Chiang Khan is probably one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Isaan, a region in Thailand that still remains largely off the typical tourist trail. This laid-back little riverside town is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and charming walking street. Lined with beautifully preserved wooden shophouses, the town feels like a step back in time. It reminded me a lot of the peaceful and quiet towns I've visited in Laos.
If you're looking for a weekend getaway, Chiang Khan is the perfect place. Most of its attractions are concentrated around the town, making it very walkable, with great river views and a handful of cool things to do if you're willing to explore a bit further out.
In this travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to plan your trip, from the best things to do and places to stay, to how to get around and more. So without further ado, here’s a complete travel guide to Chiang Khan.
Chiang Khan Things to Do Map
8 Best Things to Do in Chiang Khan
1. Visit Chiang Khan Walking Street
One of the highlights of Chiang Khan is visiting the famous Walking Street, which comes alive every evening, especially on weekends. During the day, both sides of the street are lined with charming wooden shophouses that host boutique hotels, cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops, and souvenir stores, perfect for a nice stroll during the day.
When evening comes, the street becomes lively as it transforms into a pedestrian-only zone, with crowds coming out to enjoy the abundance of street food, snacks, and more. You will find all sorts of things to try here from skewered seafood sticks to Maprao Kaew, or coconut strips mixed with sugar, one of Chiang Khan's local products, and a must-try.
Most shops selling Maprao Kaew are priced similarly and often source their products from just a few producers in Loei, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. They come in different grades and prices depending on how crispy and large you want the coconut strips to be, with prices ranging from 25 THB to 300 THB per box. Definitely a must-try while you’re here.
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There are also plenty of street foods to try, as well as a few restaurants where you can enjoy a proper dinner. For fine dining, head to one of the riverside restaurants, which often serve grilled seafood, fresh fish, and more. They’re also great spots to grab a drink and take in the view of the Mekong. Or, you can do what I did and buy a bunch of street food and sit by the boardwalk for free 😉.
The Walking Street runs daily from 5 PM to 10 PM. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, I recommend visiting on the weekend. Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as riverside options are limited and tend to get booked out quickly.
If you’d rather enjoy a more peaceful experience in Chiang Khan, visit during the weekdays. The town is much calmer, and you’ll have plenty of accommodation options. I had an entire guesthouse to myself when I was there 😂, it was awesome!
Where to Stay in Chiang Khan?
2. Stroll Along the Mekong at Sunrise/Sunset
Running parallel to the Walking Street, behind Chiang Khan’s charming wooden shophouses, you’ll find the Mekong Riverfront, a lovely boardwalk along the Mekong River that begins at this scenic viewpoint. The boardwalk is a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll while enjoying river views.
The boardwalk stretches for nearly 2 kilometers and is very well maintained throughout. During the day, you can rent a bike to ride along the boardwalk or walk its entire length, which shouldn’t take very long. However, there are no shades along the way, so it’s best to avoid doing this when the sun is at its peak.
Since Chiang Khan faces north, you can witness both sunrise and sunset from here. I took a walk at sunset, grabbed some street food from the Walking Street, and found a quiet spot along the platform to sit and enjoy my meal while watching river boats go by. It was so peaceful and quiet, I loved it!
3. Participate in Morning Almsgiving
If you have never witnessed or participated in almsgiving before, you can also do it in Chiang Khan. Every morning, around 6 AM, the monks from the nearby temple will walk along Chiang Khan's main street, where the walking street takes place, and you can donate food to the monks as they walk past your accommodation.
More often than not, guesthouses sell almsgiving sets for about 100 THB, which you can buy and offer to the monks when they come in the morning. If your accommodation doesn’t have them, you can simply walk along the street and find many vendors selling them.
Almsgiving has been a Buddhist tradition practiced by Thais for centuries. Although in some places, it has become somewhat commercialized, I’m happy to report that almsgiving in Chiang Khan still feels authentic, at least on the weekdays when I visited. It was calm and lovely, with locals donating food to the monks, who in turn pray for them. If you’ve never experienced this before, be sure to wake up around 6 AM and visit the street to see it for yourself.
4. Visit Wat Si Khun Muang
Wat Si Khun Muang is one of Chiang Khan's sacred temples and highly revered by the locals. It is located right by Chiang Khan Walking Street, making it a great place to drop by and see its beautiful architecture.
The temple was built in the 1940s and it has a mix of Lanna and Lan Xang architectural styles that blend temple features often found in Northern Thailand with those found in modern-day Laos. They also have lovely Lao-style murals inside, so be sure to check those out while here.
The temple is open during daylight hours, approximately from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, and entry is free. So don't forget to drop by and check out Wat Si Khun Muang as you explore Chiang Khan.
5. Stay at a guesthouse with the river view
If you're planning to stay overnight in Chiang Khan, which I recommend you do, be sure to book a place with a view of the Mekong River. Trust me, it's so much better to have a balcony facing the water, where you can relax and watch the river change throughout the day, all from the comfort of your room.
I stayed at SAMS Guesthouse, which offered the perfect view of both the river and the walking street at an affordable price. The room was okay, but the view, the rooftop access, and the large balcony were excellent. It's a good spot to stay if you want a view, a good location right by the walking street, and do not want to pay too much for the room.
There are many guesthouses and hotels at various price points, so be sure to browse through some listings here and choose the best option for your budget. Make sure to get a room with a river view, not the one facing the streets! Nothing beats waking up in the morning, brewing coffee in your room, and stepping out onto your balcony to watch the Mekong River at sunrise!
6. Hang Out at Kaeng Khut Khu
Located about 7 km east of Chiang Khan, Kaeng Khut Khu is a scenic viewpoint featuring a charming museum, souvenir shops, and a beautiful riverfront boardwalk. From here, you’ll get a much closer view of the rolling hills of Laos across the Mekong River than you would from Chiang Khan itself.
Kaeng Khut Khu itself is a natural riverside area known for its colorful rock formations and gentle rapids. One of my favorite parts of this place is the open-air gallery, where you can learn more about the history of Chiang Khan and the broader Loei region, especially life along the Mekong River.
The gallery features old fishing tools, vintage photographs of Chiang Khan, and fascinating exhibits about the area’s diverse ethnic groups. It’s a great introduction to the cultural makeup of the region, with clear explanations about the differences between the local minority communities and their unique traditions. Best of all, it’s free, so there’s really no reason not to check it out.
Outside the gallery, you’ll find a lovely promenade perfect for a leisurely stroll. There are souvenir stalls selling all sorts of local treats, including the sweetened coconut strips I mentioned earlier. There are also floating restaurants where you can enjoy Thai dishes and fresh seafood right on the river.
Personally, I think the view from Kaeng Khut Khu is even more stunning than the one from Chiang Khan itself. The scenery feels more open and dramatic here, with the hills of Laos rising just across the river. You can also hire a boat to explore the Mekong, it's 800 THB per boat (up to 12 people) for a 60-minute ride. A great way to soak in the river life and see the landscape from a new angle.
7. Check Out the Mekong View from Skywalk Chiang Khan
There are many awesome things to do in Chiang Khan, and you’ll find countless viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River, but the best one of all has to be Skywalk Chiang Khan. Located about a 30-minute drive from town, it sits right near the border with Laos and offers breathtaking panoramic views. You will have to get there by rental whether it be a car or a motorbike, as there's no public transportation here.
When you arrive, you’ll need to park your car at the designated parking area at the bottom of the hill. From there, you can purchase a ticket at the kiosk for 60 THB per person, which includes a shoe cover for walking on the glass platform and a round-trip shuttle service that will take you up to the skywalk and back down. You can't drive all the way to the skywalk yourself, unfortunately.
Once you're there, you'll find a massive Buddha image overlooking the Mekong River, as well as the skywalk with its transparent platform extending out over the cliff and the river below. The view is astounding, as you'd expect from this part of Thailand. The Mekong curves beautifully around a mountain, forming the natural border between Thailand and Laos, with the rolling hills of Laos providing a stunning backdrop.
The Skywalk is definitely a must-do when you're in Chiang Khan. It's open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is just 60 THB. If you’re visiting during the cooler months, try to arrive right at 7 AM. You might be lucky enough to catch the magical sea of mist blanketing the Mekong. I visited during the rainy season at mid-day and was just grateful the sky cleared up while I was there. It had been pouring for days before, so I’ll take the win! 🤣
8. Visit Tai Dam Museum House
Located in a village not too far from Chiang Khan, you will find Tai Dam Museum House, a house museum dedicated to preserving the history and tradition of the Tai Dam people, an ethnic group who migrated to this part of Thailand from Laos and Vietnam over a century ago via the Mekong River.
At the museum, you'll find traditional stilted wooden houses built in authentic Tai Dam style, made from teak or bamboo with thatched roofs and beautifully carved wooden details. One of the larger houses has been converted into a museum, showcasing how the Tai Dam people live, where they originally migrated from, and much more.
You’ll also get to meet actual Tai Dam locals who work at the museum and live nearby. They’re more than happy to share their culture with visitors. I spoke to one of the local women, and she told me you can even book a homestay experience with them, and you can stay in the wooden house, and they’ll cook traditional Tai Dam dishes for you at dinner. Pretty cool!
You can also try on traditional Tai Dam clothing for photos or request a folk dance performance. They’ll gather a group and put on a lovely show for you. Everything is free of charge, though donations are appreciated after the performance. The people were incredibly welcoming. They even offered to take photos of me with the ladies in traditional dress. Overall, it was a super fun and memorable experience. The museum is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.
What to Eat and Drink in Chiang Khan?
1. Eat Breakfast/Lunch at Soi Sao Restaurant
Soi Sao Restaurant is a cozy local spot located right at the start of Chiang Khan Walking Street. It’s a great place to try local favorites like Khao Piak (Vietnamese-style noodle soup), Khai Grata (fried eggs served in a hot pan), and more, perfect for breakfast or a quick lunch.
The restaurant is housed in one of Chiang Khan’s charming old wooden shophouses, with plenty of seating both inside and out. It gets quite busy during late mornings and around lunchtime, so you might need to wait a bit for a table, but turnover is fast, so it usually does not take long.
The restaurant is open from 6 AM to 1:30 PM daily, so if you are looking for a nice little breakfast place to try some local dishes in Chiang Khan, be sure to come and check out Soi Sao Restaurant.
How to Get to Chiang Khan?
By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Chiang Khan is by bus. They typically leave from Morchit Bus Terminal, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 500 to 800 THB and takes between 9 - 10 hours, depending on the traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Chiang Khan. The journey should take about 9 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
How to Get Around Chiang Khan?
By Walking: Chiang Khan is a very walkable town, with many of its most charming spots concentrated along the Mekong River. You should have no trouble exploring the area on foot.
By Bicycle: You can also rent a bicycle from most accommodations along the Chiang Khan strip for about 50 THB per day. If your accommodation doesn't offer rentals, you can check out this shop.
By Motorbike: For farther places like Kaeng Khut Khu and the Chiang Khan Skywalk, you'll need to rent a motorbike. You can do so from this shop, where it costs 250 THB per day.
By Car: For the most convenient way to get around, you can rent a car and drive, although it will be difficult to find a reliable place to rent in Chiang Khan and Loei, especially without knowing Thai, so your best bet is to rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.
What to Pack for Chiang Khan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Chiang Khan, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Chiang Khan, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you'll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here's a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- One of the best places to visit in Isaan is Ubon Ratchathani. If you're looking for things to do there, check out: Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- If you are passing through Amnat Charoen and are wondering what there is to do there, then check out this guide: Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you are wondering what to do in Maha Sarakham, this guide is for you: Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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