From Chiang Khan to Pak Chom and Sang Khom- All Along the Mekong

Chiang Khan is an old river trading port in northeast Thailand. The town is perched on the south banks of the Mae Nam Khong (Mekong River) 580 kilometers north of Bangkok. Chiang Khan's main attraction is Srichiangkhan Road, a kilometre of century old, two-storey teak shop houses nowadays turned into souvenir shops, restaurants, guesthouses and makeshift foodstalls plus a handfull of fine, old Buddhist temples.
My upstairs room in the Drama Guesthouse on Srichiangkhan Road Soi 16 is an airy chamber, with a bed, a sewing machine stand turned into desk, and no wardrobe and a shared bathroom, but perfect wi-fi.Very Thai. From a small balcony I have a perfect view of the passers by and a small stretch of the Mekong, a mere stone's throw away. The owner is a movie enthusiast, and has turned the building into a bizarre museum for bygone movie heroes and cinema paraphernalia. 
Chiang Khan has boomed in the past couple of years. It has well and truly been 'discovered' by urban Thais, although not by 'farang'- I have seen fewer than a handful of foreigners in a couple of days. There is not much to do for visitors except to hire a bicycle or motorcycle, view the buddhist temples, have a foot massage, or to simply stroll, eat and drink by the river...and visit more dusty villages that languorously stretch along the Mekong. 

Srichiangkhan Road just off the Mekong waterfront is a colourful mixture of dwellings, shops, guesthouses and makeshift foodstalls that attract mostly Thai visitors.

Paragliding over the  River Mekong at dawn, Chiang Khan

Monks on their morning alms round on Srichiangkhan Road, Chiang Khan

Woman chatting with her neighbour. Chiang Khan

Front view of the Drama Guesthouse, Chiang Khan Srichiangkhan Road Soi 16

Peculiar interior decor of the Drama Guesthouse, Chiang Khan Srichiangkhan Road Soi 16

Foreman of a group of dock workers loading a cargo ship. The freight is shipped across the river to Lao

Quaint dwelling at the riverbank above the Mekong, Chiang Khan

Detail of a group of 'Loei dancing ghosts' masks on the riverbank near Chiang Khan

Schoolchildren enjoying their lunchtime by the riverside, Chiang Khan

Leaf gilding of balls at Wat Tha Kaek, Chiang Khan. No one could explain to me what they mean

Peaceful scenery above the Mekong riverbank with my hired bike and a chair near Chiang Khan

Chiang Khan's Srichiangkhan Road at dusk. Holidaymakers are out for food and some late shopping

Sportsmen enjoy a fresh evening breeze along the Mekong waterfront in Chiang Khan

View over the River Mekong near Pak Chom just after sunset

A woman prepares delicious paperthin waffles on a makeshift stove, Chiang Khan

Two rocks shaped like giant penisses are neatly decorated in front of a temple outside Chiang Khan

Astonishing works of natural force or of mythical creatures ?

Peaceful scenery at the banks of the River Mekong where people watch the Laotian shore which is a mere stone's throw away

Small islets and sandbanks are typical for the Mekong between Pak Chom and Sang Khom