Loei Highlands — Phu Kradueng & Phu RueaCircuit.

Distance

230 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

2,200 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Loei Highlands — Phu Kradueng & Phu Ruea Circuit.

A figure-eight day circuit from Loei visiting the two highland plateaux that define Thailand's northeast mountain country. Phu Ruea (1,365m) is the coldest recorded place in Thailand — a treeless summit plateau with meadows and morning frost in winter. Phu Kradueng (1,320m) is a cliff-edged mesa that requires a 9km trek to reach the top but rewards with cloud-sea sunrises and wildflower meadows that feel more like Scotland than Southeast Asia.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved

Distance230 km

Days1

Total climb2,200 m

Fuel stops1 along route

DifficultyModerate

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

5 stops

LoeiStart · Start in Loei, the northernmost city of Isaan. Cooler and higher than surrounding provinces. Head west on Route 203 toward Phu Ruea. The road passes rubber and eucalyptus plantations before climbing into the highlands.

Phu Ruea National ParkMountain Pass · Thailand's coldest summit plateau at 1,365m. In January temperatures can fall to -1.5°C — the lowest ever recorded in Thailand. In the cool season, morning frost coats the meadow grass. Rolling open highlands with pine forest and cliff viewpoints. Fuel available at park entrance.

Loei — Fuel and LunchFuel Stop · Return to Loei for fuel and lunch before the southern leg. Local restaurants serve excellent Isaan food: laap, som tam, and grilled chicken. The Nam Haeng waterfall is 15km east if time allows.

Phu Kradueng National ParkScenic Point · The motorcycle is parked at the trailhead — the plateau must be reached by a 9km hike (2.5–3 hours up). The cliff-edged mesa at 1,320m has sweeping views over the Loei hills. Sunrise over the cloud sea is extraordinary. Descend the same day or camp at the park's basic bungalows.

LoeiEnd · Return to Loei via Route 201 north. The drive back through the Nam Nao valley in the late afternoon light is a final reward after the long day.

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