Loei is the coldest province in the northeast and true sea-of-mist country: 21 of the 23 grounds listed here are viewpoints. They are scattered along the western ranges, from Phu Ruea through Dan Sai to Na Haeo on the Lao border, with another group near Chiang Khan on the Mekong.
Most private camps charge ฿100–200 per person per night; the national parks about ฿30. Comfort is better than in the northern hill provinces: every ground has toilets, eight in ten have showers and electricity, and about four in ten rent gear.
Counted across the 23 campsites shown on this page, ordered by how many list each one.
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Phu Ruea has both the national park ground and private camps on the Dong E Mu ridge, about 950 metres up with views all round. Dan Sai is a group of farms and small camps a few kilometres from the district town, for those who like a market nearby. Na Haeo is the farthest and the most open, with the Phu Hua Hom ground of Phu Suan Sai National Park and private camps along the road up. Around Chiang Khan there are camps looking over the Mekong to the Lao hills, and one beside the pick-up point for Phu Thok. Near Loei town, Harirak Forest Park is a reservoir-side ground that charges nothing to pitch.
Late rains into early winter, around October and November, bring thick mist over hills that are still green. December and January are properly cold — Phu Ruea can drop close to freezing on some nights — and the wild cherry at Phu Lom Lo blooms around January to February. The rainy season is quiet and cheap, though some access tracks get slippery. In the hot season the hills remain sleepable, but the views are hazy.
Loei is about 520 km from Bangkok, and the zones are tens of kilometres apart on hill roads — pick one per trip. Take cold-weather gear seriously in December and January. Many private camps are small family farms, so book ahead for long weekends, and expect Dan Sai to be especially full during the Phi Ta Khon festival in mid-year.
Mostly ฿100–200 per person per night at private camps and about ฿30 in the national parks; some offer furnished-tent packages at higher prices.
In December and January Phu Ruea and Na Haeo are very cold — single digits or lower on some nights. Bring a warm sleeping bag and thick layers.
At many — about four grounds in ten take car campers. Ask about the access track if your car sits low.
