Exploring the Tranquility of Loei, Thailand

Loei's Gentle Embrace

Today, Lena and I continued our exploration of Loei, and it was a day filled with both spiritual reflection and natural beauty. From the impressive Naga statue to the peaceful Huai Krathing Reservoir, Loei continues to surprise and enchant us with its unique blend of culture and nature. The day was capped off with some delicious local cuisine and a relaxing evening, making it a perfect Sunday in this tranquil province.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Bonjour Loei. As a software engineer, I always appreciate a good start to the day, and the coffee here was just what I needed. Lena, ever the architect, admired the café's simple yet elegant design. The pastries were fresh, and the ambiance was cozy, setting a positive tone for our day of exploration. Fuelled up, we set off to our first destination: the Naga Kanha Gotama Plaza.

The Naga Statue at Kanha Gotama Plaza was truly a sight to behold. As we approached, the intricate details of the serpent-like creature became more and more apparent. The statue stood tall, a symbol of protection and prosperity deeply rooted in Thai culture. The plaza itself was well-maintained, with lush greenery and pathways that invited a leisurely stroll. We took our time, walking around the statue, admiring the craftsmanship, and soaking in the serene atmosphere. It was a perfect spot for reflective contemplation.


Explore the captivating Naga Statue at Kanha Gotama Plaza, a cultural gem in Loei, Thailand, showcasing rich heritage and stunning artistry.

The essence of Loei lies in its ability to blend the sacred with the serene, offering moments of reflection amidst nature's beauty.

Lena, with her architectural eye, was particularly impressed by the artistic mastery involved in creating such a detailed and imposing structure. I, on the other hand, found myself drawn to the spiritual significance of the Naga, a creature revered in many Southeast Asian cultures. It was a reminder of the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that make this part of the world so fascinating. We learned that the plaza often hosts local cultural events and festivals, which would be amazing to witness.

After spending a good hour at the Naga Plaza, we decided to head to our next destination: the Huai Krathing Reservoir Viewpoint. The drive itself was scenic, with rolling hills and lush greenery all around. As we got closer, we could see the reservoir shimmering in the distance, a promise of tranquility and natural beauty.

Arriving at Huai Krathing Reservoir, we were greeted by a stunning view of the lake surrounded by teak and bamboo forests. The reservoir is known as Huai Nam Man and is situated near the small provincial town of Loei. We decided to have lunch at Loei Loghome, a restaurant that, as the name suggests, had a charming log cabin feel. The food was delicious, a mix of Thai and international dishes, and the setting was perfect for a relaxing midday meal. Lena particularly enjoyed the fresh fish, while I savored a spicy Thai curry. The restaurant had a rustic charm, reminding me of some of the countryside eateries back in Cameroon, though admittedly, without the lake view.


Experience the serene beauty of Huai Krathing Reservoir Viewpoint in Loei, Thailand, where lush mountains meet tranquil waters for unforgettable views.

After lunch, we made our way to the reservoir itself. We learned that you can rent a floating house, order food and drinks, and spend the day chilling on the water. We saw several of these bamboo rafts, some already occupied by groups of friends and families, enjoying the day on the lake. The idea of spending an afternoon on a floating raft, swimming in the reservoir, and enjoying good food and company was incredibly appealing.

We considered renting one of the rafts, but decided to explore the area around the reservoir first. We walked along the shore, taking in the views and enjoying the fresh air. The reservoir was teeming with life, from the fish swimming in the water to the birds flying overhead. It was a peaceful and serene environment, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I took several photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape, hoping to share a glimpse of this tranquil spot with my blog readers. Lena, meanwhile, was busy sketching in her notebook, capturing the essence of the scenery with her artistic talent.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to head back to Loei town for dinner. We chose Ran Duang Lap Koi, a restaurant known for its authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant offered a delightful fusion of Thai and international dishes, blending traditional flavors with innovative cooking techniques. We ordered a variety of dishes, from spicy salads to flavorful curries, and each one was a culinary delight. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery.


Experience the best of Thai and international cuisine at Ran Duang Lap Koi – where flavor meets innovation in Loei.

After dinner, we decided to check out the local nightlife. We headed to BOTTOM Bar, a spot recommended for its local craft beers and lively atmosphere. The bar was buzzing with activity, a mix of locals and tourists, all enjoying the evening. We sampled some of the local brews, chatted with some of the patrons, and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. It was a fun and relaxing way to end our Sunday in Loei. I remember back in Berlin, how Lena and I would explore the various bars and pubs after a long week of work. This felt like a familiar ritual, albeit in a completely different setting.


Discover the thrill of local craft beers and delightful cuisine at BOTTOM Bar, Loei's best-kept secret for beer lovers and foodies alike.

As we walked back to our guesthouse, Lena and I reflected on the day's experiences. From the spiritual Naga Statue to the serene Huai Krathing Reservoir, Loei had once again shown us its unique charm and beauty. It was a day of contrasts, blending the sacred with the serene, the cultural with the natural. And as we drifted off to sleep, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this hidden gem of Thailand.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Wat Neramit Wipatsana and Phu Pa Po Mountain Top Viewpoint. I'm particularly excited about the mountain top viewpoint, as I've heard the views are breathtaking. Lena is looking forward to Wat Neramit Wipatsana, as she's always fascinated by Thai temple architecture. We also plan to try some new restaurants, including Eat me for breakfast, Loei Kebab Plus for lunch, and FEELS GOOD LOEI for dinner. And of course, we'll be sure to check out Outlet@loei for some local shopping. Another day of adventure awaits, and we can't wait to see what Loei has in store for us.

Loei continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. It's a place where you can find both inner peace and exciting adventures, a destination that truly has something for everyone. I'm so glad we decided to include Loei in our Thailand itinerary, and I can't wait to share more of our experiences with you all. Until tomorrow, happy travels!