About 5 km outside of Chiang Khan, in a bend of the Mekong River, the Kaeng Khut Khu rapids form when the water level is high enough. They are set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The spot with the small waterfalls in the middle of the river is particularly spectacular (unfortunately not visible in my photos), but even without them, the scenery is beautiful. There is a small market, and you can eat Thai food in local restaurants with a view and take small boat trips.

In and around the parking lot, there's a small market where you can buy souvenirs and local coconut specialties called Ma Pro Gaw, and have lunch at the small food stalls. Boat trips to Kaeng Ku Kut usually take 1.5 hours and cost around 1000 baht per boat (10 people). Ask at your accommodation for details.

Kaeng Khut Khu (signposted as Kaeng Kood Koo) is easily reached by bicycle, as the blue cycle path runs along the river and begins at the end of Chai Khong Road. Simply follow it. Getting there by car isn't much more complicated: Take Route 211 (parallel to Chai Khong Road) towards the Immigration Bureau and continue straight ahead. You'll cross a small bridge, and the road will curve to the left. After 500 meters, you'll see the entrance to a temple. Turn left just to it and follow the road for 1 km. Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk, which will take you there for about 80 THB.

How to get there

How do you get to Kaeng Khut Khu? Kaeng Khut Khu (signposted as Kaeng Kood Koo) is easily accessible by bicycle, as the blue cycle path runs along the river and starts at the end of Chai Khong Road. Simply follow it. Getting there by car isn't much more complicated: Take Route 211 (parallel to Chai Khong Road) towards the Immigration Bureau and then continue straight on. You'll cross a small bridge, and the road will curve to the left. After about 500 meters, you'll see the entrance to a temple. Turn left just outside it and follow the road for about a kilometer. Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk, which will take you there for approximately 80 THB.