Chakrapat of the Ayutthaya kingdom, and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang, and marked the friendship between the two kingdoms. The provincial tree is the Khasi Pine (Pinus kesiya).



The provincial slogan is City of the Sea of Mountains, Coldest Place in Siam, and Beautiful Flowers of Three Seasons.

Namtok Khing - The waterfall comprises many rock tiers. At this spot, the government has constructed a royal residence for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who visited this place on 12 February 1991.


Hin Si Thit - On its south are four rocks rising up in the middle of the tropical evergreen forest. Local people usually go up to pay respect at this place once every three years, thus it is called “Song Pi Ham, Sam Pi Khrop”.


Hin Kuai Lo - It is a sandstone whose shape is similar to a mushroom bud rising in the middle of the tropical evergreen forest.


Noen 1408 Viewpoint - It is the highest viewpoint and centre of the national park. It is also a beautiful viewpoint to see the sunrise.


Noen 1255 Viewpoint - is a short-distant viewpoint where the scenery of Ban Huai Nam Phak below, as well as, Phu Soi Dao and Phu Wiang in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic can be witnessed.


Phrathat Satcha - Components of Phrathat Satcha comprise a base of blooming lotus with 3 tiers of petals with a height of approximately 1 metre around it.


The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Hueang River - It is a bridge crossing the Hueang River and connecting between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Namtok Chang Tok is located 500 metres higher than Namtok Khing which is also along the Phrae River. It is steeper than the lower one.


Namtok Wang Tat is situated 1.5 kilometres above Namtok Chang Tok and located along the Phrae River as well.


Namtok Tat Hueang or Namtok Thai-Lao is along the Hueang River, consisting of 3 different tiers with a height of approximately 50 metres. There is water throughout the year.


Namtok Pha Khao is along the Heuang River, a border between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.


Namtok Huai Phai - This waterfall is dropping from a steep cliff with an approximate height of 30 metres. The water from this waterfall is also utilised to produce pipe water in Amphoe Phu Ruea.


Namtok Tat Hong is a waterfall located within the compound of the national park. When falling from the cliff to the basin, it creates a loud and resonant sound of water. Therefore, it is called “Namtok Tat Hong”.

Dok Fai Ban Makham Wan Mueang Loei Red Cross Fair is held in front of the Loei City Hall during 1–9 February every year. Parades from various districts, as well as, cultural performances are highlights of the fair.


Thai – Lao Songkran Festival is organised in Amphoe Tha Li during 12–15 April of every year. It is uniquely different from other places due to the large number of Laotian people participating in the activities of the festival such as Songkran Beauty Contest and water splashing with Thai people.


Bun Bang Fai Lan Festival is held within the compound of Wat Erawan Phatthanaram, Amphoe Erawan on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month or during May of every year. It is the biggest festival of Loei. There is a contest of rocket processions from various communities.


Phrathat Si Song Rak Fair is an annual event organised on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month, around the end of April until early May to celebrate Phrathat Si Song Rak, a significant place of worship of the town. A holy ceremony is also conducted in the festival such as a worshipping ceremony to Phrathat by presenting Ton Phueng Yai, Ton Phueng Noi, and Phrathat bathing.



Bun Luang Festival and Phi Ta Khon is held annually in Amphoe Dan Sai on Saturday to Sunday after the full moon day of the 6th lunar month, and after paying respect to Phrathat Si Song Rak. Phi Ta Khon is a local activity of Amphoe Dan Sai and Amphoe Na Haeo, relating to the belief and faith in Buddhism and the spirit of ancestors. Phi Ta Khon parades are organised in the Bun Luang Festival, an annual local merit making ceremony. Phi Ta Khon is usually participated especially by males both boys and men.


The festival is organised in 2 days. On the first day, the Phra Upakhut procession proceeds from the Man River to Wat Phon Chai and on the next day, it will enter the town, while the Phi Ta Khon participants will throw their costumes and accessories away into the Man River. After that, a series of all 13 chapters of the Great Birth Sermon will be given during the event.


Chiang Khan’s End of Buddhist Lent Festival is organised in front of Chiang Khan District Office on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month every year. This festival has been passed on for generations. There is the Prasat Phueng procession, long-boat races, Ruea Kap races, illuminated boat contest, Tak Bat Devo, and various local cultural shows and entertainment in the festival.


Sea of Fog and Beautiful Flower Blossom on Phu Ruea (Winter Flowers Fair, Amphoe Phu Ruea) is held on the ground in front of Phu Ruea District Office during the New Year Festival, around 31 December – 3 January every year. Activities in the festival comprise a temperate plant fair, floral float parade, temperate flowers and decorative plants contests, Mae Khaning evening party, dances in the winter breeze.

Wat Pho Chai Na Phueng - Enshrined within the abbot’s cell is the Prachao Ong Saen Buddha image, an ancient image of the town for many generations. At the outside of the Ubosot are paintings which were later created in 1916. It can be considered as a very precious ancient monument and object of Loei province.


Phrathat Si Song Rak - Its architecture is in the Lan Chang style. Phrathat, a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics, is 19.19 metres high, 10.89 metres wide with a square base of 12 redented corners. Moreover, within the compound of the temple is enshrined a Buddha image canopied by a seven-headed Naga in the Tibetan style of art.


Wat Neramit Wipatsana - Both the Ubosot and Chedi are beautifully constructed of laterite. The large Ubosot is interiorly decorated in resemblance to the great temples of Bangkok. Moreover, a replica of Phra Phutthachinnarat is enshrined as the main image.


Phra Phutthabat Phu Khwai Ngoen - The Buddha’s footprint is 120 centimetres long and 65 centimetres wide, enshrined on a whetstone and was registered as a national ancient monument in 1935.


Phra Yai Phu Khok Ngio - It is a walking Buddha image in the blessing posture, cast of fibre and golden resin combined. It was cast by the Second Army Area Command and the people as a form of merit making for Their Majesties the King and Queen.