Chiang Khan District is a district in the northern part of Loei Province, northeastern Thailand. It is located on the bank of the Mekong River, which forms the border with Laos. Chiang Khan has a rich history and culture, influenced by Lao, Vietnamese, and Chinese migrants who settled here in the late-19th century. Chiang Khan is also known for its traditional wooden houses, which have been preserved and adapted into guesthouses, cafes, and souvenir shops.
In this article, I will introduce you to some of the best things to see and do in Chiang Khan District, as well as some tips on how to get there and where to stay.
Tourist attractions in Chiang Khan District
Chiang Khan has many attractions to offer, both natural and cultural. Here are some of the highlights:
Walking Street : Every evening, the main road along the Mekong River turns into a lively walking street market, where you can find local food, handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy live music, street art, and cultural performances by local artists.
Kaeng Khut Khu : This is a scenic spot on the Mekong River, where you can see a small set of rapids and a rocky island. You can also take a boat ride or rent a bicycle to explore the area.
Phu Thok : This is a mountain about 30 km from Chiang Khan town, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Mekong River and the surrounding hills. You can also visit a Buddhist temple and meditation center on the top of the mountain.
Chiang Khan Vernacular House Learning Centre : This is a museum that showcases the history and architecture of Chiang Khan’s wooden houses. You can learn about the different styles and materials used to build them, as well as their cultural significance.
Wat Mahathat : This is the oldest temple in Chiang Khan, dating back to 1654. It has a beautiful ordination hall with a mural depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures. You can also see a large Buddha image and a pagoda on the temple grounds.
Cheap accommodation
Chiang Khan has many accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Most of them are located along the Mekong River or near the walking street market. Here are some of the recommended places to stay:
Chiangkhan River Mountain Resort: This is a cozy resort with wooden bungalows overlooking the Mekong River. It has a restaurant, a garden, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning, TV, fridge, and private bathroom. The price is around 1000 baht per night.
Baan Rim Khong: This is a charming guesthouse with wooden rooms decorated in Lao style. It has a terrace, a shared lounge, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are clean and cozy, with fan, TV, fridge, and shared bathroom. The price is around 500 baht per night.
Baan Suan Rim Nam: This is a budget guesthouse with simple rooms in a wooden house. It has a garden, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are basic but clean, with fan and shared bathroom. The price is around 200 baht per night.
How to get there
Chiang Khan is about 600 km from Bangkok and 50 km from Loei town. There are several ways to get there:
By bus: There are direct buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Chiang Khan Bus Terminal, which take about 10 hours and cost around 400 baht. There are also buses from Loei town to Chiang Khan, which take about an hour and cost around 40 baht.
By train: There are no trains to Chiang Khan, but you can take a train from Bangkok to Nong Khai or Udon Thani, and then take a bus or minivan to Loei town and Chiang Khan.
By plane: There are no airports in Chiang Khan, but you can fly from Bangkok to Loei Airport, which is about 40 km from Chiang Khan. There are flights operated by Nok Air and Thai AirAsia, which take about an hour and cost around 1000 baht. From Loei Airport, you can take a taxi or minivan to Chiang Khan.
