Khong Chiam

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Around 60 kilometres to the east of Ubon Ratchathani at the confluence of the Moon and Mekong rivers ,Khong Chiam offers a quiet escape from the big smoke of Ubon Ratchathani.

The point where the two rivers meet is known as the Mae Nam Song Si or 'Two Colour River'. Sure enough, depending on the season, flow and heights of the two rivers, a slight difference in colour is evident from the river's bank due to the differing sediment levels in the Moon and Mekong Rivers.

From Khong Chiam boats can be arranged to whisk you out to the colour changing point. The best time of the year to see the differing colours is between March and May -- we don't recommend this boat trip during rainy season (June-October), as the rivers lose contrast from the murky water.

Boats may also be arranged across the Mekong from Khong Chiam to the Lao side of the river to visit the settlement there for 200-300 baht. While foreigners cannot enter further into Laos from here, persuading the immigration police to let you visit the market should take less than 100 baht. Or, travellers may hire a boatman to take them upriver to Pha Taem National Park for around 1,000 baht -- again ask around in Khong Chiam.

Aside from the two-colour river, if you're one for ticking activities off lists, you can view Thailand's earliest sunrise on the Mekong River from here.

As for Khong Chiam itself, it's a pretty sleepy town, but it is the closest spot to base yourself if you are planning on visiting the nearby Pha Taem National Park, Kaeng Tana National park, the border town of Chong Mek along with two nearby dams.

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Accommodation: Khong Chiam
Apple Guesthouse | Mangkhon Guesthouse | Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort |

Text and/or map last updated on 14th September, 2012.

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Khong Chiam reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Khong Chiam

Live south of Khong Chiam and go for weekends away. Not much there for westerners to do in the town. Good river food, fish and big Mekong prawns. No western style bars that I know of. Only one pool hotel in the town and an up market resort on the far side of the Mun river.
No crossing into Lao last time we were there, OK for Thais to cross, but not westerners.
Plenty of reasonable places to stay as in most Thai weekend retreats.
All in all a relaxing place for a few days.
- Sights & activities
- History & culture
- Scenery & environment
- Eat & drink
- Traveller's scene
- Romance
- Value for money
- I'll be back (or not)
By jamescollister (dabbler)
Written on 21st July, 2012 after a visit to Khong Chiam in March, 2012

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