Popular as a haunt of many backpackers crossing the border of Thailand and Laos, the secluded town of Chiang Kong is, to most uninitiated tourists, a mere travel stop for stocking up on supplies before going off to their planned destinations. Found in northern Thailand's Chiang Roi Province, the place offers more than what it gets credit for. Underneath its sleepy, backwater town exterior lies a vibrant spirit that only needs a bit of exploring to unearth. Its wonderful natural landscape boasting of mighty waterfalls and river rapids alone can already introduce the traveler to a welter of offerings.
Backpackers favor the town because of its many cheap hotel accommodations, guesthouses and restaurants. They can also get to mingle and know the culture of the locals in the H'mong villages. Unfortunately, those seeking some wild night life will be disappointed: people observe the "early to bed, early to rise" routine. They, however, make up for it by being already up and about even before the sun rises.
A traveler may take part in their bustling early markets and trade stalls to glimpse a slice of life at Chiang Khong. In April, locals hold the Giant Catfish Festival in April where they release the baby giant catfish in the nearby Mekong River. A veritable attraction in its own right, Chiang Kong is worth the visit.
