Bangkok – Chiang Khan                                                                                                 [L]

The approximately 1-hour flight in northern direction by a low-cost Thai carrier (excluded) will safely bring you to one of Thailand’s finest definitions of an authentic side of Thailand. Upon arrival at the quaint domestic terminal of Loei airport, you are warmly welcomed by an English-speaking guide who will be the ambassador for the coming days. From Loei airport, you will head out straight onto the road of exploration towards Chang Khan

Loei is a sparsely populated, mountainous province in north-eastern Thailand, adjoining Laos across the Mekong River. South of the sleepy provincial capital, Loei, is the biodiverse Phu Kradueng National Park which is an ecotourism wonderland with rugged trails, waterfalls and wildlife including elephants, Asiatic black bears, sambar deer and white-handed gibbons.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant

One of the finest displays of cultural heritage from the Tai Dam, an ethic minority that settled in Thailand from Laos at the beginning of the 20th century, is located in Loei’s Chiang Khan. The Tai Dam Cultural Museum and Village is an open-air museum and handicraft centre for weaving, one of the Tai Dam’s main source of income. After enjoying lunch, demonstrations of local traits and seeing how skilled villagers weave intricate motives can be admired here. We continue our exploration of the Loei province by heading to the Kaeng Khut Khu rapids. One of Loei’s scenic areas lies just off Chiang Khan and along the Mekong River. A group of small islets, locally known as Kaeng Khut Khu, are well-known for its colourful rocks and boulders, visible during the dry season months only. With great views into the Chana Kham region, nearby Laos’ capital Vientiane, visitors praise the region for its selection of local restaurants along the river banks. An enjoyable bot ride, taking in the local splendour complements the day before heading out to your booked accommodation for the night. Tonight, dinner is on your own arrangement yet with various local choices, there will be no issue finding a suitable eatery to taste local cuisine.

In the evening, wander the small streets of this riverside town is highly recommended. Particularly the quaint little bars and cafes are worth making a stop and enjoying a cool drink. The night market is a great place to get a feel of local handicraft while blending in with the locals.

Overnight in Chiang Khan

Chiang Khan – Dan Sai                                                                                                     [B, L, D]

Before the sun has set, it is highly recommendable to join your guide and the local community for an alms giving experience in Chiang Khan. Morning rituals nearby one of the town’s main temples are amongst the most sought-after experiences when wanting to witness local alms giving in town. Located just a short distance away from your accommodation, alms giving is and remains the way to witness the austere lifestyle of monks and novices, living and learning according to the teachings of the Lord Buddha.

We explore the very heart of Chiang Khan first before driving towards Dan Sai. A small town on the banks of the Mekong River in Loei province that has kept a lower profile in comparison with other, more well-known and similar-sized towns in Thailand. Its main highlight is exactly that: being a small place that can preserve the wooden houses and shops of the same style as one can find in towns such as Luang Prabang. This makes Chiang Khan a cultural tourism destination in which tourists can experience the simple way of life of the past; for example, staying in a wooden hotel, giving alms to monks in the morning, tasting local coffee, and eating fish from the river. There will be ample time to explore glittering temples and interesting shops before we travel on to Dan Sai.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant

Part of the Loei province and the larger eastern side of Thailand, the Dan Sai District is a wonderful example of slow life in the Kingdom. Explorers in search for verdant green landscapes with local villages dotted across the horizon will find ample examples of a laid-back lifestyle. Annually, Dan Sai town forms the heart of noise, colourful costumes and party when the Phi Ta Kon festival arrives. Upon arrival, we head out to a family-owned workshop where you will be learning how to make Ton Puoeng which is used as sacred offerings in temples. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Dan Sai

Dan Sai – Muang Loei                                                                                                      [B, D]

Breakfast is included your hotel

After breakfast, we take up a local means of transportation to ride to local attractions. The white outlines of Phra That Sri Song Rak’s stupa are characterized by its Laotian design, clearly marking that this Loei-based religious shrine is within vicinity of the Thai – Lao border. With findings dating back to the 16th century, the temple marks the friendship between both countries during the Burmese War. Nowadays, it is a ‘lover’s lane’ pilgrimage site where couples of all ages and walks of live pray for everlasting love. Within a short drive, Wat Neramitre Vipassana is one of the many examples in Thailand that has climbed up the ranks as a leading centre for meditation and meditative studies. Situated in the ‘couleur locale’ of Thailand’s uncharted Loei province, unbeknownst by many Thai travelers, a sense of serenity will fall upon you when entering its stunning temple complex.

We complete the morning at the Pi Tha Khon Museum, honouring the annual Ghost Festival which turns the sleepy town of Dan Sai upside down and inside out. Scheduled between May and July, depending on the position of the moon, the Phi Ta Kon festival is characterized by a large procession of primarily men and children, wearing home-made masks, adorned with brightly-coloured paint and fear inducing faces. This fascinating attraction is themed around the annual Phi Ta Khon festival which involves residents wearing colourful ghost masks created artistically from local materials such as sticky rice steamers and coconut husks. Guests get the opportunity to make their own masks and take it home at the end of the day. Today, lunch is at your own arrangement: your guide for the day certainly can make some local recommendations.

In the afternoon, we head out from Dan Sai to Muang Loei where we check in at your overnight address. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the local surroundings or the amenities of your overnight address. Dinner is included at the hotel

Overnight in Muang Loei

Muang Loei – Bangkok                                                                                                    [B, L]

Breakfast is included your hotel

Our last day in Loei is focused on nature and culture with a global theme. We travel to view Phu Pa Po which is often compared with a well-known natural phenomenon in the Land of the Rising Sun. With unparalleled views over Phu Hor, or better known as ‘The Mount Fuji of Thailand’ because of its conical shape similar to the famous elevation in Japan, Phu Pa Poh Mountain forms a part of the wildlife conservation area in Nong Hin district village of Loei. A number of viewpoints on and around the mountain give visitors great views over the vastness of Loei. To reach the top of the mountain, local transportation to cover the 1.5 kilometres uphill is available at the base.

Before marking the end of this Loei adventure, you will experience a slice of China’s Yunnan province with a visit to Bodhisattva Cave and the Stone Garden. Hidden off the main trails of Loei’s Nong Hin District, the Tham Phothisat (Bodhisattva Cave) is a natural limestone phenomenon with adventure and religious elements. Named after the ‘life of Buddha before his enlightenment’, this unexplored cave used to be a meditation area. The path from and to the main entrance requires local assistance with lots of trees and plants covering up this low-profile natural phenomenon.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant

It is time to head back to Loei Airport for your flight back to Bangkok (domestic air tickets not included).