Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Phi Ta Kon Museum
(Th Kaew Asa; 8.30am-4.30pm)
Wat Phon Chai, the temple behind the big white gate,
plays a major role in the Phi Ta Khon festivities, so it's an appropriate home for this mu-
seum. It has a collection of costumes worn during the celebrations and a display showing
how the masks are made.
MUSEUM
Wat Neramit Wiphatsana
( dawn-dusk)
Built on a wooded hill just outside town, this gorgeous meditation
temple features buildings made of unplastered laterite blocks. The massive
bòht,
hosts a
faithful copy of Phitsanulok's Chinnarat Buddha and wonderful murals. The temple is
dedicated to the memory of the late Luang Pu Mahaphan, a much-revered local monk.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Phra That Si Songrak
(Rte 2113; museum free; 7am-5pm)
The most highly revered stupa in Loei Province, this white-
washed Lao-style
chedi
stands 20m high and was built in 1560-63 on what was then the
Thai-Lao border as a gesture of unity between the Lao kingdom of Wiang Chan (Vien-
tiane) and the Thai kingdom of Ayuthaya in their resistance against the Burmese. Despite
use of the name Phra That, there are no Buddha relics here. You can't wear shoes, hats or
the colour red, or carry food or open umbrellas if you climb up to the
chedi
. Down below
is a modest museum with random artefacts donated by locals.
STUPA
Sleeping & Eating
Homestay
( 08 9077 2080; dm/tw/tr 150/550/700B, meals 70B)
Several villages near town have been running a
successful homestay program for many years, and the families dote on
fa·ràng
guests.
When not at work (most of the English-speaking hosts are teachers) they'll take you out to
share typical daily activities. Everything can be arranged at Kawinthip Hattakham.
HOMESTAY
$
Dansai Resort Hotel
( 0 4289 2281; Rte 2013; r 300-700B; )
Dan Sai's most centrally located lodging has
rooms ranging from past-their-prime fan rooms to big new cottages.
HOTEL
$
Phunacome
HOTEL
$$$
