Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Loei. Loei Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Loei, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Thailand vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Loei is roughly 50 minutes from LOE via Local Taxi / Tuk-tuk. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in THB. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Getting from LOE to Loei
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Taxi / Tuk-tuk | ~50 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~70 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Local Taxi / Tuk-tuk is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Budget for Your Loei Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Loei:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $5 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $20 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Loei, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What’s Worth Seeing in Loei
For a layover visit to Loei, we’d suggest Wat Pa Huai Lat and Kut Pong Public Park. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Loei. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at LOE, check out Loei Airport Coffee Corner or Local Product & Souvenir Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
For food in Loei, local travelers recommend Krua Mayom. If you have time for a second stop, Ruen Mai Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at LOE, Loei Airport Eatery is the go-to. Airport Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at LOE can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Loei for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LOE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Loei itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Thailand that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at LOE, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Loei doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 50 minutes from LOE, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.