Chiang Khong is the Thai counterpart to the Laos border town of Huay Xai , just across the Mekong. Chiang Khong is a small, sleepy town with a few hotels , one main road and litle night life. It has a Friday market, a lot of temples, a craft village with a busy market and a temple. The best time to visit is from October to January, or on the April 18 Giant Catfish Festival when baby giant catfish are taken to the Mekong river.
The riverfront area can be seen on foot but it’s worth getting a tuk-tuk or taxi for the trip out to the bus station. Small ferries cross the river every few minutes for about 20 baht (5,000 kip). The border crossing closes at 20:00.
If you want to look around Chiang Khong the best way is rent a bike or motorbike to visit local villages and the banks of the Mekong.