Escape the hustle and bustle... and relax in Chiang Khan.

Here...Chiang Khan

Chiang Khan: A Tranquil Haven on the Mekong River

Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River in Thailand's Loei province, Chiang Khan offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This charming town, characterized by its quaint wooden houses and laid-back atmosphere, embodies the essence of traditional Isaan culture.

Chiang Khan's allure lies in its simplicity. The local community takes pride in preserving its heritage, evident in the well-maintained wooden houses and the vibrant local markets showcasing traditional crafts and cuisine. This dedication to preserving the past creates a unique atmosphere, transporting visitors to a bygone era.

Our first visit to Chiang Khan was an unforgettable experience. We were captivated by the town's tranquility, the warmth of its people, and the rich cultural tapestry that unfolded before us. In this article, we aim to share our personal journey through Chiang Khan, highlighting its captivating charm and inviting others to discover its hidden treasures.

This trip, we set out by private car, traveling over 370 kilometers. This journey was for a relaxing vacation after a month of hard work. So, I decided to treat myself to a little reward.

We arrived in Chiang Khan in the late morning, before check-in time. Unsure of where to wait, we noticed a coffee shop next to our resort and decided to sit there until check-in.

The restaurant is called Baan Supichya, which initially made me wonder why it shared the same name as our accommodation. It turned out that they are owned by the same person, and this is also where breakfast is served for hotel guests.

The sweet and creamy green tea, paired with a rich brownie and the breathtaking view of the Mekong River, was just the beginning of an unforgettable experience. The allure of Chiang Khan, known for its captivating charm, seemed to be living up to its reputation. After a satisfying meal, it was time to check in and settle into our accommodation.

This is our accommodation, a two-story wooden house that seamlessly blends the charm of an old wooden house with the comfort of modern amenities.

Our room was located on the second floor, named U2 or River Room in the website booking system. It was one of the two rooms with Mekong River views, and the price on the day of our stay was 1,800 baht per night.

This room boasts stunning views of the Mekong River, visible directly from the comfort of your bed. For those seeking a refreshing breeze, the private balcony offers a tranquil space to relax and unwind, away from the hustle and bustle.

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This balcony is a haven for bookworms like me. The tranquil atmosphere, the cool breeze, and a beloved book in hand – this is my definition of bliss.

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After reading for a while, my stomach started to growl. I was tempted to have a big meal, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to enjoy all the delicious food at the night market later. So, I decided to have a light snack instead. I walked along the Mekong River and came across a restaurant called "With A View".

At this shop, we ordered cheesecake with honey and a latte for the person following us. We whispered that the cheesecake here is very smooth, and if you come here, you must not miss this menu. Just saying.

As the sun sets and the wind dies down, the streets along the Mekong River come alive with vendors setting up their stalls. We, too, head out to find something to eat—or rather, we should say, we head out to find something to eat. The walking street here seems to be a death trap for single people, as everyone is here with their partners.

After a tiring walk, we stopped by "Ruen Jum Loey Rak" for a refreshing iced milk tea with grass jelly. The shop is located directly opposite and slightly diagonal to "With A View". We particularly enjoyed the grass jelly with fresh milk, which was perfectly balanced in sweetness, creaminess, and chewy texture. Unfortunately, we were so eager to devour it that we forgot to take a picture of its deliciousness.

Let's take a closer look at what makes Chiang Khan Walking Street so famous.

This is just an appetizer, a warm-up before the main course. It includes hot sticky rice, mieng kham (betel leaf wraps), grilled mushrooms, and grilled river prawns. All of these are must-try dishes here. Personally, I liked the mieng kham the most. It was delicious.

After the appetizers, we moved on to the main courses, which included deep-fried Mekong River prawns, miniature fried eggs, fried catfish cakes, and finally, a spicy rice noodle salad served by a charming vendor with a constant smile.

The meal concludes with the renowned dessert, Lhong Muk's crispy deep-fried dough sticks. The long queue of customers is a testament to its deliciousness, and the wait is undoubtedly worthwhile.

While reviewing the photos of the food we ate at the walking street, I was surprised to see how much we had actually consumed. At the time, we were walking, talking, and eating the food in our hands without even realizing it. It was a delicious and enjoyable experience.

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After a delightful evening of savoring the culinary delights of the walking street, the morning brings an opportunity to participate in a time-honored tradition: the offering of sticky rice to monks. This daily ritual, meticulously preserved by the residents of Chiang Khan, has become an integral part of the town's cultural identity.

The accommodation will provide you with a set of alms for 100 Thai baht.

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Monks begin their alms rounds at 6:00 AM. However, there is no need to worry about arriving late, as there are numerous temples in the Chiang Khan area. The monks will walk in a circuit, taking almost an hour to visit all of the temples.

After offering sticky rice to the monks and having breakfast, we couldn't miss another activity when visiting Chiang Khan: cycling.

The primary mode of transportation here is the bicycle, which embodies the slow-paced charm of this location.

While cycling, I caught sight of the vine bushes in front of the "Two Spouses" shop. It wasn't just the bushes that caught my eye, the name of the shop was equally eye-catching. I decided to walk into the shop and order an iced cocoa to quench my thirst from cycling. However, the person I was with said it was just an excuse for someone who wanted to eat. I wasn't making excuses, I was genuinely thirsty, but I also happened to want to eat. So, we had to stop by.

The atmosphere inside the "Two Spouses" restaurant is not located on the banks of the Mekong River, but the atmosphere and decoration are just as inviting as the riverside restaurants. This may be due to the trees in front of the restaurant, which make the air inside the restaurant pleasantly cool.

Here comes the iced cocoa to quench your thirst. The taste is rich, fragrant, and slightly sweet. It's truly the perfect drink for us. We give this cup a 3 out of 3.

Cycling in and out of alleys, I stumbled upon "Khun Mae's Custard Shop," a small cafe tucked away in Soi 9.

What caught our attention here was the name "Sangkaya Khun Mae" (Mom's Custard), as we were craving some custard at that moment. Coincidence or not, they didn't have any custard available when we visited. Alas! The shop only makes custard on certain days, and if you'd like to try it, you'll need to order at least a day in advance through their Facebook page or by calling the shop.

And finally, before we leave, don't forget to take a picture with the old house corner, the popular corner. This corner is located at the mouth of Soi 14.

This journey allowed us to experience a way of life from a different perspective, one we had never seen before. We enjoyed delicious food and took a break from our busy work schedules to recharge and prepare for the challenges ahead. As the saying goes, "When you need a break, think of Chiang Khan."

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