Chiang Khong

This small Mekong River town is gearing up to become a main waystation on the planned Asian Highway, and a bridge is being built across the Mekong River to the Laotian harbor town of Houayxay. Until its completion (held up because of budgetary problems) small skiffs carry people across the Mekong between Chiang Khong and Houayxay, from whose pier daily boats set off for the two-day trip to the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in Laos. Chiang Khong is a convenient overnight stop before boarding.

A 15-day Laos visa can be acquired in Chiang Khong from Ann Tour (6/1 Moo 8, Saiklang Rd. 053/655198).