Information
Date: Wednesday 8th February 2012Chiang Khong – District & Town Information
Chiang Khong is a district (Amphoe) in the northeastern part of Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand. Neighboring districts are (from the southeast clockwise) Wiang Kaen, Khun Tan, Phaya Meng Rai, Wiang Chiang Rung, Doi Luang, Chiang Saen of Chiang Rai Province. To the east is Bokeo province of Laos. The Mekong River partially forms the boundary to Laos.
Due to its location, the district forms a gateway to Laos, mostly by boats traveling to Luang Prabang. Buses travel on the Asian Highway 3 from Ban Houai Xai – across the river – to Boten at the Chinese-Laotian boundary.
A bridge crossing the Mekong river is currently in the early phase of construction.
The Giant Mekong Catfish is a critically endangered species. Chiang Khong has a Giant Catfish museum, and a festival in their honour occurs around April 18 each year (Songkran / Thai New Year). 
Chiang Khong is a popular tourist gateway in to Laos, especially to the World Heritage centre of Luang Prabang. Take the slow boat to Luang Prabang, two days on the mighty Mekong River. 