Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Khong Jiam
Khong Jiam sits on a picturesque peninsula at the confluence of the reddish Mekong and
bluish Mun rivers, which is known as
Mae Nam Song Si
(Two-Colour River) because of the
contrasting colours at the junction. The multicoloured merger is usually visible from the
shore, but it's best seen from a boat. When the rivers are high (June to October) the blend-
ing waters create small whirlpools and a strange bubbling that resembles boiling lava. A
trip in a large boat that can carry 30 people, with a sunshade and life-jackets, costs 350B,
while you'll pay 200B in a tiny boat that holds three. The big boats can also take you to
Kaeng Tana and Pha Taem national parks or elsewhere along the Mekong River.
Above the town is
Wat Tham Khuha Sawan
( dawn-dusk)
The awesome views (best from
above the minimart) alone are worth the trip, but this well-known temple also has a
unique nine-pointed
chedi,
an all-white
bòht,
an impressive orchid garden (blooming in
the cold season) and the body of the late abbot, Luang Pu Kam, on display in a glass case
atop a flamboyant altar.
Naga
fireballs began appearing at Khong Jiam in 2005 (
Click here
)
, but they don't oc-
cur every year.
Sleeping & Eating
Khong Jiam doesn't get many
fa·ràng
visitors, but it's popular with Thais, so there's an
abundance of lodging. There are several pricey restaurants near the Mae Nam Song Si, in-
cluding two floating on the Mekong.
Banpak Mongkhon
( 0 4535 1352;
www.banmongkhon.com
; Th Kaewpradit; r 250-1000B, f 1500-2500B; )
From
the simple fan rooms to the four cute stilted wooden cottages, this place near the highway
has friendly, clued-in owners and lots of character, making it a great choice for any
budget.
HOTEL
$
Khong Jiam Place
( 0 4535 1046; Th Phookhamchai; r 350B; )
Rooms are small and simple, but they're
very clean, and overall this striking yellow hotel offers very good value. It's one block
south of the main road, near Banpak Mongkhon.
HOTEL
$
Apple Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE
$
