Amphoe Muang Loei could impart
local appreciation to visitors before they head toward other tourist
spots. Phra That Satcha in this district is the center of faith in
Buddhism. The Loei Provincial Cultural Center recounts
multi-dimensional ways of life in Loei’s yesterday ands today. The
Sirindhorn Art Center serves as a cradle to impart artistic skills
to the youth. Last but not least, Kuan Pha Lom National Park offers
nature lovers chances to go cliff climbing and trekking in the dense
forest engulfed by a fortress of mountains.
1.Phra Tha Satcha
Phra That Satcha,
literally meaning the temple of truthful pledge, was
constructed one year after the collapse on 11 August 1975 of
Phra That Phanom in Nakorn Phanom, which was probably the
most revered Buddhist sanctuary in the whole northeastern
region. As an imitation of Phra That Phanom, Phra That
Satcha was constructed with the objectives to symbolically
continue the spirit of Phra That Phanom, to sooth the
people’s feeling of loss and despair from such tragic
collapse, and finally to re-proclaim the pledge to preserved
Buddhism in this region.
The Buddha’s and his sublime
follows’ relics, and the soil from Phra That Phanom, were
consecrated inside Phra That Satcha. This 33-meter high
Phra. That is located on a large rock foundation. It also
has a seventieed an umbrella on its top.
On the 15th day of
the waxing moon in the February, the temple holds a grand
celebration and opens its door for worshippers to gild the
Buddha’s Footprints inside the Phra That.
Located within
the compound of the Ratchaphat Lori Institue, this Cultural
Center is a must in the Center is divided into 3 sections.
First section:
The audio-visual room shows slides about the province and
the objects used in daily live of local people.
Second section:
This temporary exhibition shows the various statues of the
Buddha made of wood. Sand stone, terra cotta and silver, the
masks worn during the Phi Ta Khon festival; and other old
utensils collected from Loei villagers. Besides, the 3
-month mobile exhibition displays various themes depending on the
ongoing festivals in Loei at that time.
Third section: Called Boeng Thai Loei,
literally meaning “a glimpse of Loei,” this section displays a
noteworthy and prominent permanent exhibition on various aspects of
Loei, covering its geology, geography, history, culture and ethnic
groups.
Loei Provincecail Cultural Center opens from Monday-Friday 8.30 am.
– 4.00 pm. Free of change. Those who desire to visit the Center as a
group should contact the Center beforehand to contact address is
Loei Provincial Cultural Center, Ratchaphat Loei Institute, Thanon
Loei-Chiang Khan, Amphoe Muang Loei, Loei 42000.
Kuan Pha Lom, literally meaning “surrounded by mountain “, is the
name of the mountain range in Tambon Nam Suai in Amphoe Muang Loei.
The park is kfamous for its rugged piercing limestones surrounding
more than 1,000 rai of evergreen forest.
Visitors to Kuan Pha Lom can enjoy themselves with cliff climbing
and trekking in the forest amidst the fortress of mountains.
Interesting places inside the park are the 3 big caves named Tham
Lom, Tham Luang and Tham Phabong. A natural pond at the center of
the forest is believed to be a sacred place whereby the serpent king
passes to go underground to Wat Hin Mak Peng by the Mekong in Nong
Khai.
A guided tour is required for visitors’ safety and environmental
protection. Tourists, including food stalls and accommodation, are
not yet to be provided. Camping is allowed within the Park
Headqurters, which also offers toilets and bathrooms.
Sirindhron Art Center was established at Si Songkhram Witthaya
School, Amphoe Wang Saphung, from the initiation of an art teacher
named Sangkhom Thongmi, whose students received many international
painting awards.
The Art Center collects youth’s arts, rural arts, and the local art
knowledge, for the benefits of youth, art teachers and the general
public.
The Art Center is housed in 4 buildings on 6 rais of land. It
displays nationally and internationally awarded paintings by local
students and exhibitions on their lives. Sketches by various artists
of various disciplines, including cartoonists, are exhibited to
provide inspiration and guidelines for beginners. Some rooms are
allocated for temporary art exhibition by the public. The Sculpture
Garden around the Art Center has been arranged with the cooperation
of the Painting, Sculpture and Printing Faculty of Silpakorn
University.
Sirindhorn Art Center is open to the public on Monday-Faridays.
During holidays there may be special events which the general public
can attend.
