Happy Ghosts & Historic Towns

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One of Thailand’s best-kept secrets is the wild and picturesque mountainous province of Loei. Much loved by locals, this sparsely populated paradise in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region remains a hidden gem for foreign travellers.

This off-the-beaten-track destination is a utopia waiting to be discovered by hikers, nature lovers, and photographers alike. It boasts national parks brimming with colourful biodiversity, idyllic waterfalls, and soaring uplands, including the vast mountain plateau of Phu Kradueng. The breathtaking natural beauty of Loei’s landscapes will inspire and captivate all who visit, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Adding to its appeal for foreign visitors, the Loei region is within easy reach of Udon Thani International Airport as well as the capital city’s Bangkok International Airport.

However, the natural wonders of Loei Province are just some of the many attractions that make this part of Thailand a unique and memorable place to visit. One of the area’s biggest draws is the annual Happy Ghost Parade, or ‘Phi Ta Khon’ festival, as it’s known to locals.

This colourful festival takes place over three days, from 7 to 9 July 2024, in the Dan Sai District in Loei Province. This celebratory event includes traditional music and a parade in which people dress in brightly coloured and fearsome-looking masks and dresses, showing off their dance moves and wild gestures to entertain the crowd.

This vibrant street parade is part of a long-standing tradition in Northeastern Thailand where the locals celebrate the city’s guardian angels and holy spirits, blending dance, music, colour and religious rituals into a kaleidoscope of celebration. This is part of Thailand’s merit-making custom, which involves giving offerings or donations to temples and seeking blessings for health, happiness and prosperity.

The procession is welcome to all, making it a fun trip for those wishing to soak up the spirit and lively atmosphere of a uniquely Northeastern Thai cultural tradition.

And even if the festival has passed, tourists can still visit the Phi Ta Khon Museum, which is housed in an ancient wooden building located in Wat Phon Chai, in the Dan Sai District of Loei Province. Here, visitors can get a closer look at how the elaborate Phi Ta Khon festival costumes are made as well as other exhibits and a souvenir shop.

The Historic Beauty of Chiang Khan

For travellers who appreciate the nostalgia and the charm of the old world, further treats await! Entering the streets of Chiang Khan town by the Mekong River is like stepping into a portal to the past, where you can witness one of Isan’s best-preserved historic towns.

In the early hours of the day, you can see Buddhist monks walking along the street, accepting offerings from locals in their daily almsgiving ceremony. Dating back to the 13th century, this tradition is just one of many woven into the rich tapestry of this province. Chiang Khan offers foreign travellers an opportunity to soak up old-world charm, historic customs, and a slower pace of life.

For a dose of natural therapy, why not head to Phu Lam Duan to see the sunrise? This magnificent scenic view of karst rock formations jutting out of a sea of fog on the Mekong River will surely fill you with a sense of beauty and wonder. What a way to start your day!

Further attractions in Chiang Khan include the town’s main road, the ‘Walking Street’, which feels like a storybook come to life. Centuries-old double-story teak shophouses offer a plethora of goods, from refreshments to clothes and souvenirs. And for those who appreciate life’s gastronomic delights, this bustling walkway turns into a street food paradise in the evenings, with stalls and pop-up restaurants serving a feast of local delicacies.

For visitors wanting to get their circulation going, why not book a cycling tour of Chiang Khan? This is a popular way to explore the authentic town and interact with locals at the perfect pace. Highlights include the old cinema and cotton factory, with the added bonus of meeting friendly locals in nearby villages.

Those with a head for heights will not be disappointed if you visit Chiang Khan’s legendary Skywalk – a glass-bottomed winding bridge that towers 80 meters above the Mekong and Hueang rivers. If you prefer not to look down beneath your feet, you’ll be richly rewarded by casting your gaze out to the surrounding area, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of this lush and dramatic landscape.

As if these attractions were not enough, even further treats are offered in this region of Northeastern Thailand. Why not delve into the rich traditions of the Tai Dam Cultural Village, which showcases the lifestyle and customs of the Tai Dam people, an ethnic group with a rich history in the area? Their name means ‘the people who wear black.’ Located at Ban Na Pa Nat, Tambon Khao Kaew, this village is home to a people whose ancestors migrated from Laos and Viet Nam. A visit here offers a chance to witness the preservation of a rare culture and to understand its unique traditions that make up part of Thailand’s rich and diverse history.

With its vibrant festivals, historic towns, and rich cultural heritage, Loei province offers a unique and enriching travel experience. From the joyful spectacle of the Phi Ta Khon Festival to the serene beauty of Chiang Khan, this region beckons travellers to explore its hidden gems.

Discover the old-world charm and cultural richness of Loei, and let this off-the-beaten-path destination captivate your heart.

Come and experience the timeless beauty and vibrant traditions of Northeastern Thailand – a journey you will cherish forever.