Free Loei airport pickup for staying guests
Planning guide
Where to go species fishing in Thailand
Thailand’s species lakes are grouped in three areas: around Bangkok, in the south near the beach resorts, and in the north-east, where Loei Jungle Fishing Lake is. Here is how they differ, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
The short answer
- Around Bangkok: the easiest choice for a day or two of fishing during a city trip.
- The south (Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket area, Hua Hin and Cha-am): fishing combined with a beach holiday.
- Loei, north-east Thailand: a fishing trip in its own right. You stay at the lake, fish every day and have the mountains, the Mekong and the cool season on the doorstep.
The three regions compared
| Around Bangkok | The south | Loei (north-east) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short trips from the city | Fishing plus a beach holiday | A dedicated fishing holiday |
| Getting there | By road from central Bangkok | Flights to Krabi or Phuket, or road to Hua Hin | 1 h 10 min flight from Bangkok Don Mueang to Loei, free pickup to the lake |
| Setting | City and suburbs | Coast and resort towns | Countryside and hills near the Mekong |
| Climate | Hot all year | Hot and humid, with a coastal monsoon | Cooler in November–February (lows around 15°C) |
| Typical species | Arapaima, Siamese giant carp, Mekong giant catfish, alligator gar and other stocked species, depending on the lake | More than 40 species, incl. arapaima, Siamese carp, Mekong catfish, gar and species found only here | |
Why anglers choose Loei
You stay at the lake
The 24-hour package includes a lakeside bungalow and pool, three home-cooked meals a day with soft drinks, bait and three rods with Shimano 12000D reels, Sonik rod pods and Fox bite alarms. You walk from your bungalow to your swim. See stay and food.
Species you won’t find elsewhere
Alongside the classic Thai lake species, the lake holds species you can only catch here, such as golden mahseer, blue mahseer, zebra shovelnose catfish and the Chinese high-fin banded shark. See the species list.
Small, personal and quiet
The lake is run by its owners, Pond and Jez Hibberd. Pond is on the bank to give advice when you land a big fish.
The cool season
Loei is one of Thailand’s coolest provinces. From November to February, days are around 29–30°C and mornings fresh, which makes long days on the bank far more comfortable. See the best time to fish in Loei.
Combining Loei with the rest of Thailand
From abroad, fly into Bangkok and take the AirAsia flight from Don Mueang to Loei (about 1 h 10 min). Staying guests are picked up free of charge at Loei airport. After your fishing you can fly back to Bangkok and continue to the beaches in the south. Details: how to get to us.
Prices at Loei Jungle Fishing Lake (2027)
| Ticket | Price per angler per day | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Day ticket, 07:00–18:30 | 3,500 THB | 2 rods, bait; food and drinks not included |
| 24-hour package | 5,100 THB | Bungalow, pool, 3 meals and soft drinks, bait, 3 rods, free Loei airport pickup |
2026 dates keep the 2026 prices. All extras are on the prices page.
Thinking about Loei? Tell us your dates and how many anglers, and Pond will reply on WhatsApp or by email.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the species lakes in Thailand?
Mainly in three areas: around Bangkok, in the south near Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket and Hua Hin, and in the north-east, where Loei Jungle Fishing Lake is.
How do I get from Bangkok to Loei?
AirAsia flies from Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) to Loei (LOE) in about 1 hour 10 minutes. Guests staying at the lake are picked up free of charge at Loei airport.
Can I stay at the lake?
Yes. The 24-hour package (5,100 THB per angler per day from 2027) includes a lakeside bungalow, pool, three meals a day, soft drinks, bait and three rods.
What makes Loei different from lakes near Bangkok or the beaches?
It is a dedicated fishing stay in the countryside: you sleep at the lake, the cool season is more comfortable, and it holds species found only here, such as golden mahseer and zebra shovelnose catfish.