Ban Muang Phrae is a small yet charming border village nestled in a valley alongside the Hueang River. Its landscape of mountains and riverside plains gives the area a cooler climate than much of Loei province, with light morning and evening mist creating a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

The village’s defining feature is the Hueang River, which serves not only as a natural border between Thailand and Laos but also as the heart of local life. Communities on both sides share close cultural ties and similar ways of living, including fishing, farming, and traditional customs, creating a unique sense of a “border without emotional boundaries.”

A rare highlight is the ancient mountain salt wells located in the middle of the river. These become clearly visible during the dry season when water levels drop. Locals continue to extract and boil the saline water using traditional wood-fired methods, producing natural salt through a process passed down for generations.

Culturally, Ban Muang Phrae strongly preserves its Isan-Lao identity, reflected in traditional wooden houses, a simple way of life, and important festivals such as the Flower Tree Festival during Songkran. During this event, villagers decorate trees with colorful flowers and parade them to the temple, creating a vibrant and meaningful spectacle.

For those seeking a unique experience, visitors can cross the border on designated days via a temporary checkpoint for a short round trip to Laos. There, they can visit Wat Phothi Si, known for its distinctive ancient murals that depict Buddhist stories and traditional life in an authentic, unaltered style.

 Ban Muang Phrae is an ideal destination for travelers who wish to experience the quiet depth of a border community—where nature, culture, and everyday life continue in a calm and timeless rhythm, far from mainstream tourism.

• By Car: From Loei town, take Highway 203 toward Dan Sai, then continue on Highway 2113 to Na Haeo District. Follow the signs to Ban Muang Phrae. Total distance is 12 km. 

• Bring your ID card if you plan to cross the border

• Visit in the morning or evening for the best atmosphere and misty views

• The best time to see the salt wells is during the dry season (Feb–Apr)

• Stay in a local homestay for an authentic experience

• Check border crossing days in advance

 Admission Fee:

• Free entry (border crossing fee 50–100 THB)

Opening Hours

• Open daily 08:00 – 18:00 (border crossing available only on specific days such as Buddhist holy days and