🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Chiang Khan Skywalk sits at Ban Tha Di Mi, Pak Tom subdistrict, Chiang Khan district. It's a special clear glass walkway, around 2 metres wide and over 100 metres long, reaching out from a cliff edge above the Mekong, more than 80 metres above the water. Walk out to the far end and it feels like floating in mid-air, looking straight through the glass floor to the river far below. Anyone afraid of heights might get wobbly knees, but that's exactly the appeal that gets people to drive out of town to reach it.
The highlight: watching the Hueang meet the Mekong
What sets the Phu Khok Ngio Skywalk apart from other Mekong viewpoints is the angle that looks down to where the Hueang River flows in to meet the Mekong. The Hueang once formed part of the Thailand–Laos border, and where it joins the Mekong here, the two rivers, each a different colour, merge into a clearly visible two-coloured scene during certain times of year. The far bank is Laos, with mountain ridges and small villages stretching along it — a natural border view you don't see often.
- Where the Hueang meets the Mekong — watch the two rivers merge into two-coloured water right in front of you; in some seasons the contrast is sharp
- The Laos side — look across the Mekong to the mountain ridges and villages of Lao PDR, clearly visible
- Phu Khok Ngio big Buddha — a white Buddha image over 19 metres tall, a landmark that pairs with the skywalk
- Clear glass floor over the drop — look straight through to the Mekong more than 80 metres below your feet; you get the view and the thrill
About the two-coloured water — straight up
The pretty two-coloured water you see in glossy reviews is usually from late rainy season into early winter, when the Hueang and the Mekong differ most in colour. Go in the dry season or when the water runs clear and the contrast may not be as sharp as the photos. Don't expect a crisp dividing line every day — but the wide river view and the confluence are still worth it.
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Entry fee, opening hours, and how to get up
You can't drive your own car all the way up to the skywalk itself. You park at the lot below and buy a ticket for the local shuttle up. The ticket covers the round-trip shuttle, the cloth shoe covers for walking on the glass, and accident insurance, all in one. The prices below are what's actually charged on site and may change over time. Bring cash, since some points don't accept transfers.
- Ticket including the White Elephant camp — 80 THB/person (shuttle + shoe covers + insurance + White Elephant viewpoint)
- Skywalk-only ticket — 60 THB/person (shuttle + shoe covers + insurance)
- Children under 140 cm and seniors over 80 — free entry
- Opening hours — roughly 07:00–18:00 daily
- Getting there from the Chiang Khan walking street — about a 30-minute drive following the signs toward Pak Chom
What to take off, what to bring
Before walking on the glass you'll need to put on the cloth shoe covers the staff hand out, to keep the glass from scratching and to stop you slipping. Your phone or camera should have a strap so it doesn't drop into the gorge. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and if you come as a group on a holiday you may have to queue a bit for the shuttle.
When is it best to go
You can visit year-round, but the best views come in the cool season, roughly November to February, when the air is clear and the sky is open and you can see far across the river to the Laos side. On some early winter mornings there's even a chance of a sea of mist drifting over the Mekong. The evening is a favourite for many people, since you get the sun setting behind the Laos mountains, with golden light washing over the water. If you want to avoid the harsh sun and the crowds, going in the morning or late afternoon is easier than midday.
What else to do nearby
The skywalk is at the far end of Chiang Khan on the Pak Chom side. Walking around and taking photos takes about one to two hours, so it's easy to combine it with other riverside spots in the same day.
Kaeng Khut Khu
Rock rapids in the middle of the Mekong just past Chiang Khan town, with a viewing terrace, snack stalls along the rapids, and the famous crystallised-coconut sweets to take home.
Chiang Khan Walking Street
A riverside street of old wooden houses that opens in the evening — wander, eat, shop for crafts, soak up the retro atmosphere.
Phu Thok Chiang Khan
The closest mist-viewing spot to town. Ride a songthaew to the top to see the mist over the Mekong in the early morning — pairs well with the skywalk at a different time of day.
Phu Khok Ngio big Buddha
The white Buddha image on the same hill as the skywalk — pay your respects and take in the river view in one spot.
The skywalk vs other Mekong viewpoints in Chiang Khan
Chiang Khan has several kinds of Mekong viewpoints, each with a different feel. The short version: the skywalk stands out for its height and the glass walkway you won't find elsewhere, while the other spots shine in their own ways. Compare them before you plan.
Chiang Khan Skywalk (Phu Khok Ngio big Buddha)
A clear glass walkway jutting off a cliff more than 80 metres high, looking down to where the Hueang River meets the Mekong and across to Laos. You get the wide view and the thrill, with the white Buddha as a landmark.
Kaeng Khut Khu
Rock rapids in the Mekong just past town — stroll along the water, snack and buy crystallised coconut, see the Mekong at eye level. Relaxed, easy to reach, no entry fee.
Phu Thok Chiang Khan
The closest mist-viewing spot to town. Ride a songthaew to the top — on cool-season mornings the mist drifts over the Mekong. More about the early-morning high view than a glass walkway.
Pha Daeng – roadside viewpoint toward Pak Chom
A Mekong stop along the road from Chiang Khan to Pak Chom, with a parking area and a photo angle of the river bend. Good for a break while driving along the Mekong.
A sample Chiang Khan itinerary including the skywalk
The skywalk doesn't take long, so slot it into the late afternoon to catch the sunset over Laos, then save the mornings and evenings for town. Try a two-day plan like this and adjust the times to suit.
Morning in town, skywalk in the afternoon for the evening view
Early start up Phu Thok, then catch Kaeng Khut Khu
Straight talk before you go
The skywalk mainly sells the height and the glass walkway — the walk itself doesn't take long to cover. If you're coming for sharp two-coloured water photos, check for late rainy season into early winter when the colours contrast most. On long weekends it's crowded and the shuttle and walkway can get packed; go on a weekday or in the late afternoon and you'll photograph more comfortably. And if you're really afraid of heights, you may not walk all the way out — but you can still take in the view from the edge.
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