Loei is Isan's westernmost province and in some ways has a lot in common with northern Thailand. It has mountains, it has ethnic minorities and it has spectacular national parks. It's a diverse, beautiful province with probably the most tourist potential of all Isan.
The people of Loei call themselves 'Thai Loei' and are proud of their culture. It is believed the Thai Loei migrated from Luang Prabang via Chiang Mai to their present location in the 166 years ago. Being close to the border, Loei has also seen migrations of other ethnic groups and has sizeable numbers of Tai Phuan and Tai Dam, plus a very small number of Maew (Hmong) people.