“Chiang khan” is a very small and peaceful district in the northern part of
Loei Province, Northeast Thailand, 579 km away from its capital, Bangkok. The
area stands alongside the banks of the Mekong River separating Thailand from
Laos.In the past, Laotian people, mainly Luang Prabang immigrants, moved to
Chiang Khan bringing along their traditions and culture. Chiang Khan and Luang
Prabang can almost be considered as twin
cities, culturally, linguistically and historically speaking.
Nowadays, Chiang Khan’s popularity has grown among Thai tourists who seem
to be discovering or rediscovering a region that had been neglected by tourists
years before.This recent renewal of interest can be partly explained by the increasing
number of websites dealing with travel experiences, tourism...One of the first
websites that promoted the region and made it more attractive to the eye of the
tourist is a very famous Thai website named : www.pantip.com
where people can post and share their experiences, pictures and many other
things on forums. Since then, Chiang Khan has been unofficially renamed the “ Beautiful
City of Memories” whose principal place of attraction is undoubtedly the “old wooden
houses”.Those old wooden houses are located on Chai Khong Road and will give you a
living and authentic moment of history since most of them have been kept as is
(some houses are over 100 years old).
More and more tourists are visiting Chiang Khan.Year after year, this
little part of Thailand seems to bring satisfaction and joy to those in quest
for a more rural aspect of Thai lifestyle, to those who want to take the time
to live more authentic moments, in an almost idyllic place, far from noise
pollution and the stressful urban way of life.
“Peace” is the word that will pop up to your mind when you think about
Chiang Khan. Time, there, seems to spin slowly; the hospitality of the locals, their gentleness and politeness
is remarkable. It’s an experience that can’t be experienced in big cities.
Nowadays, more than half of the wooden houses on Chai Khong Road have been
refurbished or converted into restaurants, souvenir shops...to respond to the
increasing number of tourists.Most shops have opted for the “made in Chiang Khan” marketing strategy
which puts the emphasis on local products such as : textiles (t-shirts,
scarves, shorts...), postcards, souvenirs...
If you wish to stay there for a few days, you might be interested in
staying in a “homestay”( located on Sri Chiang Khan Street
or on Chai Khong Road) rather than in a hotel.This practice can be a very efficient way to immerse yourself in Thai rural
lifestyle for you will have the chance to live with the homeowner(s) at a lower
cost for a couple of days.
Here is a list of the various attractions you might be interested in when
travelling in Chiang Khan :
· Kaeng Kood Koo (at about 3 km away from Chiang Khan)
This place, located near the Mekong River, offers an astonishing view on
big blocks of stones (immersed in the river) that become visible depending on
the level of the river, which gives very different perspectives of that
landscape throughout the year.
There, you'll enjoy eating by the river (I advise you to try the local Tom
Yum Pla, a dish prepared with fish from the Mekong River), walking around and
sailing on the Mekong River...
Don't forget to taste the most famous dessert in the place: coconut dessert
(Maprow Keow).
The best period of the year to go there is between February to May since
the level of the river is low and that it is at that time that the view on the
stones are spectacular.
· Pu Toke (at about 3 km away from Chiang Khan)
This mountain is very appreciated by tourists since it is from that place
that you can have the most beautiful view on Chiang Khan and the Mekong River
during the day. In the morning, Pu Toke reveals all its charms under a veil of
mist.
I advise you to contact a “qualified” person before trying to go up to the
mountain by yourself.
It is strongly recommended that you use public transportation to visit it.
Driving there, on your own,can be risky. Preferably avoid the use of a mountain
bike or a motorcycle to go up there.
· Wat Tha Kaek
This very nice temple is located along the Mekong River, 2 km away from
Chiang Khan churches. It's a worth a visit.
|
www.agilenttour.com |
· Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Kwai Ngoen
This temple is located in Tambon Bu Hom, Chiang Khan. Every year, on the 15th
day of the 3rd lunar month, the temple organizes an annual ceremony.
|
www.chiangkhan.com |
How to go to Chiang Khan :
By bus :
trips between Bangkok and Loei are organised every day. You'll find both
types of buses : ordinary buses and air-conditioned buses. The trip
generally lasts 10 hours. For more details, contact :Northeastern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2
Road.( Mo Chit 2) Tel. (02) 936-0667, 936-0657.
By air plane :
Limited company Nok
Air has flights Bangkok - Loei every day. If you're interested, please contact
the following number: 1318.