Whenever the cold season is around in Thailand, the Northern provinces are some of the top destinations to cool off. For a change, let me recommend the Northeast. The views, flora, and attractions in this mountainous region will not disappoint you.

If you are looking for cold temperatures on a mountain, then pack your bags for Loei. As the Provincial Catchphrase states, Loei is “The town of mountains, the coldest in Siam, with flowers for all seasons”. To get a feel for how cold the coldest location in Thailand actually is, The Trip Packers headed to Phu Rua Mountain.

Phu Rua National Park is ranked 16th in Thailand. The park spans over 2 districts in Loei, Phu Rua and Tha Li. The mountain earned its name for its shape that resembles a junk boat. The flat area surrounding the mountain represent the hull. If you hike to the peak of the mountain, you will have attained 1,365 meters above sea level. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the park and the mountain range. The annual average temperature of this area is 22.5 degrees Celcius, giving it a cool environment all year round.

Once at the top of the mountain, The Trip Packers took a little time to visit “Phra Phuttanavabanphot”. For 20 Baht you can purchase a praying set that includes candles, joss sticks, and flowers. The park ranger explained that the Buddha image was brought from Wat Phra Yat in Ayutthaya province in BE 2520. In BE 2538, after several restorations, a pagoda was built to protect the image from further damage.

The forests of Phu Rua National Park are a mix of pine trees, rock gardens, and wild flowers such as roses and orchids. Different flowers bloom during different seasons therefore you will always see something new each time. Other attractions in the park include Lone Noi Cliff (scenic viewpoint for sunrise and sea of fog), Satong Cliff (scenic viewpoint for sunset), Huay Pai Waterfall, just to name a few.

The Trip Packers recommend that if you want to experience Phu Rua, you should bring your own camping gear and camp out at the available sites in the park. If tents make you uncomfortable, you can rent a cabin. Toilets, bathrooms with hot water, restaurants, and electricity is provided at each site.

Operating hours are from 5AM to 8PM, try to get here before sun down or else you may have trouble finding the entrance due to poor signage. For more information, check out the General Info section.

Address : Nong Bua subdistrict, Phu Rua district, Loei, 42160

GPS : N17 29 2.16, E101 21 19.56

Contact no. : 042 801 716, 042 807 624-5

Fax : 042 801 716

E-mail : phuruea_np8@hotmail.com

Website : Phu Rua National Park

Operating Hours : 05.00-20.00 Hrs.

Fee : -Foreigner Adult 200B Child 100B
-Vehicle 30B ช่วงเวลาแนะนำ : Any time of the year. Weather is especially cold during November – February.

Highlight : Scenic viewpoint of the sunrise.

Activities : Sightseeing/Hiking/Camping

Once in Loei province, travel 48 kilometers down Route 203 to Phu Rua district. At the 49th-50th kilometer road marker, turn right. Notice the district office. Drive 4 kilometers down the road to the entrance of the park.