This small village is well known as a site for catching the infamous giant catfish, though it has been fished almost to extinction and a breeding program is now attempting to secure its future.
This fish holds the record as being the largest fresh water catfish in the world and in the past great fanfare has accompanied the hunting and catching of these fish.
Construction of dams on tributaries of the Mekong are believed to be hampering the attempts of many fish to reach their spawning grounds, the result being that the fish often die without spawning. This is a problem that is not unique to the giant catfish and is one which is not being dealt with in an effective manner by the damming authorities. Thailand is an incredibly power hungry nation and it will be most unfortunate if one of the many victims of that hunger is the giant catfish.
In an attempt to alleviate the situation there is a breeding program in operation here. Regardless of their rarity, there is still mass celebration when one is caught as they fetch a very good price for the fisherman talented enough to catch one. The fisheries office can be visited by the river in Ban Hat Khrai a few kilometers south of town.
Getting There
It is only two kilometers south of Chiang Khong and can be reached by motorcycle taxi or bus. If going by yourself, turn left at Wat Hat Khrai and go down to the riverside.
Need to Know
- What is it? One of the few places one can see the giant catfish in its natural habitat.
- Opening hours: 24 hours, daily.
- Entrance fees: free, various fees for boat trips.
- Address: On Highway 1020
- Where: just to the south of Chiang Khong.