Amphoe Phu Ruea
Ban Nong Bong Plant Market
A center for buying cold-climate flowers from local farmers,
the market offers a wide array of beautiful and reasonably-priced
flowers that are perfect souvenirs. To get there from the city,
proceed on Highway No. 203 (Loei – Phu Ruea) for 47 kilometers.
Chateau de Loei Winery and Vineyard
Location: 161 Mu 6, Tambon Rong Chik, Amphoe Phu Ruea,
Loei 42160. Tel. 0 42891 3950, 0 4289 1045 Fax. 042 – 891395
As the climate in Loei is quite similar to that of the South
of France, it is perfect for establishing a vineyard and winery.
Chateau de Loei is one of the first entrepreneurs in the region
that has succeeded in building its own brand based on solid, internationally-accepted
quality. At present, Chateau de Loei’s red wine is very popular
with local wine experts. Its white wine, made from Chenin Blanc,
has also been well received in the market. While browsing through
the vineyard souvenir shop, visitors can taste test the wines,
sample grapes, try the passion fruit juice and nibble on fresh
vegetables from the orchard and farm.
Facilities available include a restaurant, toilets, accommodations
(resort) and a touring route in the vineyard complete with lecturer
that is open to the public.
Khamnuan Nursery
The
nursery is located just 3 kilometers from Amphoe Phu Ruea on Highway
No. 203. The compound offers many cold-climate flowers, especially
hanging petunia and Christmas trees. Call 042 899275 for more
information.
Namtok Pla Ba Waterfall or Namtok Tat
San
This waterfall drops from a large rock platform to the
pool below. To get to the waterfall, take the Phu Ruea-Dan Sai
Road for 7 kilometers to Ban Kok Pho and take a left-hand road
and proceed for 10 kilometers. The Phu Ruea Highland Agriculture
Testing Station is 14 kilometers past the waterfall. The center
grows cold-climate plants and an assortment of flowers.
Phu Ruea High Altitude Agricultural
Research Station
Location: Tambon Pla Ba, Amphoe phu Ruea, Loei 42160,
Tel. 042 – 891398, 891199
Phu Ruea District is an ideal location for growing exotic flora
such as African violets, hydrangeas, petunias and phlox due to
its cool and dry climate pattern which is hardly seen in any other
northeastern province.
The staff of the Research Station works with local farmers to
promote new cash crops such as macadamia, strawberries, passion
fruit, potted and table plants and cut flowers. In addition, the
station is responsible for plant species research of species such
as peaches, Chinese chestnuts, grapes, Chinese pears, macadamia
nuts, strawberries, etc. The station also produces plant seeds,
publicizes technology, and provides training for local farmers
and concerned parties. The station is not merely a research center
for educational purposes, but is also the hub for the exchange
of technological knowledge and real-life experiences (local wisdom).
Other responsibilities of the station include oversight of a wild-life
sanctuary and welcoming visitors who come to appreciate the beauty
of its ideal location and its activities.
Tourist facilities include toilets, accommodations, food and
beverages. Lectures complete with a demonstration of flower gardening
and ornamental plant plantations are also provided. Advance booking
is recommended (at least 3 weeks).
Phu Ruea National Park
This National Park with an area of 75,525 square kilometers
has a vast pine-covered plain 1,365 meters above sea level at
its summit. Due to its high elevation and cool climate visitors
are drawn to the Park all year round, however, during the cool
season visitors flock to the Park to experience wintry weather.
Attractions in the Park include observation points, waterfalls,
rock gardens, and caves. In particular there are Pha Lon Noi,
which offers a spectacular sunrise and beautiful scenery, Pha
Sub Thong, a very steep cliff, Namtok Huai Phai, a 30 meter-high
waterfall, and Phu Ruea Summit, which provides a fine view of
Huang and Khong Rivers. In addition, there are several resorts
on the slopes of Phu Ruea, as well as Chateau de Loei Winery,
a huge vineyard with modern wine-making facilities. The Park is
located 60 kilometers west of Amphoe Muang on Highway No. 203.
Siam Phu Ruea Orange Farm
This farm is located at Ban Kaeng Laen, 15 kilometers
from Amphoe Phu Ruea on Highway No. 203. This large Shogun Orange
Orchard covers an area of more than 100 rai. Visitors can tour
the farm, taste the oranges and purchase the produce. Call 01
975 4212 for more details.
