Trip to Loei Province and Phi Tha Khon
From Wednesday 29th June to Friday 1st July 2011 I will be on a media trip with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to take pictures of the Phi Tha Khon Festival as well as to explore some of the tourist attractions that can be found in Loei Province. The following are the highlights of the three day schedule. The actual Phi Tha Khon Festival runs from 1st to 3rd July so we will only be taking pictures during day one. For more information about this festival, please click here.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
- Arrive at Loei Airport by Nok Air.
- Lunch at the Lanchang Garden Bar and Restaurant, Loei.
- Kaeng Khut Khu, Chiang Khan District. An islet in the middle of the Mae Khong River. It is well known for its colourful boulders that are clearly visible during the dry season and totally submerged in other seasons. Appreciate the beautiful scenery along both sides of the Mae Khong River and shop for souvenirs from Loei.
- Check in to the Suk Sombun Hotel, Chiang Khan.
- Bike tour along Chai Khong Road. Experience the ways of life of the Chiang Khan Community. Visit an antique wooden house that is over 100 years old. Go to Niyom Thai Shop to see a quilt making demonstration, as well as night souvenir shops.
- Dinner at the Heon Luang Prabang Restaurant.
Thursday, 30 June 2011
- Go to the morning market by bicycle. Offer alms, sticky rice, to monks while experiencing the ways of life of the Chiang Khan people in the morning.
- Breakfast at the Luk Bodchana Restaurant, Sri Chiang Khan Road, Soi 9.
- Suan Hin Pha Ngam Park or Thailand’s Kunming, Nong Hin District. Appreciate the beauty of limestone mountains that have eroded over time to form interesting shapes, similar to that in Kunming in China, amidst verdant grasslands. Here, there is a giant cycad tree that is over 100 years old.
- Lunch at the Pee Nong Restaurant.
- Loei Museum, Meuang District: located on the second floor of the former Meuang District Office. Now, the Loei Provincial Administrative Organization and Loei Provincial Cultural Office are in charge of this ancient monument. Inside, there is an exhibition on the history of folk wisdom, art and culture, as well as local traditions. The TAT Loei office is also situated on the ground floor of this building.
- Check in to the Phu Rua Resort, Phu Rua District.
- Dinner at the Phu Rua Pochana Restaurant.
Friday, 1 July 2011
- Breakfast at the resort.
- Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival. Be delighted by the procession in honour of His Majesty the King, Chao Pho Kuan, Chao Mae Nang Tiam and Pho San Troup parades, along with the beautiful and exciting Phi Ta Khon procession from various sub-districts.
- Lunch at the Dan Nam Jai Restaurant.
- Phra That Si Song Rak, a plaster-covered brick pagoda that is over 450 years old. This large Lao-style pagoda houses relics of the Lord Buddha. Built in the Ayutthaya period in 1560 as a symbol of camaraderie between Ayutthaya and Si Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane), the place is worth a visit, especially during the Phi Ta Khon celebration held there every year.
The schedule is, of course, subject to change. I will be posting updates and pictures on my Twitter account @RichardBarow as well as on my Facebook Page.
The following is a Map of Loei Province with most of the places marked that we will be visiting plus a few extra.
USEFUL LINKS:
Festivals of Thailand
Hotels in Loei
Nok Air