After our extended lunch break at the Huai Krathing Reservoir, our tour guides have planned an unscheduled stopover before our day’s destination. We visit Wat Tham Pha Pu or Tham Phiang Din. The temple lies 7 km north of Loei in the 220 m long Phapu Cave, Tham Pha Pu.
Wat Tham Pha Pu -Tham Phiang Din
Upon arrival, many monkeys are already waiting for us. Beside gibbons, we see many spectacled langurs here.
They owe their name to their eyeglasses-like coloring around the eyes so. It is a pleasure to watch them playing high up in the trees.
Wat Tham Pha Pu consists of a small temple of devotion and a huge cave whose entrance is in a rugged rock face. Next to it is a fat laughing Buddha.
Behind this, the cave opens in a gigantic hall. Several sedentary Buddhas greet the visitors. It is very dark inside. Only when the eyes get used to the dark one discovers a Reclining Buddha in the back. And bats at the ceiling.
Once again in the open, we watch the monkeys again. Then we continue 65 km to the north, to Chiang Khan.
Chiang Khan
Chiang Khan lies on the bank of the Mekong, which forms the border with Laos. Immediately in front of the city, the river gives the impression of being very water-rich.
On our arrival, the sun is only slightly above the horizon. That’s why we leave our luggage at the Old Chiangkhan Boutique Hotel and make our way to gather some impressions.
Chiang Khan is famous for its wooden house architecture. Already in the hotel, the dark brown wood paneling and pillars are visible in the reception area. In the inner courtyard is a heavy wooden table with a smooth polished surface. Also, the doors, porch, and floors are of dark wood.
We go outside. A straight road runs from east to west. Here you find most souvenir shops, restaurants, and shopping facilities. Many of the houses have large wooden balconies or verandas. Often, the entire house is made of wood.
Small roads lead to the Mekong. Along the Mekong River is a pedestrian promenade. We enjoy the play of color of the setting sun and the reflections in the water. We dive into a marvelous foreign world.
Back at the Old Chiangkhan Boutique Hotel*, we get our rooms, which are rather small and not very comfortable. The bathroom does not meet our expectations, but for one night we can overlook the fact. In the past, it was the residential building of the governor of the province.
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More InformationAfter we stowed our luggage, we go back to the bank of the Mekong River and enjoy the last sun rays.
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