Loei - Prime Candidate For A Pronunciation Contest
Why Loei Should Be Your Next “Wait, This Place Exists?” Adventure
Let’s be real. When someone says “Thailand,” you think beaches, Bangkok chaos, or Chiang Mai’s temples. But have you ever heard of Loei? And how do you even pronounce that? No? Perfect. That means you’re about to discover Thailand’s most underrated province before the rest of the world ruins it with selfie sticks.
What Even Is Loei?
Loei (pronounced “Loeiy” lol), is a rugged, beautiful province in Northeast Thailand (Isaan) that somehow mashes up Alpine vibes, Jurassic Park scenery, and small-town charm. It’s the only place in Thailand where it gets actually quite cold in winter (we’re talking 10°C, when Thais wear parkas and the government declares a cold snap emergency).
Myth Alert: "Loei is just another boring farming town."
Reality: It’s got waterfalls, canyons, and a wine region (yes, Thai wine, don’t judge till you try it - spoiler: it won't win any international wine competitions).
How to Get There
- By Plane: Nope. Loei’s airport is technically there but flights are rarer than a polite Bangkok taxi driver.
- By Bus: From Bangkok (8-9 hours, 400-600+ THB). Pro tip: Bring snacks unless you enjoy mystery meat bus stops.
- By Car: Road trip! Scenic but winding AF. Motion sickness pills recommended.
Where to Sleep (But Not In The Park)
- Budget (200-500 THB): Basic guesthouses with names like “Happy Loei Home” (happiness not guaranteed).
- Mid-Range (600-1,500 THB): Cozy resorts with mountain views. Some even have heaters (a rarely seen luxury in Thailand).
- Splurge (2,000+ THB): Riverside lodges where you can pretend you’re in Switzerland (until you see the price of Chang beer).
What to Do When the Sun’s Up
1. Phu Kradueng National Park – A 3-5 hour hike up a mountain so stunning, you’ll forget your legs hate you. (Open seasonally so check before you go.)
2. Phu Ruea – Thailand’s "Switzerland" (if Switzerland had sticky rice stalls). Visit the vineyards and pretend you’re fancy.
3. Chiang Khan – A riverside town stuck in the 1950s. Rent a bike, sip coffee, and watch the Mekong River. It’s weirdly relaxing.
4. Kaeng Khut Khu – A Jurassic Park-esque rock formation. No dinosaurs, but great photos.
What to Do When the Sun’s Down
1. Chiang Khan Night Market – Eat local sai krok (fermented sausage) and grilled river fish. Avoid the "spicy" stuff unless you enjoy crying.
2. Loei’s Ghost Stories – Locals swear the province is haunted. Ask about Phi Ta Khon (the ghost festival) and watch them cross themselves. (Fact: the large majority of Thais believe in phi or ghosts)
3. Stargazing – Zero light pollution. Perfect for pretending you’re an astronomer (or just drunk).
The Food (No, Not Dog Meat)
Myth: "They eat weird stuff in Loei."
Fact: Isaan food reigns here, so grilled chicken, som tam, larb, but with a Loei twist:
- Khao Soi Loei – Not to be confused with Chiang Mai’s version. This one’s a spicy, herbal broth that’ll clear your sinuses. It's surely an acquired taste.
- Nam Prik Noom – A roasted chili dip so good, you’ll want to bathe in it (don’t).
And no, dog meat isn’t a thing here either. Stop believing those backpacker horror stories. Just eat those deep-fried grasshoppers like a boss.
Final Verdict: Go or Nah?
✅ GO IF: You love nature, hate crowds, and think "off-the-beaten-path" should mean "I might not see another tourist for days."
❌ SKIP IF: You need 7-Elevens on every corner, giant malls, Starbucks, or proof you’re still on planet Earth.
Loei is weird, wild, and wonderful. Check it out, you won't regret it (probably).
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