The route in brief

From Udon Thani to Chiang Khan in Loei province it is about 200–225 km each way and roughly 3–3.5 hours without stops (an estimate from map data and travel sources; hill sections can be slower, so check a map app on the day). Highway 211, which follows the Mekong, is an optional scenic road and adds distance.

A two-day plan

  1. Day 1: leave Udon in the morning, break the drive, reach Chiang Khan in the afternoon, check in (choose a hotel with parking) and visit the Chiang Khan walking street in the evening, which is busiest Friday to Sunday and on holidays
  2. Day 2: enjoy the riverside in the morning (if you join the alms-giving, dress modestly and do not block the monks), then drive back. You must return the car at your pickup time: if you collect at 10:00, leave Chiang Khan about 06:00 or choose a later pickup. More than 30 minutes late is charged as another day. Refuel before you set off

Choosing the car

The trip uses main sealed roads, so a sedan is comfortable for 2–4 people. For 5–7 people or a lot of luggage we suggest a Mitsubishi Xpander (5,000 THB deposit) or an SUV such as the Pajero Sport (10,000 THB deposit). The 1–7 day permitted area covers Loei, but the round trip is roughly 400–450 km plus local driving, against 400 km included in a 2-day rental, so you may go slightly over; extra kilometres are 10 THB/km (50 km over = 500 THB). If your plan is longer, consider a 3-day rental and tell us your route when you enquire.

A 2-day weekend trip usually carries the +300 THB/day surcharge (600 THB in total). The booking system shows the final total before you confirm.

Things to watch

  • Around festivals and long weekends Chiang Khan is crowded; book rooms and the car ahead
  • The Mekong road and hill sections have bends and can be foggy in the cool season; do not rush, especially in rain or fog
  • Do not take the car across the border into Laos. Off-road driving and flooded roads are prohibited and may void your insurance cover
  • Check road-works notices on a map app or with the Department of Highways before you leave
  • If anything goes wrong on the road, call 099-114-1146 or LINE @udoncarrent, 24 hours a day.

Common questions

What about the car overnight?

Pick a hotel with parking and keep valuables out of sight. A rental day is 24 hours with a 30-minute grace.

Is there a weekend surcharge?

Usually yes. On 1–2 day rentals that include a Friday, Saturday or Sunday there is a 300 THB/day surcharge. The booking system shows the final total before you confirm.

Cars that suit this trip

Free Udon Thani airport handover by arrangement. Choose your dates to see the total from our booking system.