Limitations..... We wake up this morning and the limitations of Ruen Chao fa Hotel becomes evident. I can't connect to their Wi-Fi, so I have to tether my laptop to a phone. The lack of worktop space is also an issue meaning kit is left on the floor and possessions moved around like being on a chess board. The furnishings are modern and appealing except that they are impractical for an overnight stay. However, we are seasoned travelers and can cope whatever they throw at us.
With the objectives of this tour complete I can plan the journey back to Bangkok, but we have to return via Loei to visit Katoon's mother who is poorly. This means staying in Loei tonight and arrival in the afternoon. The journey will take an hour and a half, so there is no compulsion to make an early start today, and it's 10.30 am before we leave. That still leaves an hour or two 'mopping up' in Nong Bua Lamphu province.
The province is quite small, and we visited the obvious attractions in December 2017. Today we can add 2 or 3 more quite easily.
Namtok Thao To Forest Park..... Namtok Thao To Forest Park is just 10 minutes from the city on HWY 210 to Udon Thani. The main attraction is the Thao To Waterfall. This is just a few minutes walk from the car park on the left-hand side of the road. As waterfalls go, this one is hardly spectacular but is easy to reach and worth a visit. However, if you wish to swim in the pool this time of year you have to put up with muddy water from recent rains.
Luang Pho Pu Lup Shrine..... This is a shrine to Luang Pho Pu Lup which is on the opposite side of the road to the Thao To Waterfall. The principal feature is the large golden standing Buddha on the hillside. The image can be seen from Nong Bua Pitchaya Stadium where we were last night. The entrance to the temple features a pair of naga serpents whose tails stretch for some distance. There is one more attraction I can add to the west of the province which is on the way to Loei.
Tham Pha Chor (Pha Chor Cave)..... Pha Chor Cave is located on the jagged rock peak of Pha Chor at Thep Kiri, Na Wang District. Pha Chor refers to the cliff which has a see through hole in it near the summit. The cave and summit can be reached via a long staircase. The lower section has concrete steps while a metal staircase has been added in recent years, giving access to the summit which offers amazing views. It has a combined set of some 400 steps and is not for the elderly or those with physical conditions (like me). This last, but vital piece of information was not available to me at the time.
On reaching this attraction and blind as to what to expect, I sent Katoon forward to investigate and waited, and waited and waited. It's then I should have realised this wasn't going to be easy but challenged myself anyway. I knew I could manage 100 steps, but 200? I would need luck and anything more, a prayer. Yet I closed in on the peak through determination but stopped just short where there was a break in the staircase. Katoon by this time had done a survey and was on her way down. It was enough that I made it this far and turned this day into a day to remember. Well, enough of fooling around we must complete this trip to Loei now without hesitation.
Fortune D Loei..... We arrive in Loei around 3.00 pm and locate Fortune D Loei where I'm pleasantly surprised by what I find. I've paid no more than similar accommodation but here it includes breakfast for a change. The room is modern and bright and very close to what I feel is ideal. We plan to take a rest here before heading out again for a family visit, but the honeymoon is quickly over at Fortune D Loei as I can't get a strong enough signal to use the internet on my laptop causing more improvisation. The rest of the day is consumed by shopping for an evening meal with Katoon's relatives and the visit to get an update on her frail mother's condition. It's only right to give a courtesy call, but we're not prepared for further overstay and will be returning to Bangkok tomorrow.

Source: Visit