Nestled amidst a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of mountains, Loei City offers a captivating escape just 3 kilometers from the bustling city center. Embark on an exhilarating journey to the summit of Phu Bo Bid, where stunning vistas await and the challenge of the ascent tests your limits.

Our mission on this mountain expedition is multifaceted: to pay homage to the revered Buddha statue enshrined within Tham Daeng Cave (perched at an elevation of 450 meters), explore the enigmatic Tham Lod Cave (situated at a height of 650 meters), venerate the sacred Buddha footprint at the peak, capture the picturesque landscapes of Loei City, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the sun gradually dipping below the horizon from the mountaintop. The total distance of this arduous trek spans 670 meters.

Loei Province boasts an abundance of diverse tourist attractions, making it an ideal destination for a summer getaway amidst the mountains.

Phu Bo Bit Forest Park

Located in Na An Subdistrict, Chai Phrik Subdistrict, Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Loei Province, within the Phu Huai Mak National Forest Reserve, Phu Thok Forest, and Phu Bo Bit Forest.

A towering peak overlooking the city of Loei

This majestic mountain, standing tall at a mere 3 kilometers from the heart of Loei, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape. Its sheer cliffs and prominent stature make it a landmark visible from afar.

We began our ascent around 4 pm and descended after sunset to avoid navigating in the dark.

There are two ways to reach the top of the mountain:

1. The ascent begins at the foot of the mountain, covering a distance of 670 meters. The initial section involves climbing earthen steps, which transition to steel stairs towards the summit.

2. Take an e-taek truck to a parking spot near Phra Cave, then walk up the iron stairs for another 180 meters.

Let's start our journey by climbing up from the foot of the mountain. This will help us build a solid foundation while burning calories at the same time.

Gradually ascend at a slow pace, avoiding haste. Manage your fatigue effectively to prevent the need for crawling during the final stages.

The trail is lined with rest stops at intervals. However, the view along the way is often obscured by tall trees, making it difficult to enjoy the scenery while walking. Most hikers focus on the steps to avoid tripping and falling.

Life is not easy. If you are tired, take a break. (If he doesn't love you, let him go.)

The first 100 meters were a breeze, offering stunning views. But after that, it was all uphill, leaving us breathless and exhausted. The picture shows us probably less than 300 meters into the climb, having to stop and rest along the way. #awkwardsmile

Minimize the load you carry to ensure agility. Focus on survival. You may bring water for hydration during the climb, but remember to dispose of it properly at the bottom.

Steadily climb up, because if you feel unsteady, sit down first. The last part of the path will be an iron staircase with a handrail. At this point, it means you are almost there. #KeepFightingCatechist

Just looking at the picture makes me tired. I don't know how we got through that. I kept thinking, "When will this be over?" I'm so tired. I don't know how to describe it. I'm really tired.

We visited during April, but the weather in Loei Province was not too hot. The higher we climbed the mountain, the cooler and more comfortable the air became.

Because we were tired, we decided not to stop at Tham Phra and Tham Lod caves. We were afraid that if we stopped, we would not be able to continue. So, we used all our remaining energy to climb to the top of the mountain in one go. Then, on the way back down, we stopped to pay our respects at the temple.

We have arrived.

Seeing this view is truly satisfying. To say that it makes the fatigue disappear would be overly optimistic. I'm so exhausted I can barely crawl, and the view doesn't make the fatigue vanish. No way!

The mountain is not very high, so looking down, you can see the rooftops of houses, cars running, and the mountain ranges surrounding the city in all directions.

There are two main viewpoints on this mountain: the **Eastern Viewpoint** and the **Western Viewpoint**. Therefore, you can choose to visit during sunrise or sunset.

The east viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

The Buddha's Footprint

The phrase "รอยพระพุทธบาท" translates to "The Buddha's Footprint" in English. This refers to a sacred Buddhist symbol representing the footprint of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. These footprints are often found carved into stone or depicted in paintings and sculptures. They serve as a reminder of Buddha's teachings and presence, inspiring reverence and devotion among Buddhists.

Western Viewpoint

However, we arrived too early and the sun had not yet set.

The captured image is backlit.

After taking photos until our hearts were content, the sun was still high in the sky. We decided to visit the cave temple we had passed earlier and wait for the sunset there. We encountered many people who were coming up to watch the sunset from this spot.

We arrived at the viewpoint near Phra Cave. The sun was already setting, so we stopped to worship the Buddha and watch the sunset there. There were no people because it was not the highest point, but it was still beautiful.

The weather here is cold at night, around ten degrees Celsius, and hot during the day. As I am allergic to the air, I have had a runny nose all day. I didn't have any medicine or tissues, so I wiped my nose on my clothes all the way up the mountain. I wanted to take pictures, but my nose kept running.

As the sun began to set, we started our descent, eager to reach the bottom before darkness enveloped us.

To witness the same sun that I have seen since birth...

While it is true that we are looking at the same sun, it is not as beautiful as before, depending on the environment in which we are viewing it.

The sunset at Phu Bo Bit is just as beautiful as anywhere else.

The higher we climbed from the foot of the mountain, the more beautiful the sunset became. The beauty of the sunset was amplified tenfold by the difficulty of the climb, creating a lasting memory.

Follow our small page for fun and relaxing travel experiences (always finding new places to watch the sunset).

Sandy's so happy!

"The writer is happy, and the readers are happy too."


# Beyond# Phu Bo Bid
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