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 on the front.

In front of the bóht is a long racing boat carved from a single ironwood tree and a little building with a dozen life-like monk statues and some vivid scenes of the Buddhist Hell.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Wat Tha Khok

0.24 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…

3. Wat Si Khun Mueang

0.34 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),…

4. Phu Chang Noi

1.1 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…

5. Phu Thok

2.64 MILES

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…

6. Kaeng Khut Khu

3.05 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…

7. Museum of Art & Culture Loei

24.9 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. Wat Sisavang

27.44 MILES

Wat Sisavang sports some older monks' quarters as well as a gaudily ornate new bell tower and gateway.