Chiang Khan to try... Loei.

Which province is it that you can never reach no matter how you go?
The province of ....., of course! You can never reach it because you always go past it. Haha.
Seriously speaking, everyone must know the province of Loei. There are many tourist attractions with a variety of atmospheres. On this trip, we will visit a small district on the banks of the Mekong River, a city with many things to discover: "Chiang Khan". Chiang Khan is a city that still preserves its culture, traditions, and customs. Whether it's the old wooden houses that still attract tourists, the peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing vacation, or the inviting atmosphere that makes you want to come and experience it, I am one of those who wanted to try visiting Chiang Khan. I wanted to know why everyone comes here to visit.
This is my first trip to a province in the Northeast, as I have never been to a province in the Northeast before.
Loei is therefore the first province I have visited. Let's see what I got from visiting Chiang Khan. Let's go!

My Journey to Loei

My journey began with a train ride from Phichit to Phitsanulok. From there, I boarded a bus at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1, heading towards Loei via Udon Thani. The bus made a stop at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2 to pick up additional passengers. Departures are available at 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Passengers from nearby provinces like Nakhon Sawan, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet can also connect to Loei via Phitsanulok. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, passing through Nakhon Thai, Dan Sai, Phu Ruea, Loei, and Udon Thani.

For those traveling from Bangkok, direct buses are available from Mo Chit Bus Terminal, with some reaching Chiang Khan. Alternatively, one can fly to Loei Airport and take a connecting bus to the city center.

From there, I took a shared taxi from Loei to Chiang Khan. These taxis depart almost every hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Khan. I wasn't aware of this option until my return trip, which was a pleasant surprise with air conditioning! If you're planning a trip, inquire about the bus schedule. I'm unsure of the exact timings. The shared taxi I took was a blue vehicle with a clear sign. The journey took approximately 1.5 hours, and the taxi was packed, so be prepared to stand. We arrived in Chiang Khan around 4 pm.

The first night I stayed at "Baan Ta Ga Yai", a lovely guesthouse that felt like home. It was like visiting relatives in the countryside. The owner, a kind and friendly old man, provided bicycles and motorbikes for rent.

The grandparents' house is located in Soi 16, next to the walking street. There are two types of rooms available, both with air conditioning. The rooms with private bathrooms cost 800 baht per night, while those with shared bathrooms cost 600 baht per night. This is considered a good price. I stayed in a room with a shared bathroom, which was fine. If you go with two people, the cost per person is only a few hundred baht.

The room I'm staying in is spacious. After putting my luggage away, I'm ready to go for a walk.

The bustling atmosphere along the Mekong River draws crowds who come to stroll, exercise, and soak in the scenery. A must-do activity is cycling along the riverbank, taking in the sights of traditional wooden houses and charming homestays. This leisurely bike ride offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, making it an ideal way to unwind and recharge.

The atmosphere is excellent. Looking across, you can see our neighboring country.

There are boats available for tourists to take a cruise and enjoy the view of the Mekong River. If you go, don't forget to try it out.

There are many cool and stylish photo spots.

Brothers Green Sergeant and White Sergeant, who are must-sees for anyone visiting Chiang Khan. In the evenings, they can be found on Walking Street, where you can ask to take photos with them.

The area is bustling with people, many of whom are enjoying cycling, leisurely walks, and the sunset.

Accommodation along the Mekong River is readily available. If you visit on a weekday, you can walk around and choose from a variety of options, ranging from hundreds to thousands of baht.

The sun is setting, and the atmosphere is beautiful.

Let's continue our walk to "Chiang Khan Walking Street", which is considered one of the highlights of visiting Chiang Khan. Let's see what's special about Chiang Khan Walking Street.

The must-try delicacies are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Grilled Mekong River prawns and warm sticky rice. A must-try when you visit, absolutely delicious!

The grilled shrimp comes in two sizes: large and small. The taste is savory and salty, and it's incredibly enjoyable to chew. One skewer is definitely not enough, haha. It's delicious!

Next, the crunchy crab, with a savory and salty flavor. I tried one stick, and it was surprisingly delicious! 555

The sausages look delicious. They all look so tasty.

Deep-fried insects, spicy minced snails, and spicy minced shrimp. Everything looks so delicious, I want to eat it all. My mouth is watering.

Grilled oysters with a spicy kick and mushrooms wrapped in bacon - a must-try dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

The aroma of Khao Krok, a traditional Thai coconut pancake, from Mae Prayoon's stall wafts through the air, enticing passersby.

There are also delicious Thai desserts.

Freshly wrapped Mieng Kam, 10 baht per stick. Delicious taste, full of ingredients, sour, sweet, salty, and savory.

This crispy rice pancake is outstanding, with a soft and delicious texture. I highly recommend it.

Hot sticky rice

This traditional fermented pork sausage is a must-try. It would also make a great gift.

"Luk Chup" is a rare Thai dessert that only appears once every 30 years. I was curious, so I tried it. The texture was similar to tapioca pearls, but the taste was indescribable. It was chewy, hard, and not quite crispy. Overall, it was an interesting experience, but I wouldn't say it was worth the wait.

Fresh passion fruit

Don't forget to buy souvenirs from Chiang Khan to take home with you.

The shop was packed with people, so I couldn't try it. I walked around twice, but it was still crowded.

Clothing stores with cute and beautiful outfits are abundant, offering a wide selection to choose from. When purchasing multiple items as gifts, you can take advantage of their generous discounts.

A small bag would be a lovely souvenir.

Wooden phone and tablet stand

Small and cute lunchbox

A stylish and trendy cafe and shop where you can relax with a cup of coffee and take some cool photos.

The ATM booth of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is surprisingly adorable. Many people have been seen taking photos with the booth.

The walking street offers a plethora of cool photo spots, but I only captured a few of them.

Sunateta Hotel is a popular photo spot in Chiang Khan, with many visitors taking pictures with the sign. It is considered a must-visit location for tourists.

Accommodation options are abundant, with many consisting of traditional wooden houses preserved in their original state. These houses are situated along the Mekong River and the walking street.

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This artist is incredibly skilled, using the tip of a knife to create stunningly beautiful paintings.

The day ended with a stroll through the walking street. How was it? Do you want to visit Chiang Khan now? Hehe. Time to rest and prepare for tomorrow. - I forgot to mention that there is a sticky rice alms offering in the morning at the walking street. You can ask your accommodation to prepare offerings for you. Today, I missed it because I went to Phu Tok early in the morning, and I'm a little disappointed.

Good morning on the second day of my trip to Chiang Khan. I woke up at five o'clock and rushed to Phu Tok on a motorbike. I parked my car at the bottom because there is a shuttle service that costs 25 baht per person for the ride up and down.
Phu Tok is located about 3 km from Chiang Khan district. If you have your own car, you can drive directly to Phu Tok. If you don't have your own car but are traveling with a group, you can take the Skylab car from Chiang Khan or rent a motorbike. This will allow you to visit other attractions as well.

Phu Thok is a popular viewpoint in Chiang Khan for admiring the sea of mist. While the mist may not be dense today due to strong winds, the thin mist and beautiful sky still offer a pleasant experience. The visibility of the sea of mist can be a matter of luck, with some visitors encountering spectacular views while others may not. Regardless, the natural beauty of the area remains captivating.

Take lots of photos!

The venue was bustling with activity today. While there were numerous photo opportunities, be prepared to wait in line.

Atop the mountain, there is a Buddha statue. Visitors can climb up to pay their respects and make offerings.

The sun rises over Phu Tok in the morning.

As the sun rises, its orange rays illuminate the surroundings, casting a beautiful glow upon the thin mist. The atmosphere is serene and pleasant.

The atmosphere seems a bit lonely sometimes. 555 Let's go down the hill, it's getting late. Let's go.

Continuing on to Kaeng Kut Ku, a large rapid located approximately 3 kilometers from Chiang Khan District, similar to the distance to Phu Tok. The path is well-marked with clear signage.

At Kaeng Kud Ku, there are shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and a wide variety of food.

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Let's take a look at the view. It's so beautiful.

The best time to visit Kaeng Kud Ku is between February and May. During this period, the rapids are clearly visible, with rock formations stretching across the Mekong River.

There are boats available for tourists to enjoy the view of the Mekong River. If you have the chance, try taking a ride.

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This rock formation is unique and only found at Kaeng Kut Ku. It is a beautiful and unusual sight.

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The banks of the Mekong River are lined with numerous restaurants, offering a variety of dishes including grilled fish, roasted chicken, papaya salad, and other made-to-order options.

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The journey continues after Krating Kud Ku.

Returning to Chiang Khan, what you see here could be a Skylab car or a Chiang Khan city tuk-tuk. It can be said that it is another symbol of Chiang Khan.

I happened to pass by Uncle Toeb's ice cream shop and saw that it looked delicious, so I stopped by to try it. I must say, it was incredibly tasty, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Even banks are struggling.

Next, let's move on to "Wat Si Khun Muang".

Wat Si Khun Mueang is located on the Mekong River Road, between Soi Si Chiang Khan 6 and Soi Si Chiang Khan 7. It is considered an ancient temple of Chiang Khan.

The most striking feature is the church, which exhibits Lanna-style architecture similar to that found in northern Thailand. This unique architectural style attracts tourists to visit and explore the area.

Inside, there is a Buddha statue in the Naga posture. Those who come to Chiang Khan will come to pay respects and ask for blessings for good luck.

Let's continue.

It was lunchtime, and I stumbled upon a delicious chicken noodle shop in an alleyway off the walking street. I couldn't resist ordering a bowl.

Another ancient temple in Chiang Khan, "Wat Tha Kok", is located on Sri Chiang Khan Road, Soi 21. It is said that the temple has been with Chiang Khan for almost 200 years, built during the time when Chiang Khan was still under the jurisdiction of Phitsanulok Province in 1852. Wow, that's a long time ago.

The church features intricate and beautiful patterns, blending artistic influences from various cultures. The main hall, or ubosot, showcases French-inspired designs on its facade and window frames, suggesting a possible influence from the period when France occupied the Mekong River basin (Laos) as a colony.

The ubosot, or ordination hall, is a brick and stucco building constructed in the Lanna architectural style. It is adorned with stucco decorations and features a wooden ceiling painted with traditional patterns. The interior houses the principal Buddha image, depicted in the Mara-Vijaya posture, a Lanna stucco sculpture.

In the late afternoon, I took a skylab to my second and final night's accommodation in Chiang Khan.

I'm staying at Chiangkhan River Green Hill, a newly opened accommodation with a raw atmosphere. It's located near the Chiang Khan Walking Street, Kudu Kaeng, and Phu Tok. This is another accommodation option for those who want to change the atmosphere of their stay in Chiang Khan. You can try sleeping in an air-conditioned tent.

• For those with private vehicles, simply open your GPS and drive. For those without a car, upon arrival in Chiang Khan, you can take a skylab car or a three-wheeled taxi from the bus station or Chiang Khan Walking Street to get here. The fare is approximately 100 baht.

The tent is equipped with a comfortable bed and air conditioning.

The atmosphere is amazing, with stunning views of the mountains and the Mekong River.

The twilight atmosphere offers a beautiful and relaxing view. At night, the stars are clearly visible.

A thin mist hangs in the air as I wake up, and the cool morning air is refreshing.

Sipping coffee while enjoying the view of the Mekong River in the morning is an incredibly blissful experience.

Breakfast with a view like this, I'm in love.

After that, I let the accommodation send me to the bus stop and then took a bus back to the bus terminal. Then I took a bus back home, ending my 3-day, 2-night trip to Chiang Khan. How was it? Have you fallen in love with Chiang Khan like me? Do you want to visit Chiang Khan now? Hehe.

In my opinion, Chiang Khan is a must-visit destination. The culture, traditions, and friendly people make it a truly special place. My favorite aspect is the delicious and unique food scene. There are also numerous attractions, including temples, mountains, rivers, and more. Chiang Khan offers a complete travel experience. Many things about this town have captured my heart. I encourage anyone looking for a relaxing getaway to consider Chiang Khan. It's not just a winter destination; it's enjoyable year-round. I was deeply impressed by this small district. If I have the chance, I will definitely return to Chiang Khan. "Chiang Khan, give it a try!"

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