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Loei: A Hidden Gem in Northern Thailand
Nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Loei is a city often overlooked by tourists traveling to Thailand. But those who take the time to explore this hidden gem are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, delicious street food, and a unique blend of Lao and Thai culture.
Scenery:
One of the most striking things about Loei is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains and lush forests which provide a stunning backdrop for any activity. A hike to Phu Kradueng National Park, home to towering cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and panoramic views of the plains below, is a must-do for any nature lover. The Chiang Khan Walking Street, a picturesque street lined with olden-style teakwood buildings, is also a favorite spot for tourists.
Likes and Dislikes:
I love the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere of Loei, and how it seamlessly melds Thai and Lao cultures. The city’s night market, brimming with local cuisine, artisanal crafts, and live performances is a highlight for me. However, the transport system in Loei can be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors, and not all locals are fluent in English.
Average Cost of Living in a Day:
The cost of living in Loei is relatively inexpensive compared to other tourist destinations in Thailand. An average day in Loei, including food, transportation, and accommodation, can range from $20 – $30 USD.
20 Points of Interest:
1. Phu Kradueng National Park (Address: Phu Kradueng, Loei 42180, Thailand; Website: https://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=144&lg=2)
2. Chiang Khan Walking Street (Address: Thanon Chai Khong, Chiang Khan, Loei 42110, Thailand; Yelp Top Review: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chiang-khan-walking-street-loei)
3. Phi Ta Khon Museum (Address: Ban Bor, Dan Sai, Loei 42120, Thailand; Website: https://www.phitakhonmuseum.com/)
4. Huay Krathing Reservoir (Address: Kut Pong, Dan Sai, Loei 42120, Thailand)
5. Loei Night Market (Address: Nokeng, Muang Loei, Loei 42000, Thailand)
6. Phu Rua National Park (Address: Phu Rua, Loei 42240, Thailand)
7. Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary (Address: Phu Luang, Loei 42170, Thailand)
8. Wat Si Khun Mueang (Address: Kut Pong, Dan Sai, Loei 42120, Thailand)
9. Kaeng Khut Khu – Loei River (Address: Nokeng, Muang Loei, Loei 42000, Thailand)
10. Ban Na Pasang and Baan Na Pha Kho (Address: Na Pha Kho, Na Duang, Loei, Thailand)
11. Wat Phra That Satcha (Address: Nong Hin, Muang Loei, Loei 42000, Thailand)
12. Bhumika Devi Temple (Address: Moo 4, Ban Na Noi, Wang Sam Mo, Loei 42140, Thailand)
13. Wat Phra That Suan Hin (Address: Suan Hin, Loei, Thailand)
14. Khao Kho Wind Farm (Address: Khao Kho, Lomsak District, Phetchabun 67110, Thailand)
15. Wat Tham Pha Pu (Address: Bueng Kan – Nong Khai Rd, Ban Lao, Thailand)
16. Wat Neramit Wipatsana (Address: Nampoo, Dan Sai, Loei 42120, Thailand)
17. Phu Khok Ngio (Address: Phu Khok Ngio, Loei, Thailand)
18. Wat Phra That (Address: Ban Kang Muang, Muang Loei, Loei 42000, Thailand)
19. Wat Ek Pho (Address: Nong Khaen, Chumpae, Khon Kaen 40130, Thailand)
20. Bung Khla Freshwater Swamp Forest Nature Trail (Address: Bung Khla, Dan Sai, Loei 42120, Thailand)
Top 20 Popular Street Foods:
1. Som Tam – Papaya Salad (Price: $1 – $3 USD)
2. Khao Soi – Northern Style Curry Noodles (Price: $1 – $3 USD)
3. Khao Tom – Rice Porridge (Price: $1 – $3 USD)
4. Moo Ping – Grilled Pork Skewers (Price: $1.50 – $3 USD)
5. Pad Thai – Stir-Fried Noodles (Price: $1.50 – $3 USD)
6. Gai Yang – Grilled Chicken (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
7. Yam Nua – Spicy Beef Salad (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
8. Sai Oua – Northern Style Sausage (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
9. Khao Kha Moo – Braised Pork Leg on Rice (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
10. Khao Lam – Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Price: $2 – $5 USD)
11. Khanom Krok – Coconut Milk Pancakes (Price: $1 – $3 USD)
12. Khao Man Gai – Steamed Chicken with Rice (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
13. Pad See Ew – Stir-Fried Noodles with Soy Sauce (Price: $1.50 – $3 USD)
14. Noodle Soup – Various types of Noodle Soup (Price: $1.50 – $3 USD)
15. Tom Yum – Spicy and Sour Soup (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
16. Bami Nam Sai – Egg Noodles with Clear Soup (Price: $1.50 – $3 USD)
17. Khao Jee – Grilled Sticky Rice (Price: $1 – $2 USD)
18. Pa Tong Go – Crullers (Price: $1 – $3 USD)
19. Khao Niew Mamuang – Mango Sticky Rice (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
20. Kao Mun Gai Thoong – Steamed Chicken with Ginger Soup (Price: $2 – $4 USD)
Reasonable Top 10 Hotels:
1. Crystal Box Hotel (Price: $25 – $45; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.crystalboxhotel.com/)
2. Pinmanee Loei Resort (Price: $35 – $55; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.pinmanee.com/)
3. The Bliss Loei Living (Price: $25 – $40; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.theblissloeiliving.com/)
4. Loei Palace Hotel (Price: $30 – $50; Rating: 3.5/5; Website: http://www.loeipalacehotel.com/)
5. Nok Chan Mee Na Resort (Price: $35 – $55; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.nokchanmeena.com/)
6. Loei Village Hotel (Price: $25 – $45; Rating: 3.5/5; Website: https://www.loeivill.com/)
7. Paradise Loei Boutique Resort (Price: $40 – $70; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.paradiseloie.com/)
8. Acacia Resort Loei (Price: $35 – $55; Rating: 4.0/5; Website: https://www.acaciaresortloeithailand.com/)
9. Phu Pha Nam Resort and Spa (Price: $60 – $90; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.phuphanamresortandspa.com/)
10. The Cozy Villa Loei (Price: $15 – $30; Rating: 4.0/5; Website: https://www.facebook.com/cozyvillaloei)
Reasonable Top 10 Airbnbs:
1. Villa Loei Hill (Price: $50 – $100; Rating: 5.0/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22581594)
2. Loei Luxury Resort (Price: $60 – $120; Rating: 5.0/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40313269)
3. Loei Dreamtime Homestay (Price: $10 – $30; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24747439)
4. Big Red Garden Loei (Price: $20 – $40; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36234867)
5. Loei Cactus Resort (Price: $30 – $70; Rating: 5.0/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33564467)
6. Loei Cozy Home (Price: $25 – $50; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34539689)
7. Loei Tree House (Price: $50 – $100; Rating: 4.0/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43840406)
8. Bann Suan pHa kho Homestay (Price: $10 – $30; Rating: 4.5/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33101695)
9. Loei Greenview Resort (Price: $20 – $50; Rating: 5.0/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/28878997)
10. Energy Pool Villa (Price: $80 – $120; Rating: 5.0/5; Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43391847)
Overall, I give Loei nine stars out of ten for its stunning natural scenery, unique cultural experiences, and affordable cost of living. It truly is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers.
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