There are many great roads around the national parks in the Loei area, but most of us traveling from the north tend to stick to the park route 1268 - 2113 to Dan Sai and then onto Loei. An option is to ride to Dan Sai and then cut back South West to Nakhon Thai and pick up route 12, route twelve is a great road now construction is mostly finished and weekdays it's almost deserted, weekends however are a different story.
From route 12 heading to Lom Sak and then pick up the little used 2016 which is a delightful route passing between national parks and glorious waterfalls before reaching the 201 south of Loei, here are some details of the trip in and around this area.
Heading towards route 12 cafe and a storm ahead.
50-50 we would miss it, we had been dry all the way from Chiang Rai and hoped to stay that way.
The popular tourist attraction of Wat Prathat Phasornkaew in the background.
A closer shot.
Looking over towards Phu Hin Rongkla NP
Only 3 km from the cafe the rain was upon us so time for wet gear.
Reaching route 12 cafe and an indifferent meal we waited for the rains to ease, we had been the only customers, a few days later we passed on a Sunday it was packed solid.
On to the 2016 and some fantastic views.
Not sure of the name of this waterfall but it looked pretty impressive.
The 2016 winding off in the distance.
On arrival in Loei we checked into the Muang Thong Grand, amazing value at 290 baht with free wifi.
No night would be complete without a visit to the Outlaw Craft brewery ( N17.48645° E101.72851°) then onto Chris's Saloon bar (N17.48852° E101.72623°).
Next morning we waited for the other riders in our group to arrive so another beer recon was in order to Chiang Khan and Jo+ Beer.
Jo still nursing a hangover, plus we got him out of bed !!!
His place is located on the prom at Chiang Khan where you can sit and watch the Mekhong whilst sipping fine beer location N17.89283° E101.64936°
Next morning it was a group ride to Nong Khai for the night, first stop at Wat Sanuk and the penis stones hauled from the Mekong at locationN17.99058° E101.74730°
Well i guess even monks have to do laundry.
Spirit house at the Mekong view point
Camping it up at the Nong Pla Buek viewpoint.
Arriving safely in Nong Khai stopping at the Hop Inn @ 600 baht a night and a short walk from bars etc location N17.87785° E102.74403°
The rear tyre of Des's Ducati, we hoped it would last out for the blast home of 850 km :-)
We enjoyed the 2016 so much we decided to take the same route again loads of fun.
Poor attempt at flying.
x
