The district capital of Dan Sai is located in Loei province in Thailand's northeast. Currently home to around 8,500 inhabitants, the population is primarily Thai and Laotian. Watered by the Mun River, this small town is known for its fertility, and it comes as no surprise that agriculture remains the primary livelihood of its people. This village, still relatively undiscovered by tourists, will captivate you with its tranquility and stunning landscape.

History

Dan Sai gained prominence during the Ayutthaya period between 1650 and 1767. It served as a commercial thoroughfare connecting the Chao Phraya River, the northeast Kingdom of Lana, and the Laotian border.

At that time, the Thai King forged a friendship with the King of Laos, and together they built Wat Phra That Sri Song Rak to unite their peoples. This symbol of peace graces the Man River in the village of Ban Na Wiang.

Dan Sai Today

The small town has remained authentically Thai and decidedly rural. It is celebrated for its annual Phi Ta Khon festival, which means "the ghost festival". During these festivities, locals don colorful costumes, exceptional masks, and consume considerable quantities of rice whiskey. The festival typically takes place in June or July (according to the lunar calendar), so do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.

Visiting Dan Sai

When passing through Thailand's northeast, do not hesitate to make a stop in Dan Sai. Its landscape enchants nature lovers, and the village boasts several noteworthy monuments and green spaces:

Wat Neramit Wipatsana

This temple overlooks the town along the main road 2013 toward Lom Sak. It bears similarities to certain grand temples in Bangkok, but the wax statue of the Founding Monk Luang Pho Phra Maha Phan Sila Wisuttho sets it apart.

Phra That Si Song Rak

The temple commemorates the alliance between King Say Setthathirath of Lan Xang (Laos) and King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya (Thailand) against their common enemies: the Burmese.

Wat Chai Phon

The first day of the Phi Ta Khon festival is celebrated at this Buddhist temple each year. The faithful offer prayers to the protector Phra Uppakhut to safeguard the people.

Phi Ta Khon Museum

Dedicated to the mask festival, the museum is located within the grounds of Wat Chai Phon. Here you will find answers to all your questions about the festival. A visit will teach you much about the craftsmanship behind the masks and costumes.

Phu Hin Rong National Park

This green space offers exceptional landscapes to its visitors: expanses of tropical forest, a field of flat, polished rocks called Lan Hin Pum, waterfalls, wooden walkways, and vistas over surrounding mountains. It is also the ideal place to discover Sakura blossoms, particularly in Phu Lom Lo.

Climate

With a tropical climate, Dan Sai experiences very hot, rainy summers in contrast to typically dry but quite warm winters. Consequently, annual temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C.

The rainy season peaks from March through May, while cold weather is most pronounced in December. Based on Dan Sai's climate, the best time to visit the town is between November and early March to avoid heavy rainfall.

How to Get to Dan Sai

There are several transport options to reach the historic town of Dan Sai. You may choose:

• By air: Regular flights from Bangkok land daily in Loei, Dan Sai's province. From there, you can take a bus to reach the town.
• By bus: Buses serve numerous destinations throughout Thailand, and Dan Sai is no exception. You can board buses from neighboring towns such as Loei. Additionally, several bus lines connect Bangkok and Dan Sai daily.
• By car: The town is easily accessible by vehicle. If departing from Bangkok, take Highway 1 to Saraburi, then Highway 2. Upon reaching Lom Sak, continue on Highway 203, which will lead you to Dan Sai.

Getting Around Town

The town is quite compact, and you can traverse it on foot or by bicycle to discover its sublime landscapes. However, it is also possible to rent a car locally.