Thailand

The small town of Chiang Khan is located in northeastern Thailand and is part of Loei province. Positioned on the banks of the Mekong River, it sits just across from Laos. The tranquility and traditional wooden houses found throughout add to the charm of this town. However, on weekends, it is bustling with both Thais and tourists. With a population of 10,000 inhabitants, it provides an authentic atmosphere like that of small provincial towns in Thailand.

History

Originally, Chiang Khan was isolated from the Kingdom of Vientiane before its destruction by the Haw, a group of Chinese from Yunnan. After ravaging three villages (Chiang Khan, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang), they settled in Pak Hueang. They soon left this place, deemed strategically unimportant, to move to Ban Tha Na Chan, near the current location of Chiang Khan.

Later, during the reign of King Rama V the Great, the country lost territory on the left bank of the Mekong River to French colonists. Laotians then invaded Thai territory and built present-day Chiang Khan.

Chiang Khan Today

The former commercial route is now the favorite destination for Thai tourists to spend their weekends. Some come to admire the sunset on the riverfront, while others come to shop. Several traditional colonial-era houses have been transformed into souvenir shops, restaurants, and guesthouses, following the tourism boom. Today, the town continues to develop with the opening of new local establishments catering to travelers.

Visiting Chiang Khan

Chiang Khan is very calm in the morning, with little traffic except for a few tuk-tuks and bicycles. You can take advantage of this serenity to stroll through the streets of the town at your leisure.

If you want to discover the beauty of this charming town, don't miss:

Tourist sites and famous monuments: Phra Buddhabaht Phu Kwai Ngeon Footprint, Wat Tha Khaek, Wat Tham Pha Poo, Wat Phu Chang Noi, Wat Si Khun Muang, Wat Mahathat, Chiang Khan View Tower, Kaeng Khud Khu, and more.

The riverfront: a stroll along the riverfront is a must to rejuvenate yourself. This wooden walkway along the river is just beautiful for watching the sunset- a breathtaking sight.

Chai Khong Road: this pedestrian street near the Mekong is the emblem of the town with its old wooden houses. It is also the center of guesthouses, restaurants, and tourist shops. Every morning, monks collect donations from villagers here. This street is also known for its night market.

Climate

Chiang Khan has a tropical climate characterized by a dry winter. However, it is quite hot throughout the year, with an average temperature of 26°C. Rainfall averages 1983.9 mm annually and decreases significantly in winter. Therefore, the dry season from November to April is the best time to visit Chiang Khan.

April is undoubtedly the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 31°C. However, December feels much cooler, with an average of 20°C.

How to get to Chiang Khan?

You can reach the town from Bangkok or Loei, the nearest city, located 43 km away. You can come:

By plane: the town does not have an airport, but you can land in Loei with a flight from Bangkok and then reach the town by taxi or bus.

By bus: you can take the bus to Loei or Bangkok to get to Chiang Khan.

By Songthaews: this type of vehicle is common for connecting two secondary cities. You can take it in Loei, knowing that the last one leaves at 4 p.m.

By car: the best option is to rent a car if you want to travel alone.

How to get around the town

You have several options for getting around the town:

On foot: thanks to the small size of the town, it is convenient to explore it on foot. The walk is particularly pleasant along the riverfront.

By bicycle: most guesthouses offer free bicycle rental to their guests.

By tuk-tuk: this mode of transport, widespread throughout the country, also exists in Chiang Khan.

The town truly reflects the beauty and richness of the land of smiles. Don't hesitate to visit to experience unique experiences.