"Chiang Khan" Chiang Khan by earthflyer

Chiang Khan
The town of Chiang Khan in northeastern Thailand's Loei Province is definitely off the well-worn track. Not so long ago the area's claim to fame was mostly for smuggling, banditry and inter-border conflicts. Hardly a shadow of its recent history remains. Today it is growing into a popular travel destination on the Mekong River.

Chiang Khan has changed little over the past few decades. A gentle riverside ambience still pervades the town. It feels a lot like Laos, or rural Thailand 30 years ago. Dogs asleep in mid-street simply expect you to negotiate around them. Teak buildings comprise most of the waterfront. There is busy boat traffic on the river, the Mekong is still an important trade artery here. There is little traffic on the two streets in town.

Mekong River, Chiang Khan

Mekong River
Situated on the Mekong River, Chiang Khan is 100 kms east of Nong Khai, 103 kms northwest of Khon Kaen and 50 kms north of Loei town. Just upstream from Chiang Khan, at the confluence of the Nam Heuang River, the Mekong curves northwards inside Laos whereby a Thai/Lao land border extends northward for about 400 kilometers until it reaches Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai Province, where the Mekong again forms the Thai/Lao border until reaching Sop Ruak, the Golden Triangle.