'The Sea Of Mountains'.

 Loei, Thailand.

Loei is in the North East of Thailand or 'Issan' as this part of Thailand is called about 520 km from Bangkok. Loei is where I go when I visit Thailand, it is where I have set my mind to live next year.

Loei is surrounded by lush mountains and some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen anywhere. Because of the number of mountains in this part of Thailand, this province is called 'The Sea Of Mountains'. The people here are so lovely as well, they are amongst the most poorest in the country but they never cease to smile.

Loei is not on the regular tourist trail, so you don't encounter the in your face selling you get in other parts of Thailand that have a large number of tourists. If you are looking to get away from it all and relax, this is the place for you. There are no factories or other major industries here so the air is unpolluted and there is little traffic. It is a place where you do actually experience Thai culture. Thai people take pride in upholding their traditions, you will see examples of this at festival time, they put their heart and souls into it.

There is so much to see and do. You can take a hike up one of the many mountains, the most famous of which is Phu Kradung. You can spend an afternoon floating on a raft in the middle of a lake and have someone bring delicious food to your raft. You can visit some very beautiful temples, some of which are carved into the mountains. There are many markets of every description for you to spend hours in haggling over prices. And also you are only a few kilometers away from Loas, if you plan to cross the border.

Loei city is very easy to get around, the city center is compact and can be walked around quite easily. There are many very good restaurants, cheap Internet shops, markets, clothes shops, souvenir shops and bars.

Accommodation is cheap and plentiful. There are a few hotels in the center of town of different standards and rates.

The best hotel in town is the Loei Palace hotel. A very nice Amari run hotel, with 123 first class rooms. The hotel is situated very near to the centre of town, a very short 5 minute walk. The view from the hotel is stunning, lush green mountains. They have all the amenities you would expect from a first class hotel. They have a very nice website at www.amari.com/loeipalace.

Loei Palace Hotel, Loei Thailand.

One place I would highly recommend is a guest house just off the middle of town. It is run by 2 teachers I used to teach with when I taught in Thailand. They are the most friendliest and kindest people I have ever met. They make every visitor to their accommodation most welcome.

The rooms are exceptionally clean, cheap and very quiet. They close down the premises at ten at night for better security but every resident has a key to the main gate to come and go as they please. They have only been open a couple of years but already they have achieved a very good reputation. They have air-conditioned rooms and fan only rooms, all rooms have hot running water. They have a lot of returning guests so it always pays to contact them in advance to be sure they have free rooms. The details of the guest house are Wongpun Guest house, 91/6 Wisutitep Road, Loei. 42000. Tel (042) 830317.

The best way to get to loei from Bangkok is by coach. There are occasional flights to Loei, but companies have pulled out of this service in the past due to the lack of passengers, so if you wish to fly check that there is a service available.

There are two main coach companies that run services to Loei and they are ' Muang Loei Air ' and 'Phu Kradung Tours'. They both operate from the Northeast Bus Terminal or 'Maw Chit' as it is better known.

Muang Loei Air has the better coaches and more frequent service but is more expensive and takes 10 hours to get to Loei. They have a choice of first class, second class or VIP. The VIP bus is very comfortable and has reduced seating capacity.

Phu Kradung Tours is cheaper and only takes 8 hours. They only have a second class service but the buses are clean and comfortable. They manage to arrive in 8 hours because they make fewer stops. They are about 100 baht cheaper than Muang Loei Air so I personally think they are the better deal.

If you have been to Loei and would like to offer any tips or recommendations then please drop me an email and I will then update my website.

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