| Although geographically located in
the northeast or I-San, Loei has many things in common with the northern region-namely
its numerous hills and mountains as well as its foggy climate. Literally speaking,
the province deserves its name as "Loei" means 'beyond' or 'to the furthest
extreme.' Loei lies in the northernmost part of the Northeastern region and
is the only province in Thailand where the temperature can drop as low as zero
degrees Celsius in winter while be hotter than any province during summer.
Situated along the Phetchabun Mountain Range, Loei, a province that rises approximately
400 meters above sea level, is dubbed "the land of seas of mountains, the coolest
in Siam".
The Loei Province has an abundance of precious natural resources. Of equal
importance, however, is its unusual mix of northern and northeastern culture
which is treasured by both locals and visitors. This remarkable cultural
blend has produced more than one local dialect but only one local identity.
Visitors can find pre-historic remnants such as cave paintings depicting
people, human hands, animals and various symbols. Eleven such caves have
been discovered; two in Mueang District and the other nine in Phu Kradung
District. In addition, there are many traditions and festivals that are well
known among tourists such as the Phi Ta Khon Procession, the Loei Cotton
and Tamarind Fair and Homage to Phra That Sri Songrak Festival.
Due to its geographical diversity and soil composition, agriculture is the
basis for the province's economy. While the highlands in Loei are favorable
to warm-temperature crops such as highland rice, macadamia nuts, passion
fruit, and Arabica coffee, the main agricultural products are tamarind, rubber,
mangoes, longan, bananas and lychees. |
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