A traveller's reflection: Thailand Borders 11: Chiang Khong

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary...” – Vidal Sassoon

(Chiang Khong Hill Resort)

Day 11: Wednesday, 20 Nov 2024
Route: Uttaradit - Chiang Khong
Distance: 425 km (6:27)
Hotel: Chiang Khong Hill Resort

Complimentary breakfast of toast with butter and jam and coffee.

(A simple complimentary breakfast)

Checked out by 8.00 am. Visited Uttaradit Adda-Ey Mosque not far from the hotel. Met two Muslim brothers from Pattani having breakfast at the mosque. We had visited this mosque during our last trip to Uttaradit.

(Masjid Adda-Ey of Uttaradit)

(A small mosque within a Muslim housing community)

(Two Muslim brothers having their breakfast)

This morning we drove north heading towards Chiang Kong, another Thailand/Laos border crossing. Passed through Phrae and stopped at Restaurant Abang Air Muslim Food. The last time we came here in 2022, the restaurant was closed because of PKP.

(Driving northbound toward Phrae)

(The landmark of Phrae)

(Arriving in Phrae town)

(Restoran Abang Air Muslim Food)

(Spacious eating area and varieties of dishes)

Continued our journey with a few stops on the way. At certain route the traffic was quite slow when we have to drive behind heavy vehicles especially which driving on the mountainous road.

(Driving cautiously and within speed limits)

(Comfort breaks whenever necessary)

(Following slow heavy vehicles uphill)

(The weather was good all the way north)

We made a stop at Kanita Halal Food in Phayao and had nasi kuning daging and noodle beef balls for lunch. Kanita Halal Food is located at the food court of PT Mae Tam petrol station. After refueling, drove on to Masjid Jamiul Islam in Phayao for solat jamak. Next to the mosque is a Muslim restaurant. The owner is from Yala and speaks fluent Malay. We packed fried rice and omelette for tonight's dinner in Chiang Khong. From previous experience, there is no halal eateries in Chiang Khong.

(A Muslim restaurant at a PT food court)

(Feeling hungry after a long drive)

(Nasi bryani beef is the specialty here)

(Another Muslim eatery on the main road)

(Mr. Zahidi, the owner of the Pakistan Restaurant)

(Masjid Jamiul Islam of Phayao)

(A modest mosque complete with amenities and resting area)

(The interior of the mosque)

On the way to Chiang Khong, by chance we saw signage of a mosque by the Route 1020 in Thoeng. We made a brief stop at Masjid Al-Rahmaniah and took some pictures of the mosque.

(A newly tarmac highway)

(Harvested paddy fields on both sides of the road)

(Major constructions of elevated highways along the route)

(Passing through the town of Thoeng)

(The signage of Masjid Rahmaniah)

(A cute small mosque in Thoeng)

(The main prayer hall)

Arrived in Chiang Khong around 4.30 pm and drove to Chiang Khong Border Crossing at the Thai/Laos Friendship Bridge. The bridge connects Chiang Khong in Thailand and Hua Xai in Laos. We have been through this crossing several times in the past.

(Finding our way to the Thai/Laos border crossing)

(The Chiang Khong Boundary Post)

(The Immigration and custom check-points before the bridge)

(Bigfoot taking a rest at the boundary)

Checked in Chiang Khong Hill Resort for RM82/night. It is a beautiful resort located on a hill with scenic panoramic view of the mountains and countryside. From the balcony, we could see the busy water transports of Mekong river and Laos across the other side of the riverbank.