Where to stay in Loei – Chiang Khan, Dan Sai and the mountains
Chiang Khan on the Mekong, Dan Sai, Phu Kradueng and Phu Ruea compared. A guide to the cool, mountainous corner of Isan.
Loei is a mountainous province in the north-west of Isan, bordering Laos along the Mekong and Heuang rivers. It is one of the coldest places in Thailand in the cool season, popular with Thai visitors who come for misty mornings, mountain hikes and quiet riverside towns.
Choosing where to stay
- Chiang Khan is a small town on the Mekong with a long street of old wooden houses converted into guesthouses, cafés and shops. At dawn, people line the street to give alms to monks.
- Dan Sai is home to the Phi Ta Khon ghost festival and Phra That Si Song Rak, a revered stupa.
- Phu Kradueng National Park has a flat-topped mountain plateau reached by a steep hiking trail, with camping and lodges at the top. It is usually closed in the rainy season.
- Phu Ruea has cool-climate resorts, flower farms and a national park with viewpoints.
- Loei town is the provincial capital and a practical transport hub.
When to go
November to February is the peak season, with cold nights in the hills. The Phi Ta Khon festival in Dan Sai usually takes place in June or July.
Getting there
Loei Airport has flights from Bangkok. Buses connect Loei with Bangkok, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.
Festivals and events
Phi Ta KhonMasked ghosts, music and merit-making in a small Loei town. When Phi Ta Khon happens and how to visit.
