5 tips to dive deep into Thai culture: In dreamlike Loei

Loei

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The mountainous interior of Thailand holds many surprises. Far away from the tourist coasts, Thai culture can be experienced here in its purest form. Join us on a journey to magical Loei: Buddhist temples, misty mountain valleys and the mystical spirit festival.

Deep in the culture of Thailand

Traveling to Thailand is easy. Fantastic beaches await you, the warm sun tans your skin, unique rock formations rise from the crystal clear water. The natural beauty of this corner of the world is undisputed. But some of us want to experience more than the coastal regions around Phuket or Koh Phangan. If you are feeling adventurous and want to see more than the pictures in the guidebooks and dive deeper into the Thai culture, it is worth spending some time in a less touristy area. Come with us today to the mountainous region of Loei, located in the northeast of Thailand, on the border with Laos.

Loei: The Culture In Thailand

Marvel at nature and national parks in Loei

An integral part of the culture is the deep connection with nature. We see this especially in the mountain peoples of northern Thailand, some of whom still have little contact with modern civilization and live out their centuries-old traditions and customs. The harmony with nature, the deep forests in which the mountain peoples live, is of particular importance.

In Loei, you too can admire the beauty of nature in the great virgin forests and national parks: Over a third of the entire province is covered with dense forests. Here it is worth exploring the forests yourself on one of the branching hiking trails.

The national parks in Loei also have a lot to offer: Phu Kradueng National Park celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and was declared an area worth protecting so long ago, and not without reason. Waterfalls shoot from high cliffs here, tigers stalk through the undergrowth of the ancient forests. From November to June you can visit the impressive park, in the rainy season the park is completely closed for visitors. In our article the most impressive national parks of Thailand you will find parks where you can enter all year round.

Phu Kradueng National Park In Loei, Thailand

Connected with the forest: The Buddhist forest temple

We go deeper into the vast forest plains of Loei and discover the forest temple Wat Pa Huai Lat. The word "Wat" denotes Buddhist temples and complexes surrounded by walls. Forty kilometers from Loei city, among the evergreen trees, lies the impressive religious structure. 

Inside the temple, there is a large statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged with eyes closed, watching over the great hall. To enter the building, it is necessary to keep upper arms, cleavage and legs covered at least knee length. For this purpose, sarongs, sarongs that you can tie around your hips and shoulders, are common. This way you can show your respect for the Buddhist culture and not have to arrive in long pants in the hot Thai temperatures.

What to look out for in Loei and how to get in touch with locals

In addition to long clothing in the temple, you should also respect the Thai culture and respect the commandments of politeness in your other activities in Loei. A friendly impression in Thai culture is conveyed with a smile. It is perfectly normal to smile at other people, whether in mere encounters or as a greeting. Try it and you will notice how Thai people welcome you with open arms.

Thai people greet each other with a bow and a wai, holding both palms together - a respectful form of greeting. However, since there are fixed rules for posture, depth of the bow and the order of the persons to be greeted, you should at best have a Thai person show you this greeting. Nodding and smiling is enough for the beginning, in cities the handshake, as we know it, is also an appropriate greeting.

Dive into the myths and legends of Thailand at the Ghost Festival

For centuries, the inhabitants of Loei have been holding the legendary Phi Ta Khon, the Ghost Festival. They dress up in colorful, unusual costumes and parade through the streets of the provincial village of Dan Sai for three days between March and July. The destination of the procession is the Wat Pho Chai temple. 

At the center of the spectacle are the tall masks, which are of central importance in the composition of the colorful ghost costumes. Both the festival and the costumes have their origins in an old Buddhist tale: when Buddha in his incarnation of Prince Vessandorn brought back good fortune with a white elephant, the people celebrated so exuberantly that they woke the sleeping spirits. Today, they repeat this celebration every year, referring to that auspicious day long ago with their costumes. With the representations of the costumes, the spirits are supposed to be appeased. 

Both during the day and at night there are different performances and games, there is a lot of dancing at the boisterous celebration and dressed up people fun scare the children present. Be sure to be part of one of the unique summoning ceremonies that take place during the festival.

The myths are passed on here once a year and the monks tell about the last rebirth of Buddha before he finally left the circle of reincarnation through enlightenment.

Experience The Culture Of Thailand

Also the TripLegend Thailand Adventure takes you to the mountain regions in the north of Thailand. Here you will travel to Mae Klang Luang and get to know the mountain people of the Karen. Let you also on Instagram inspire for more destinations around the world.

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Your adventure in Thailand

Drive yourself with a TukTuk through Thailand, marvel at the unreal coasts with your own eyes and get to know the Thai culture. Click on the link and learn more about the TripLegend Thailand adventure now.

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