Thailand

At the far eastern edge of Thailand, the district of Khong Chiam, known for its natural parks and idyllic setting along the Mekong River, is a prime destination for nature tourism.

The Isaan region is highly praised by travel agencies offering authentic or cultural tours. If you stop in Khong Chiam for a day trip, you'll quickly realize that this reputation is well-deserved. Located in the east of Thailand, bordering the doors of Laos, Khong Chiam is a peaceful village, isolated from major tourist hubs, nestled in the Dângrêk mountains. Prehistoric paintings dating back 3000 to 4000 years BC adorn the cliffs. A boat trip is enchanting, as the green of the rice paddies contrasts with the brown waters of the Mekong. Visiting fishing villages proves that a lifestyle in harmony with nature is possible without succumbing to the temptations of globalization. Take the road to Khong Chiam and discover what you can expect from an authentic journey in the heart of Isaan.

Historical Notes

The present town of Khong Chiam is the result of administrative restructuring. Originally, the tambons of Pho Klang, Khong Chiam, and Huai Yang were part of the Si Mueang Mai district. The historical center of Si Mueang Mai was particularly referred to as "Khong Chiam." The current site had another name. By the late 1950s, the three tambons were seeking independence and would form an independent territorial entity under the name Ban Dan.

The district's birthday is December 11, 1959, when it was officially proclaimed an "amphoe." Twelve years later, Ban Dan took the final name of Khong Chiam, while the name of the former historical quarter changed to "Si Mueang Mai."

Regarding the toponym, "Khong" could be translated as "herd of elephants" and "Chiam" as "respect." The name refers to "a town where significant herds of elephants live."

Today

Khong Chiam is one of the twenty-five districts of Ubon Ratchathani, an eastern province of Thailand. It has nearly 33,000 inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are employed in rice cultivation.

The low population density (32 people/km2), modest urbanization, and mountainous barrier explain the remarkable number of natural sites. Agricultural activities are particularly intense along the Mekong. However, the river itself is a fantastic curiosity, with its landscapes of rice fields, lotus ponds, fishing boats, and typical hill villages on the horizon. The town offers two national parks for relaxation and greenery.

The destination is not yet popular among foreigners, given the poverty of the villages and the lack of guesthouses offering an acceptable level of comfort. All the more reason to stay in Khong Chiam: cultural immersion is an opportunity to assist populations in need while making new acquaintances, exploring original traditions, and trying new culinary habits.

Places of interest to visit

Khong Chiam boasts an exceptional natural and historical heritage. After a hike in the woods, a visit to a Buddhist place of worship will enrich your experience.

Pha Taem National Park

A formidable mountain range lends grandeur to this 140 km2 natural park. The hike passes through a succession of cliffs and eroded hills. If you see a group of tourists lingering near a rock outcrop, don't be surprised. It's the quality of the rock art that primarily distinguishes Pha Taem National Park. Prehistoric paintings offer a caricatural evocation of the lifestyle of the early humans who settled in the region. These vivid red drawings are engraved directly into the rock. The subjects often depict still lives, human and animal figures, hunting or harvesting scenes, or fishermen rowing in their boats. Apart from these paintings, the rock formations themselves are fascinating. Erosion has sculpted stout, mushroom-like blocks.

Khaeng Tana National Park

This 80 km2 classified site stretches along the Mun River. Its tourist success is due to the large rapids that agitate the river, crashing against a rock. Rafting and canoeing enthusiasts are numerous in this area. But if these sports are not to your liking, it's possible to avoid this stretch and plan a quieter trip. Forest walks also have their fans. The canopy is dominated by evergreen dipterocarps. During the crossing, you'll encounter unexpected sights: a serow grazing near a bush, a wild boar, a herd of barking deer, or a palm civet consuming a tropical fruit.

Wat Tham Khuha Suwan

This Buddhist temple is located at the mouth of the Mun River, where it joins the Mekong. A breathtaking view awaits you at the end of a long staircase. The clear waters of the river, typical farmhouse buildings, and Laos can all be seen at a glance. For the record, the monastery was founded in 1978 at the request of a monk named Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula Mani. He wanted a meditation retreat to deepen his piety. The priest's body has lain there for several decades without decomposing.

Apart from boating on the Mekong, you can enjoy other activities: fishing, kayaking, cycling in the city center, etc. There's a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from.

Practical Information

When to go to Khong Chiam?

Like the northeast of Thailand, Khong Chiam has a rainy summer and a dry winter. It's consistently hot all year round (25°C on average). However, temperatures are slightly more moderate between November and February; the region records the lowest precipitation in December and January. That's why the peak tourist season occurs during these four months.

How to get there?

Khong Chiam is about 80 kilometers from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. For travelers in a hurry, the easiest way is to take a flight to Ratchathani from Bangkok. Thai AirAsia, Thai Smile Air, and Nok Air offer several direct flights on this route. After an hour's flight, you'll land at Ubon Ratchathani Airport. Another option is to take a train from the northeastern network that connects the capital to Ubon Ratchathani and neighboring Laos.

Then, you just need to reach the Ubon Ratchathani bus station, opposite the bazaar, where local minibuses for Khong Chiam pick up passengers. A journey of an hour and a half at a cost of 80 baht (€2.24) is still very affordable. There's an average departure every sixty minutes, and service hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You'd like to…

Enjoy a kayaking excursion in Khaeng Tana National Park.
Take a look at the rock art in Pha Taem National Park.
Observe eroded cliffs shaped like truffles.
Visit fishing villages.
Walk among the lush green rice paddies.
Take a cruise along the Mekong.
Collect beautiful river viewpoints.