A day trip to Chiang Khan from Loei town, 50 km to the south, is a good way to get a taste of the Mekong scenery while staying at the cheaper guesthouses and hotels found in the provincial capital. Those who are turned off by the touristy vibe might head 20 km east to the riverside village of Pak Chom, or a bit further along the Mekong to Sangkhom, just over the border in Nong Khai province.