Loei Information guide
Although geographically located in the northeast or I-San, Loei has many things
in common with the northern region – namely its numerous high hills and mountains
and its wintry as well as foggy climate. Literally speaking, the province deserves
its name “Loei” which means ‘beyond’ or ‘to the furthest extreme’ as Loei lies
in the northernmost part of the Northeastern region. Most notable is that Loei
is the only province in Thailand where the temperature can drop to as low as zero
Celsius in winter while it can become hotter than any province during summer.
In short, Loei’s geography and climate is unique when compared to other I-San
provinces.
Situated along the Phetchabun Mountain Range, Loei, a province that rises approximately
400 meters above sea level, is dubbed “the land of seas of mountains, the coolest
in Siam”. Covering an area of 11,424 square kilometers (equivalent to 7.14 million
rai of land), Loei Province, which is 520 kilometers from Bangkok shares a border
with Laos to the north with the Khong and Heung Rivers forming the natural border,
with Khon Kaen and Phetchabun Provinces to the south, with Nong Bua Lamphu,
Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Khon Kaen Provinces to the east, and with Phitsanulok
Province to the west. The province can be divided into three main areas: the
high mountains in the west, the plains at the foot of the hills in the south
and the east, and the lowlands in the basins of the Khong and the Loei Rivers.
Loei Province has an abundance of precious resources such as forests and natural
resources. Of equal importance, however, is its unusual mix of northern and
northeastern culture which is treasured by both locals and visitors. This remarkable
cultural blend has produced more than one local dialect but only one local identity.
Attractions within the province that should be explored include Phu Kradung,
Phu Luang and Phu Reua National parks, as well as Tha Li and Chiang Khan Districts.
Administratively, Loei is divided into 12 districts (Amphoes) : Mueang, Wang
Saphung, Phu Kradueng, Chiang Khan, Pak Chom, Tha Li, Phu Ruea, Dan Sai, Na
Haeo, Na Duang, Phu Luang, Pha Khao, Erawan and Nong Hin.
History of Loei
Loei is a place where visitors can track down pre-historic remnants such as
cave paintings depicting people, human hands, animals and various symbols. Eleven
such caves have been discovered; two in Mueang District and the other nine in
Phu Kradung District.
Fortunately, the province’s isolation has helped in retaining local traditions,
while delaying and buffering against the intrusion of external changes. The
provincial seal depicts the stupa at Phra That Sri Songrak, which was built
in 1560 by King Chai Chetha of Sri Sattana Kanahut and King Maha Chakrapat of
Ayuthaya as a memorial of the demarcation of the border between the two towns.
The two kings ratified their common border at the site where the Oo Stream meets
the Mun Stream (currently Dan Sai District).
Today’s Loei
Loei is a gateway to the exploration of both natural and cultural attractions.
In addition, there are many traditions and festivals that are well known among
tourists such as the Phi Ta Khon Procession, the Loei Cotton and Tamarind Fair
and Homage to Phra That Sri Songrak Festival.
Due to its geographical diversity and soil composition, agriculture is the
basis for the province’s economy. While the highlands in Loei are favorable
to warm-temperature crops such as highland rice, macadamia nuts, passion fruit,
and Arabica coffee, the plains at the foot of the hills are suitable for tropical
crops like soybean, bananas, maize, sesame, rubber, grapes, and longan. On the
other hand, other lowland areas are good for rice, cotton, mangoes, tamarind
and flowers like roses, jasmine and Thai Gerbera. However, the main agricultural
products are tamarind, rubber, mangoes, longan, bananas and lychees.
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