"Chiang Khan, once arrived...already."

I'm so excited, I could scream!

In the late rainy season, early winter, when everyone is heading north to experience the warm mist and the scent of rain in the north, we decided to break away and visit the upper northeastern region of "Loei". This trip was originally intended to see the mist at Khao Kho, but we decided to drive a little further and experience the slow life in Chiang Khan, a destination we hadn't planned on visiting. And so, this small review was born.

"Chiang Khan, once you arrive…it's Loei."

The trip was unplanned, but once I arrived in Loei, it was no surprise that people are captivated by its charm. The pleasant weather and friendly locals make Loei-Chiang Khan a popular choice for a slow-paced getaway. Two days and one night are enough to experience the best of this charming town.

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We drove towards Chiang Khan, leaving Bangkok late at night and arriving in Chiang Khan early the next morning. Our first stop was to pay respects and pray at Wat Tha Khaek, following Thai customs. Wat Tha Khaek is an ancient temple, approximately 300 years old, and is considered a sacred landmark of Chiang Khan. It is situated along the Mekong River, just 2 kilometers from Chiang Khan district. Tourists often visit to pray and seek blessings before continuing their journey to Kaeng Kud Khu, as it is on the same route.

The caption describes the scenic beauty of Wat Tha Khaek, an ancient temple located along the Mekong River. The writer highlights the breathtaking views, with the distant mist and cool breeze creating a serene atmosphere. Despite being a weekday, the temple attracts a steady stream of tourists, offering ample opportunities for photography without the need to compete for space.

A short drive from the temple, you'll encounter Kaeng Khut Khu, a stretch of the Mekong River that serves as the border between Thailand and Laos. During the dry season, small islands emerge from the water. We visited just after the rainy season, and small sandbars were still visible in the distance, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains. Boat tours are available for 50 baht per person, offering a 30-minute journey to admire the birds and scenery on both sides of the border. It's a worthwhile experience for the price.

Apart from the scenic boat rides through Kaeng Noi and Kaeng Yai rapids, there are also numerous shops selling both food and souvenirs. One particularly noteworthy souvenir is the "crystallized coconut," a local delicacy. Its fame is well-deserved, as the thick, tender coconut flesh, simmered in sugar, offers a delightful chew.

Walk! Explore! Eat until your belly bursts! It's time to check in. Today, we've chosen to stay at "Phu Chiangkhan," a hotel located right on the Mekong River with a 180-degree view. Plus, there's a balcony extending out from the back of the room. I think I'll be chilling out on the balcony tonight. ^^ The price for a room on the Mekong River is 1,500 baht. In Chiang Khan, there are a lot of accommodations. Prices in the walking street area are higher than those outside, which are not far away. In the area around the walking street market, prices range from 800-2800 baht. If you're not picky about the accommodation and view, I recommend the area that's not on the walking street. The prices are much cheaper, around 500-700 baht.

The market will be closed to traffic from 4:00 PM onwards. People are starting to come and stroll around, take cool photos, and find delicious food. The atmosphere is amazing right now! How to take cool photos in Chiang Khan that truly capture the essence of the place? A simple sarong and some props are all you need to get in the mood.

The festivities have begun, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. There is an abundance of delicious food, and I am truly captivated by the ambiance.

As dusk falls, the atmosphere becomes even more inviting for a relaxing evening with a cold beer at one of the many welcoming bars. Choosing to visit on a weekday ensures a less crowded environment, providing ample space to strike a pose and capture the essence of Chiang Khan to share with friends. Weekdays truly offer an ideal opportunity to explore the town's charm.

The claim that Chiang Khan is a great place to visit on weekdays is true, as evidenced by the photos. The lack of crowds allows for a more enjoyable experience, with ample space for taking photos, shopping for souvenirs, and simply strolling and soaking in the atmosphere. The town's charm is undeniable, and it's easy to get lost in its allure.

There are many hotels to choose from. If you are interested in a hotel that is close to the walking street and has a view of the Mekong River, it is recommended to book in advance. Some hotels are already full, even on weekdays.

The street food in this alley is delicious! Must-try dishes include grilled rice, skewered shrimp, and crab. Don't miss out on trying them, or you'll regret it! You also have to take photos to prove you were here.

The image speaks for itself. This is "Phu Tok," a popular viewpoint for watching the sea of mist at sunrise. The mist was supposed to be thick and dense, but as fate would have it, heavy rain poured down, forcing us to descend in confusion. However, the saying "If you don't expect anything, you won't be disappointed" truly applies here. It helped heal the wound in a short time.

The dawn of happiness has arrived, and this is the reward for early risers. The weather is perfect, not too cold and not too hot. You can see the fog in the distance on the Lao side.

Waking up to the alarm clock at 6:00 AM, I quickly got out of bed. This morning, I had to wake up early to offer sticky rice to the monks. Unlike other trips where I would sleep in, I was eager to start the day. This was true relaxation, I thought to myself. I saw people laying out mats to wait for the monks in front of their houses and hotels. The hotel had prepared alms for us, each set costing 100 baht. I returned to Bangkok with a full heart and a big smile.

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We are constantly told that

"The journey of happiness is enjoyable from the moment you embark, not from the beauty of the destination."

This trip was unexpected, with no expectations of what I might encounter. I went with an open mind, feeling light and happy, and enjoyed the journey to Chiang Khan, a small town with immense joy. As the saying goes, "What we don't expect, we rarely get disappointed." Chiang Khan taught me that being open-minded and not knowing what lies ahead is exciting and brings happiness every time I get behind the wheel and explore. Hello.