Tai Lue traditions and temple stories give Chiang Khong a rich cultural character. In Si Don Chai, the Tai Lue community preserves its language, clothing, culture and traditions. Its distinctive handwoven pattern is called “Lai Nam Lai” and offers a tangible introduction to the textile side of this heritage.

Textiles and Culture in Si Don Chai

The Lue Lai Kham Museum in Si Don Chai preserves a collection of Tai Lue woven textiles. Members of the Tai Lue community established the museum to preserve these textiles as heritage for future generations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand describes it as a cultural learning centre of the Tai Lue. Wat Tha Kham Si Don Chai is also among Si Don Chai’s cultural and historical attractions.

Temples with Their Own Stories

Wat Phra Kaeo is in the Wiang subdistrict of Amphoe Chiang Khong. It is one of the oldest temples in the district and is more than 1,300 years old. The temple houses a green jade Buddha for the three seasons, carved from stone from the Mekong. Every December, Wat Phra Kaeo holds a relic-washing ceremony.

Wat Luang is also one of the oldest temples in Amphoe Chiang Khong; it is located in Ban Luang village in Khrueng subdistrict. It has numerous ancient architectural and artistic monuments, as well as archaeological objects. The temple also preserves many old bronze Buddha figures in various sizes. Wat Phra Kaeo is distinguished by its jade Buddha and December ceremony, while Wat Luang is notable for its archaeological objects and bronze Buddhas.

Another old temple is Wat Hat Khrai in Ban Hat Khrai village, also in the Wiang subdistrict of Amphoe Chiang Khong. Wat Hat Bai has a different story: Tai Lue migrants from Sipsongpanna established the temple as the spiritual centre of their community. After Mekong erosion damaged the former temple, Wat Hat Bai was moved to its present location in 1961. The annual Than Phah Than Jai ceremony takes place within a month after the end of Buddhist Lent. The cloth is woven overnight and offered to the monks the following day.

Landscape and Cross-Border Connections

The landscape around the Ban Hat Bai community is defined by clear contrasts: the Mekong lies to the east, and a range of hills to the west. Flat land extends along the other sides, used for rice fields and gardening. The river, hills and cultivated land thus describe different aspects of the surrounding area.

The Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge provides a cross-border connection. It links Ban Don Mahawan in Amphoe Chiang Khong with Ban Don in Houayxay, Laos, and is part of the R3A, which connects China, Laos and Thailand. The focus thus shifts from the stories of individual communities and temples to a connection between three countries.

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