About Chiang Khan
Chiang Khan is a small town in Loei province, on the south bank of the Mekong, facing Laos. The town is best known for its old wooden houses, which line a long walking street, and for its calm atmosphere. For many Thai tourists it is a favourite destination in the cool season, when the mornings are misty. Wat Si Khun Mueang is the oldest and best-known temple in town. In the morning you can see monks receiving alms, and in the evening the walking street becomes a market with food and souvenirs. You can cycle and look out over the river. Choose a weekday for more peace; at weekends and during holidays it can be very busy. The town lies about 50 km from Loei, with regular transport between the two. Many visitors stay a night or two to catch both the sunrise and the evening market.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. The cool months with morning mist are the most popular; pick a weekday for more peace. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Loei by songthaew or bus (about 1 hour); from Bangkok by bus (about 10 hours) or via Loei. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Chiang Khan
- Old wooden houses A long street with wooden houses, shops and cafés.
- Wat Si Khun Mueang The oldest and best-known temple in Chiang Khan.
- Evening walking street A market with food and souvenirs in the old street.
- Morning mist and alms In the cool months mornings are misty and you see monks collecting alms.
