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All you need to know to visit Chiang Khan
เชียงคาน
Northeastern Thailand
580 km from Bangkok
Province of Loei
Thai prononciation : Tchiang gaan
Northeastern Thailand
580 km from Bangkok
Province of Loei
Thai prononciation : Tchiang gaan
Budget
Recomm. stay
2 jours minimum
Visits
Practical guide to go and visit Chiang Khan
The small town of Chiang Khan on the Mekong with the Loas on the other side of the river does not lack of charm. This is a very popular destination among thai tourists. They usually arrive on Saturday to enjoy the sunset over the river, wlak on the river baks before going to eat and shop in Chai Khong Road, the street with the wooden houses hosting many shops selling products made in Thailand. They sleep in a guesthouse or hotel and get up at dawn to make offerings to the monks. Chiang Khan has probably the most impressive monks morning alms giving in Thailand. On Sunday evening, the sicty is already less crowded and becomes quieter until the next Saturday.It is up to you but avoiding Chioang Khan on weekends or public holidays in Thailand is not necessarily the right option to enjoy the city the most. The difference between the monks offerings on Sunday mornings and on other days is important. So why don't you come when Thais tourists come and stay a little more to enjoy Chiang Khan when iti is almost deserted ?
We advise you to walk on the riverfront for sunset but also forsunrise. The light and colors are often wonderful.
Accommodations in Chiang Khan
The choice of accommodation in Chiang Khan is vast but local demand on weekends and thai public holidays too. The occupancy rate is particularly high on Saturday nights (book in advance). The overwhelming majority of customers are Thai, many accommodation only have signs in Thai and are not on conventional online booking networks and websites.We advise you to choose an hotel or guesthouse in Chai Khong Road, on the riverside to enjoy the view. Chiang Khan tries to preserve its identity so most accommodation are in typical wooden houses. Comfort and privacy are a little below the usual standards and prices are higher compared to other places in Thailand. Blame the popularity of the place ! But during the week, it is easy to negotiate discounts.
Find accommodation in Chiang Khan
My recommandations
People often ask me what accommodations I recommend in Thailand, here are my recommandations in Chiang Khan.
Practical information about Chiang Khan
There are direct buses from Bangkok to Chiang Khan. But in general, people arrive from Loei and take buses coming from Thai capital city or the local bus, the blue songthaew number 1395 (truck with benches) linking Loei to Chiang khan every 30 minutes.Although Laos is just on the other side of Mekong river, don't go to Chiang Khan to go to Laos unless you already have your visa. But still it is better to go to laos through an official border point rather than crossing the river by boat here.
How to go to Chiang Khan ?
To come from Bangkok to Chiang Khan, you have the choice between taking a bus leaving from Mochit Bus Terminal or fly to Loei then take a bus or taxi to go to Chiang Khan. From Loei, there are local buses (blue songthaews number 1395) that regularly go to Chiang Khan. There is one leaving every thirty minutes (1h30 / 35 THB). Alternatively you can catch a bus of the three companies offering Bangkok-Chiang Khan routes via Loei (45 minutes / 50 THB).How to get around in Chiang Khan ?
You can get aroung in Chiang Khan easily by walking and is very nice especially along the river front. Otherwise, on Highway 211, which is located above Chai Kong Road, you can try to catch a tuk-tuk passing by but they are quite rare on week days. The best is to rent a bicycle. Most guesthouses in Chiang Khan provide one for their guests for free.Festivals in Chiang Khan ?
Here is a list of the main festivals taking place every year in Chiang Khan. I mention their dates as soon as they are official on Thai Festivals page.
Chiang Khan End of Buddhist Lent Festival
This festival generally takes place in the month of October
Other places to see in Chiang Khan
Wat Si Khun Muang
This small charming temple in Lanna and Laos style is the largest and most sacred temple in Chiang Khan. It can be accessed on Chai Kong Road, the most famous street in the city.
Wat Mahathat
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Khan, its construction dates from the 17th century but the original hall it only remains a few walls with partly erased frescoes.
Kaeng Khut Khu
At this place, small waterfalls forme themselves in the middle of the Mekong river but it depends on the water level. Waterfalls or not, the mountain scenery remains superb. We particularly recommend you the river cruises tging to Kaeng Khut Khu.
Chiang Khan Skywalk
Open since the end of 2020, this glass footbridge which culminates at 80 meters on the banks of the Mekong River has quickly become a very popular attraction with Thais. It is half an hour's drive from Chiang Khan and 1 hour drive from Loei city.
Phu Tok
Phu Tok Mountain, 6 kilometers from Chiang Khan, is known as an extraordinary place to watch the sunrise often on a sea of mist in winter (December to March). At the top, you will find a Buddha image and a footbridge with superb views over the city, the Mekong River and the surroundings.
Weather & climate in Chiang Khan
Chiang Khan has a tropical savanna climate. The winters are quite dry and very hot. Temperatures rise until April, the hottest month of the year. The rainy season extends from late April to October, with heavy showers often brief and temperatures cooler during the day, even if the nights remain warm. May and September are the rainiest months.The best time to come to Chiang Khan is from November to the end of March. September is the rainiest month of the year but remains less rainy than in many other provinces in Thailand. Whatever the time of year, except extreme weather episodes, Loei province is a pleasant destination.
How to ask in Thai to go to Chiang Khan ?
I want to go to Chiang Khan / Yak paï ti Tchiang gaan.Where is Chiang Khan ? / Tchiang gaan you ti naï ?
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