Phetchabun and Loei, which are celebrated for their picturesque nature and cultural heritage. These lands are home to magnificent mountains, national parks, and Buddhist temples; they not only captivate tourists with their own beauty but also prove themselves as the souls of Northern Thailand. Let’s find out some well-known mountains, national parks, and sacred temples to immerse in the natural splendour of these exceptional places.
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, Temple on the Glass Cliff. (Source: BBC Goodfood)
With a height of 1,768 meters, Phu Thap Boek is considered “the roof of Phetchabun province" when it’s the highest mountain in the province. Be known for its stunning views of rolling hills and abundant greenery, often cloaked in mist during the early morning. From this place, visitors can enjoy camping, trekking, and witnessing the spectacular sunrise.
Sunrise at Phu Thap Boek, Thailand. (Source: Shutterstock)
If you are fortunate, you will have a chance to see a vast sea of mist covering the entire scenery; otherwise, you can enjoy the sunrise behind the mountains with vibrant picture painting in the sky. Let Asia King Travel help you to have a chance to experience this fabulous place.
Located in Dan Sai District, Loei Province, Wat Niramit Vipassana is situated high on a hill, which is a little away from Phra That Si Song Rak. The ubosot (ordination hall) and chedi (Buddhist stupa) inside the sacred temple are all built with laterite, and standing high on the hill is one of the most beautiful ubosots, which enshrines a replica of Phra Phutthabat Chinnarat and features murals by Dan Sai craftsmen.
Wat Neramit Vipassana, Neramit Vipassana temple at Loei. (Source: Sathianpong Phookit)
Let’s join yourself in the serene atmosphere of this place, where you have a chance to experience tranquillity, meditate in splendid surroundings, and connect to your inner soul.
Read more: Top 15 most beautiful temples in Thailand
A visit to Phu Ruea National Park, “a peak of the sailing boat," is a must for each visitor coming to Loei. Resting in a plateau with an area of 75,525 square kilometres, Phu Ruea characterises a craggy mountain range with its 1,365-meter-high peak above sea level.
Phu Ruea National Park in Thailand. (Source: อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเรือ Phu Ruea National Park)
The breathtaking natural sightseeing from the top of Phu Ruea extends to the Heuang and Khong Rivers. Thanks to its favourable climate, this place is home to numerous wildlife species as well as an abundant floristic composition.
An old temple with exquisite artwork that predates the village's founding is Wat Poe Chai Na Phueng, Ban Na Phueng. Being a spiritual center for the community and a symbol of the area's rich Buddhist past, this temple has great historical significance.
Buddha statue in Wat Poe Chai Na Phueng temple. (Sources: TAT News)
Since the temple has witnessed so many historical and cultural events, it is an essential place to learn about the religious development and customs of the region. There is an ancient viharn inside the temple with exquisite murals that are unmatched.
Wat Poe Chai is outstanding among the beauty of nature. (Source: Shuttershock)
Due to its historical significance and difficulty in locating, this temple attracts a lot of people. On the way to the temple, tourists can pay a visit to Phu I Loet and Phu Hin Sao, two mountains offering amazing viewpoints.
It will be a regret if visitors do not catch their eyes to a temple that is elegant both in form of construction, material used, and location, like Wat Somdet Phu Ruea. The temple is resting on a hill with natural sightseeing all around. There is a large ubosot in the centre, encircled by four viharas, all of which are constructed with exquisitely carved wood patterns; the gable, in particular, is located at the very front and is even more exquisite than the wall.
An unique architecture of Wat Somdet Phu Ruea from the entrance. (Source: TTD)
The building features artistic architecture and the most exquisite sculpture: the roof, which combines the beauty of cedar wood, is built of extremely innovative fibre cement, which is lightweight and lovely in its natural appearance.
Nestled in a lush and forested land that exhibits tranquillity and calmness, Wat Pa Huai Lat is considered the temple of the serene forest. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monks to observe Buddhist Lent and hibernation. Monks come to reside here on a regular basis every year.
If you are driving from Loei province to Phu Ruea, you will see the temple's roof on the left around 2 miles before you get there.
Wat Pa Huay Lad with its intricate architecture. (Source: Shutterstock)
The temple is huge and elegant. If you want to see a beautiful example of Thai temple architecture, this is a fantastic pick. As soon as you enter the car park through the main gates, you are struck by the temple's size against the verdant setting.
Wat Tham Erawan, at the border of Loei province and Nong Bua Lamphu provinces, boasts stunning interior and surroundings, a tranquil atmosphere, and a distinct blend of spirituality and cultural richness.
Despite being a lesser-known tourist site, Wat Tham Erawan is a must-see for those looking to experience Thailand's tranquil and mystical side.
Wat Tham Erawan offers spiritual serenity as you explore its spectacular cave temple and immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity. Do not pass up the opportunity to contemplate in this sacred location, surrounded by stunning scenery that promotes tranquillity and introspection.
The sacred Buddha statue in Wat Tham Erawan. (Source: North of Known)
Si Thep Historical Park preserves the remains of ancient Phetchabun province as well as Si Thep Ancient Town, formerly known as Mueang Aphai Sali. It is believed to have been erected during the height of the ancient Khmer Empire and is at least 1,000 years old. The old town is surrounded by a moat and a mound, with ponds and marshes dotted around the grounds.
Sri Thep Historical Park in the beauty of nature. (Source: TBN)
The two information centres (old and modern) contain historic relics as well as rotating exhibitions on the history and archaeology of the Si Thep Historical Park.
The Prang Song Phi Nong spire, one of numerous Khmer-style spires on the site, was built during the 11th and 12th centuries in the Baphuon style of Khmer art during the Angkor Wat period.
Prang Song Phi Nong Built with bricks and set on the same laterite base. (Source: Siamguides)
Located in the centre of town, the KhaoKlang Nai Ancient Monument is believed to have been constructed in the sixth or seventh century. The base has floral ornamentations on the roof and wall arch combination of Dvaravati-style plaster carvings of human figures and animates. The annual worship rite was performed by the Chaopho Si Thep Shrine of Fame in the west.
When planning to travel to the beautiful mountain ranges, temples, and parks of Phetchabun and Loei provinces, it is important to put in some careful packing. Let’s find out with Asia King Travel what we should bring to these places
Things you need to pack for the trip. (Source: Venture Out)
Plan your itinerary
Introduce a proper day-by-day schedule that lays down must-see places Phu Thap Boek and Phu Ruea National Park. Make enough time for each site to give adequate time for viewing the beautiful scenery as well as the events that make up each culture.
Dress respectably and comfortably.
When visiting temples, men should not wear any above-the-shoulder t-shirts, and for ladies, above-the-knee skirts or pants. Select comfortable, durable shoes specifically for the purpose of walking around because much of the land around here is mountainous.
Be excited with the mountain camping in Loei’s mountains. (Source: Vecteezy)
Stay hydrated and prepared
Bring an empty bottle, which you can always refill because Phoenix is very warm. Bring snacks and some basics for emergencies for your visits to the national parks.
Hire a Local Guide
There are people who can be hired as local guides to further help in the experience. They can offer as a guide historical and interesting information about each place and point you to less known but perfectly worthy places.
Respect nature and local culture
Tourism should be responsible; people should adhere to the threads of the seven principles of the Leave No Trace. White, be responsible tourists, meet the people of Phetchabun and Loei, and don’t spoil nature to retain the province’s beauty.
To end up, Phetchabun and Loei’s natural sightseeings are a comingling of a tapestry of natural beauty and spiritual history, making them an attractive destination, drawing thousands of tourists coming to Northern Thailand each year. Therefore, carry your luggage and let Asia King Travel take you through scenery and secrets that characterise the continent of Asia.
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