Day 1, 8 February - Chiang Khan
Further Afield....... A week after the last, a second tour of this current stay in Thailand is about to get underway and again avoids the tourist spots I've been used to. In common with the last it again means travelling into the Isan region. It also involves my companion making a family visit but this time much further away from Bangkok and into unfamiliar territory for me.
We arrive at Mochit Mai (Northern Bus Terminal) for the 9pm VIP bus to Chiang Khan. The route uses Highway 1 out of Bangkok, Highway 2 Saraburi/Korat, 201 from Sung Noen, via Chaiyaphum and Chum Phae (Khon Kaen province) and then into Loei province.
Day 2, 9 February - Chiang Khan
Today we begin to explore with a visit to Kaeng Khut Khu (Rapids) and to the nearby hill temple Phu Kwai Ngun (Silver Buffalo Mountain). Lunch is taken at the Chiang Khan Hill Resort which is not to be missed and provides an excellent view across the river (Mekong) and Rapids. Today we're out exploring again relying on local transport first taking a songthaew (local transport) from Chiang Khan to provincial capital of Loei. From here we hop on similar transport to Phu Ruea which is in view of the mountain of that name which is within Phu Ruea National Park. However, we have made no plans to proceed further. We are now in a remote area of Loei province and had hopes of returning to Loei the way we came but with low expectations of through transport turning up, thankfully, local help is at hand, and we manage to catch a lift. Like many national parks there is a fee which for foreigners is 200 baht.
Day 3, 10 February - Chiang Khan
Today is an easy day in Chiang Khan. During the heat of the day the narrow street that runs along the riverbank is quiet but by evening a lively walking street market opens among the traditional wooden buildings hosting the travelling fraternity springs to. For the first time I try the imported Lao Beer in a cosy spot. Of course, we are opposite Laos here just across the Mekong River.
Day 4/5, 11/12 February - Chiang Khan
Our final day in Chiang Khan sees up again using songthaew transport this time to the border town of Tha Li but arriving at Nam Hueang Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge we don't need to cross into Loas on this occasion. Returning to Chiang Khan we head for the bus stop to catch the overnight VIP tour bus to Bangkok. This arrives before 5am with food markets already open ending a pleasant trip to the wide-open spaces of northern Isan.
Further Afield....... A week after the last, a second tour of this current stay in Thailand is about to get underway and again avoids the tourist spots I've been used to. In common with the last it again means travelling into the Isan region. It also involves my companion making a family visit but this time much further away from Bangkok and into unfamiliar territory for me.
We arrive at Mochit Mai (Northern Bus Terminal) for the 9pm VIP bus to Chiang Khan. The route uses Highway 1 out of Bangkok, Highway 2 Saraburi/Korat, 201 from Sung Noen, via Chaiyaphum and Chum Phae (Khon Kaen province) and then into Loei province.
Day 2, 9 February - Chiang Khan
Today we begin to explore with a visit to Kaeng Khut Khu (Rapids) and to the nearby hill temple Phu Kwai Ngun (Silver Buffalo Mountain). Lunch is taken at the Chiang Khan Hill Resort which is not to be missed and provides an excellent view across the river (Mekong) and Rapids. Today we're out exploring again relying on local transport first taking a songthaew (local transport) from Chiang Khan to provincial capital of Loei. From here we hop on similar transport to Phu Ruea which is in view of the mountain of that name which is within Phu Ruea National Park. However, we have made no plans to proceed further. We are now in a remote area of Loei province and had hopes of returning to Loei the way we came but with low expectations of through transport turning up, thankfully, local help is at hand, and we manage to catch a lift. Like many national parks there is a fee which for foreigners is 200 baht.
Day 3, 10 February - Chiang Khan
Today is an easy day in Chiang Khan. During the heat of the day the narrow street that runs along the riverbank is quiet but by evening a lively walking street market opens among the traditional wooden buildings hosting the travelling fraternity springs to. For the first time I try the imported Lao Beer in a cosy spot. Of course, we are opposite Laos here just across the Mekong River.
Day 4/5, 11/12 February - Chiang Khan
Our final day in Chiang Khan sees up again using songthaew transport this time to the border town of Tha Li but arriving at Nam Hueang Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge we don't need to cross into Loas on this occasion. Returning to Chiang Khan we head for the bus stop to catch the overnight VIP tour bus to Bangkok. This arrives before 5am with food markets already open ending a pleasant trip to the wide-open spaces of northern Isan.
Loei Province
Phu Kwai Ngun, Bu Hom,
Chiang Khan District
Kaeng Khut Khu, Chiang Khan
Chateau De Loei, Rong Chik,
Phu Ruea District
Chiang Khan, Chiang Khan District
Mekong River, Chiang Khan,
Chiang Khan District
Ban Na Khra Seng Border, Na Khra Seng,
Tha Li District