Chiang Khong Today
Date: Wednesday 8th February 2012Chiang Khong – Gateway to Laos
Chiang Khong is a sleepy riverside port, located approx 120 kms from Chiang Rai city, and with a population of apprx 12,000 people. There is a range of riverside accommodation and dining options and its not a bad place to just chill out and relax. Watching the river traffic over breakfast and coffee in the early morning sun;
Or having a “sundowner” at a riverside restaurant…
Chiang Khong can be reached via;
- Thoeng and Route 1020
- Chiang Saen via Route 1129
- Chiang Rai via Route 1174
The town has all the modern amenities such as banks & ATM machines, fuel stations, Seven/11 convenience stores and more.
Chiang Khong’s sleepy atmosphere is poised for change, according to predictions. The new bridge across the Mekong River, supposedly due for completion in 2011, will provide the final link in the A3 Highway from Kunming in southern China, all the way through to Bangkok!
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. 