Introducing Chiang Khong
At one time Chiang Khong was part of a small river-bank meuang (city-state) called Juon, founded in AD 701 by King Mahathai. Over the centuries Juon paid tribute to Chiang Rai, then Chiang Saen and finally Nan before being occupied by the Siamese in the 1880s. The territory of Chiang Khong extended all the way to Yunnan Province in China until the French turned much of the Mekong River’s northern bank into French Indochina in 1893.
Advertisement
More remote yet more lively than Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong is an important market town for local hill tribes and for trade with northern Laos. Nearby are several villages inhabited by Mien and White Hmong. Among the latter are contingents who fled Laos during the 1975 communist takeover and who are rumoured to be involved in an organised resistance movement against the current Lao government.
Huay Xai, opposite Chiang Khong on the Lao side of the river, is a legal point of entry for Laos. Anyone with a valid visa for Laos may cross by ferry. From Huay Xai it’s 250km to Luang Nam Tha, a short distance from Boten, a legal border crossing to and from China.
Trade between Thailand and China via Chiang Khong is steady. Thai goods going north include dried and processed food and beverages, cosmetics, machinery, spare parts and agro-industrial supplies.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled Laos itinerary
4 November 2009
Luang Prabang makes a wonderful introduction to Laos, and with increasing numbers of direct flights from Vientiane,...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
From luang Prabang to Siam reap - Must see places on the way ?
by qualitywork1 13 September 2011
Hi everyone, i will be in Laos in late november after visiting Myanmar. I am looking for some help with my itinery. I plan to visit friends…
-
RE: Chiang Rai to Huay Xai
by wanderingstraycat 12 September 2011
ordinary red bus from CR old bus station (next to night bazaar) to Chiang Khong via either Phaya Mengrai or Wiang Chai (do not take the…
-
RE: Bus Phu Chi Fah (Ban Rom Fa Thong or Ban Rom Fa Thai) - Chiang Khong
by kucinta 06 September 2011
Do not count on public transport there.you can come easy to ChiangKham or Toeng.from there to PhuChiFa - you have to organize your own…
Hotels & Hostels
-
Baanrimtaling Home Stay
Chiang Khong
Book now
-
Boom House
Chiang Khong
Book now
-
Namkhong Riverside Hotel
Chiang Khong
Book now
Advertisement
