In the cool season, people head from Chiang Khan to nearby Phu Thok mountain for sunrise and 'sea of fog' views. If you don't have your own vehicle, ask your hotel to arrange a ride. Túk-túk charge 100B per person and then you have to ride a sŏrng·tăa·ou (25B per person) to the top.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kaeng Khut Khu

2.48 MILES

With the mountains making an attractive backdrop, this famous bend in the Mekong, and its small set of rapids, is a popular stop for visitors. You can…

2. Wat Tha Khok

2.53 MILES

Wat Tha Khok was founded in 1852 and contains an elaborate but slightly gaudy bóht from the 1960s. Check out the ceiling inside and the angels emerging…

4. Wat Mahathat

2.64 MILES

Wat Mahathat, in the centre of town, is Chiang Khan's oldest temple. The bóht, constructed in 1654, has a new roof over old walls, with a faded old mural…

5. Phu Chang Noi

2.8 MILES

It's not nearly as tall as Phu Tok, but the view of the Mekong and mountains from here is still impressive, and it's a good sunset-watching spot. A road…

6. Wat Si Khun Mueang

2.84 MILES

The bóht (ordination hall) at Wat Si Khun Mueang, which probably dates to the Rama III era, is mostly Lao-style (in particular, note the sweeping roof),…

7. Museum of Art & Culture Loei

23.1 MILES

This little museum, also known as 'Maloei Museum', is 5km north of town at Rajabhat University. The first gallery has an animatronic dinosaur (fossilised…

8. Lak Meung

26.71 MILES

The 'City Pillar' shrine is thoroughly ordinary, but it sits on the edge of Kut Pong lake and park, so it's a great place to begin an evening walk. Also…