Literally translated, ‘Loei’ means ‘beyond’ or ‘to the furthest extreme’, a name most suitable for this province that lies in the northernmost part of the Northeastern region, bordered at the top by Laos and the Mekong River. Though part of Northeastern Thailand, its geography and climate is more similar to those of Northern Thailand. Consisting mainly of mountains, large and small, it is cold and foggy in the winter and searing hot in the summer. In the past, bureaucrats based in Bangkok who had fallen out of favor of the Siamese government were sent to this remote town as punishment. Fortunately, the province’s isolation helped it retain its local traditions. Some national parks here are major tourist destinations.

Loei is 520 kilometres from Bangkok. It has an area of about 11,426 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Wang Saphung, Phu Kradueng, Chiang Khan, Pak Chom, Tha Li, Phu Ruea, Dan Sai, Na Haeo, Na Duang, Phu Luang, Pha Khao, Erawan and Nong Hin.