Seek tranquility for your heart in Chiang Khan.

When we start to feel bored with the same old routine, our brains become sluggish and unable to generate new ideas. Some people suggest that drinking alcohol can help, but this is like taking medicine. If we stop drinking, the symptoms will return. Therefore, it is better to nourish our brains and hearts.

Jumping off the chair to go somewhere is not escaping the problem, but I see it as a way to give the brain more oxygen and the heart to pump fresh red blood. So where is that place? Why don't you try it? Find peace for your heart. Chiang Khan, a small district on the Mekong River, is a classic.

This visit to Chiang Khan is unlike any of my previous trips. I feel that the place is more peaceful, or perhaps it's just our luck that we came during the rainy season, which many might consider the low season.

Traveling to Chiang Khan

There are multiple routes to reach Chiang Khan. For a convenient option, consider flying with AirAsia directly to Loei Airport. From there, you can take the airline's van directly to Chiang Khan Walking Street. This is the most convenient option.

Alternatively, for a more relaxed journey, you can take the Northern Line train to Phitsanulok, then a bus to Loei, and finally a shared taxi to Chiang Khan. This option is more budget-friendly.

If you have your own car, you can choose the route that suits you best. You can go via Udon Thani or Phitsanulok - Phetchabun. For this trip, I traveled with a close friend in my own car. We took the Phitsanulok route, going up to Dan Sai district, passing through Phu Ruea district, entering Loei city, and then straight to Chiang Khan.

Accommodation

The journey was filled with urgency, as our accommodation booked through Expedia, "Baan Rim Khong," was a homestay-style room by the Mekong River. During booking, we opted for a room for four people at 1,200 baht, with a check-in deadline of 4 pm. Determined to avoid finding alternative lodging, we pushed ourselves to arrive before the deadline. However, we reached Chiang Khan at 5 pm. We parked our car at Wat Si Khun Muang and walked to the accommodation, which was approximately 10 meters away. Upon checking in and settling into our room at Baan Rim Khong, the tranquil evening atmosphere by the Mekong River was truly remarkable. The owner, recognizing that we were only two people, kindly switched us to a room for two, priced at 700 baht, which was a pleasant surprise.

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Our accommodation was conveniently located on the banks of the Mekong River and right on the Chiang Khan Walking Street, near the beginning of the street. As we strolled along the walking street in the late afternoon, we saw local vendors setting up their stalls for tourists. My first destination was the scenic viewpoint by the Mekong River, located near Wat Tha Kok. This public area along the riverbank was bustling with Chiang Khan residents and tourists enjoying the evening activities. However, the weather was quite hot on the day of my visit, and a cool breeze would have been much appreciated.

My stomach started to growl, signaling that it was time for dinner. I walked back to Heuan Faikham Restaurant, one of the famous restaurants here. We decided to eat at this restaurant because the atmosphere on the second floor is spacious and offers a view of both the Mekong River and the walking street. The price of the food is moderate, not too cheap and not too expensive. It is suitable for people who have a budget, but if you are planning to travel on a tight budget, I would not recommend it. Just find something to eat at the walking street.

After feeling full, we checked the bill and went to find the famous local food, which was grilled shrimp. There were many shops to choose from, and I bought some for 10 baht each. There were also crabs available, depending on your preference. Be careful of the shrimp whiskers, as they can poke your gums. I ended up with a swollen mouth, so I had to find something to quench the "shrimp poison." Just kidding, shrimp isn't poisonous; it was just an excuse to have a beer. We walked back a bit and stopped at Sukniyom, a small bar with a chill atmosphere.

During my recent visit to Chiang Khan, I observed a noticeable change. The walking street was less crowded, making for a more relaxed stroll. It was also evident that some shops had closed down, leaving only local residents selling goods in front of their homes.

The decline in the number of shops is likely due to two factors: first, it is not currently peak season, and second, the majority of trendy tourists who visit primarily take photos and move on, lacking the purchasing power of more adventurous or affluent travelers. Therefore, it is important for casual tourists to remember to support local businesses during their visits.

Morning already, how fast!

This trip was truly a whirlwind. In the blink of an eye, it was morning again, and it was time to rush to offer alms to the monks. I must say, the monks in Chiang Khan are very punctual. I woke up late and didn't make it in time for the alms offering. By the time I ran downstairs, the monks had already chanted, "May you be well, happy, and strong." Oh well, since I was already awake and hadn't showered yet (but had brushed my teeth), I decided to capture some photos of the atmosphere.

Along the street, Chiang Khan residents and tourists spread out mats and prepare offerings for the monks. The sight of them waiting for the monks to collect alms is truly heartwarming.

The next morning, I borrowed a bicycle from the accommodation and cycled to the Mekong River viewpoint, the same spot where we took photos the previous evening. The morning atmosphere was cool and refreshing, and I took deep breaths of the fresh air along the Mekong River. Then, I cycled back to the accommodation.

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I met with Mr. U, the owner of the house by the Mekong River. We talked for a while, and I found out that Mr. U is an alumnus of the same institution as me and a teacher in Chiang Khan. Mr. U is very kind. I was impressed with him even before I checked in. The story is that I booked a room through Expedia, which is a booking platform that I use regularly. The plan for this trip was to come with four people, but on the actual day of travel, only two of us came. Mr. U called to confirm our stay, and I confirmed that we would be staying and that only two of us would be coming. When we arrived, Mr. U changed the room to a size for two people, which reduced the amount we had to pay. Normally, other hotels do not do this.

After a long conversation, Mr. Wu suggested that we try Khao Pun Nam Jaew, a traditional Chiang Khan breakfast dish, located in the alley opposite our accommodation. The alley is located in Soi 7, next to Wat Si Khun Mueang. The restaurant is called "Yai Pang Khao Pun Nam Jaew." The dish may resemble Tom Lued Moo (Vietnamese pork blood soup), but the broth tastes different. It is called Khao Pun Nam Jaew because it contains rice noodles and a traditional pork bone broth, along with a spicy chili paste called "jaew" that is unique to the region. The taste is delicious. If you don't like pork offal, you can choose to add pork instead. However, I enjoy everything, so I asked Yai Pang to include everything in my bowl.

In Soi 7, there is another famous food called "Naem Khluk Mae Waew". People in this area guarantee it, but on the day I went, Mae Waew's shop was closed, so I couldn't eat it.

Before returning, I visited two popular viewpoints: the Mekong River viewpoint at Wat Tha Khaek and Kaeng Khut Khu, another Mekong River viewpoint that is a must-visit for anyone coming to Chiang Khan. Since it was the rainy season, I decided to stop by and see the view. However, the rocky rapids were submerged due to the high water level in the Mekong River. We could only watch the boats docked at the pier and the strong current of the river, with the Phu Khao Ngon mountain range in the background. The atmosphere at the shops was a bit quiet and lonely, but for me, the place felt peaceful.

It's time to pack up and return to the real life of a salaried worker.

Even though it was a short trip, it was worth it to experience new things.

Even if we visit the same place, the change in time allows us to see and experience new things.

Sometimes it's bustling and fun, sometimes it's quiet and peaceful.

Just like all of us, sometimes life is fun, sometimes life is cloudy.

It's up to us to decide when to walk away from it.

Translation:

Here are some tips for planning your trip to Chiang Khan:

• For accommodation, I recommend staying at Baan Rim Khong, located opposite Wat Si Khun Muang on the Chiang Khan Walking Street. The room rate is 700 baht. You can contact Mr. U by phone at 087-2213430.
• For breakfast, I recommend Khao Pun Nam Jaew Yai Pang, located in Chiang Khan Soi 7 near Wat Si Khun Muang.
• For dinner, I recommend Huen Fai Kham, located in the middle of the Chiang Khan Walking Street.
• The cost of the alms offering set in the morning is 60 baht.

Translation:

Total expenses in Chiang Khan are around 1,000 baht per person, excluding fuel costs.

Come and visit Chiang Khan during the quieter season.

This is a video from YouTube.