Chong Mek (Thai: ช่องเม็ก) is a border town in the Isan region of Thailand. It is located in the Sirindhorn District of Ubon Ratchathani Province, about 90 kilometres (60 mi) east of Ubon Ratchathani. The town is the only land-based crossing open to most travellers from Thailand to Laos, the other such crossings being across the Mekong river.[1] Vang Tao is the settlement on the Lao side.

Chong Mek
ช่องเม็ก
Thai border post at Chong Mek
Thai border post at Chong Mek
Chong Mek is located in Thailand
Chong Mek
Chong Mek
Location in Thailand
Coordinates: 15°7′59″N 105°28′1″E / 15.13306°N 105.46694°E / 15.13306; 105.46694
CountryThailand
ProvinceUbon Ratchathani Province
DistrictAmphoe Sirindhorn
Area code45

The town has a busy market popular with Thai visitors, however its popularity has diminished since the opening of the bridge at Mukdahan in 2007.[2]

Sights and attractions

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About 5 km (3 mi) west of Chong Mek is the large Sirindhorn Reservoir created by the construction of the Sirindhorn Dam in 1971.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Introducing Chong Mek & the Emerald Triangle". Lonely Planet. 17 February 2009. Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  2. ^ Williams, China; Beales, Mark; Bewer, Tim (February 2012). Lonely Planet Thailand (14th ed.). Lonely Planet Publications. pp. 442. ISBN 978-1-74179-714-5.

15°7′59″N 105°28′1″E / 15.13306°N 105.46694°E / 15.13306; 105.46694