The Wonder of Mazelike Mountain in Nong Hin of Loei Province
Travel back in time to learn about the beginning of Ban Pha Wai community and how the community members have worked together to develop "Phu Pa Po" mountain to become a well-known tourist attraction in Nong Hin subdistrict of Loei province. Not only does this renowned mountain attract numerous visitors and generate incomes for the local residents, its beauty is also guaranteed by several tourism awards.
Loei is a province full of many fascinating tourist sites which attract a myriad of visitors to experience the beauty of nature and charming Isaan cultures all year round. Loei is also home to "Phu Pa Po" mountain, one of the most significant landmarks of the province.
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) or DASTA (Loei office) has carried out a project to develop places of interest in the province e.g. Pha Ngam Stone Garden and other spots in Nong Hin subdistrict to become must-visit sites and sustainable ecotourism attractions.
Originally, Nong Hin was used to be a small village in Puan Phu subdistrict. Later on, as a result of an area extension, Nong Hin has been established as one of the subdistricts of Loei province. Nong Hin is located 45 kilometers away from Mueng district or the center of the province. Its terrain consists of a combination of plains, hills, and plateaus. In addition, Nong Hin is also known for several magnificent geological sites.
"Phu Pa Po": The Mount Fuji of Loei Province
"Phu Pa Po" is located close to Phu Kho – Phu Kratae Wildlife Sanctuary. Going up the mountain of "Phu Pa Po" can be done by a local Thai-style tractor called “E-taek” which is run by Ban Pha Wai Community Enterprise. There are 4 viewpoints along the way up to the top of the mountain, with around 200 – 300 meters distance from each viewpoint. "Saving the best for last" can be applied in this case since the 4th viewpoint is the highlight of the trip. This viewpoint offers the visitors with a panoramic view of Loei province and the sought-after sight of “Phu Ho”. Phu Ho is situated in Phu Ho subdistrict of Phu Luang district. It has been named “Mount Fuji of Loei Province” due to its flat top that resembles Mount Fuji in Japan.
"Phu Pa Po" is open for the visitors to go up and experience its beauty all year round. A vast golden field can be seen during summertime and it will change to a lush green plain full of trees and rice paddy fields during the rainy season. The rice paddy fields will become golden again with a sea of cold fog once winter approaches.
Being Amazed by the Natural Phenomenon at Pha Ngam Stone Garden
Pha Ngam Stone Garden is a geological tourist landmark which has been dubbed "Kunming of Loei Province". There are assumptions that this stone garden had been formed for more than 225 million years and that this place may have been under the ocean before. Covering an enormous area of 7,000 Rai, Pha Ngam Stone Garden is comprised of multiple rock formations that are named after their shapes such as Mazelike Mountain, Pagoda Rock, Dinosaur Rock, etc. This garden is also home to a rare plant aged more than a hundred years called "Assam cycas". In order to see a bird’s eye view of this stone garden, the visitors can hike up the stairs to a viewpoint called "Suan Sawan" which means "A Garden of Heaven" or they can take an "E-taek" tractor to the viewpoint as well.
Chilling Out at Suan Hom Waterfall
If you like relaxing and chilling out in a peaceful and shaded atmosphere, Suan Hom Waterfall will not disappoint you. In the past, there was a mudslide incident happening in this area. A flowing stream has eroded a limestone rock and brought its sediments down to a pond underneath the waterfall. What you can see nowadays is a sight of towering limestone cliff with 30-meter height surrounded by a flourishing forest. The visitors can swim in the pond to cool off from the hot weather. Traveling to the waterfall is very easy as it is in the same area as Pha Ngam Stone Garden. The visitors can take a short 100-meter walk from a parking lot directly to the waterfall.
Piang Din Waterfall: The Best Falls in Nong Hin Subdistrict
Being praised as the most beautiful waterfall in Nong Hin subdistrict, Piang Din Waterfall is notable for its clear blue water which is a result of minerals in the soil. The water is cascading down a 15-meter tall limestone cliff to a pond down below. The visitors can frolic in the water, sit under the shaded trees, or even have a picnic with their family. Every activity here will certainly guarantee you a good and quality time!
If you are a person who loves exploring and getting closer to the wonders of nature, Ban Pha Wai community and Nong Hin subdistrict are the places to go since they have so many interesting attractions waiting for you to discover. Apart from taking a break from the hustle and bustle of a big city, you will get to be important part to drive the community’s economy and help the locals earn more incomes so that they can develop the sustainable ecotourism for these marvelous natural landmarks.
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