AEC Connectivity Checkpoint: Tha Li – Experience Two Nations in One District
We explore various dimensions on the lifestyle and tourist attractions of Tha Li district in Loei province. Experience the Ban A-Hee Flower Parade, a ceremony which reflects the beliefs of the locals preserved throughout the generations.
A slow-paced lifestyle often presents joy that can only be found in peaceful environments. Many seek to experience the peaceful and serene atmosphere – one which can be found in Tha Li district. As a small town, the district provides an escape from the bustling city life while portraying its unique culture and lifestyle for all visitors to experience. Through the Loei Special Zone Office, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization), or DASTA, proposed a strategic plan to develop the district into a tourism hub which connects with other nearby communities. The objective is to generate additional, sustainable tourism revenue for the community.
Photo: APIWICH PUDSUMRAN / Shutterstock.com
Tha Li – A Peaceful, Charming Town with the Thai-Lao Lifestyle
The historical background of Tha Li remains unclear. Some believe that the locals of Tha Li were immigrants from Uttaradit province, while others state that they were originally from the town of Pak Lai in Lao PDR. The immigrants settled along the bank of the Kan River, which is teeming with fish. These immigrants invented a fish trap made from bamboo, known as the “Li.” As more people settled in the village, the community was named “Ban Li” and finally “Tha Li” – referring to the unique fish trap.
Preserve the Flower Parade of Tha Li District
The Flower Parade is an annual festival of Tha Li practiced throughout the generations. The locals work together to craft the flower structures. Others are responsible for collecting seasonal flowers, such as Golden Showers, Champaks, and Plumerias, to decorate the structures and offerings. The flower structures are carried to the temple, where the parade circles around the temple three times while sounding drums and gongs. The flowers are offered to the monks, followed by ceremonies to receive blessings and a sermon.
Photo: Kotchasi Charoensuk / Shutterstock.com
Ban Mun Yeun – The Local Cultural Learning Center
The local museum serves as a local cultural learning center, sharing the stories of the community along the Hueng River. The museum presents a collection of local tools and valuable items used in the past, allowing the new generation to experience the lifestyle of the ancient community. Visitors during the mid-late cool season can observe locals collecting green algae in the river to prepare various local delicacies.
Phra That Satja
Situated in Wat Lad Poo Song Tham, Phra That Satja is a monument similar to the Phanom Rung in design – with a height of 30 meters and a 7-story umbrella-like structure. The interior of the sanctuary holds Buddha’s relics. The temple has a famous large gong, with the local belief that those who sound the gong will be blessed. The atmosphere of the temple is serene, with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Phu Chom Lao
Phu Chom Lao is a natural tourist attraction providing a beautiful scenery of the Thai-Lao border and a sea of mist. Phu Chom Lao was developed and maintained as a tourist attraction by the Hueng River Tourism Association, which consists of locals from Tha Li district. The locals collaborate to effectively manage and accommodate tourism in the area. Since the destination is not yet widely known among tourists, visitors are guaranteed to experience nature at its finest.
Phu Pha Ngaem
The mountain is one of the natural attractions of Tha Li district popular among adventure enthusiasts. Visitors must hike up the steep mountains to enjoy the scenery and breathtaking sunset. A gazebo was constructed at the top of the mountain to serve as a sightseeing spot, surrounded by large pine trees with ages of over hundreds of years. The plateau at the top of the mountain is suitable for campouts and other outdoor activities.
Phu Pak Wan
One of the “unseen” sightseeing destinations of Tha Li, providing a beautiful scenery of local plantations on both sides of the uphill trail. A historical cliff also has ancient murals inspired by Buddhism for visitors to observe. Those who visit Phu Pak Wan during the monsoon are highly advised to be cautious, since the bumpy and slippery road up the mountains may cause accidents.
Tha Li Customs Checkpoint (Ban Na Kraseng)
The gateway to Luang Prabang World Heritage Site is under the jurisdiction of the Tha Li Customs Checkpoint, with the Hueng River serving as a natural border between Thailand and Lao PDR. The checkpoint is also known as Thai-Lao Hueng River Friendship Bridge. The checkpoint is situated between Tha Li district of Loei province and Kaen Tao in Sainyabuli province of Lao PDR – a town famous for its World Heritage Site. The border crossing point is also a route which eventually connects to Vietnam and China.
Photo: Chonlawut / Shutterstock.com
Tha Li possesses a beautiful geography, simple lifestyle, and strong Buddhist beliefs preserved throughout the generations. These factors create a unique charm, attracting visitors to personally experience the serenity of this Thai-Lao town.
Sources:
museumthailand.com
thali.customs.go.th
otop-village.com
loei.nfe.go.th
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