Lat Khang: Wat Phon Ngam and Rafting on the Lan Nam San

In Lat Khang, Wat Phon Ngam, the community temple of Ban Lat Khang, and the rafting route on the Lan Nam San represent two very different sides of the destination. The third section of the route runs through Ban Lat Khang. Nearby is Hai Tak Land, a viewpoint in Ban Hai Tak, Tambon Lat Khang, with a 180-degree panorama of a sea of mist. Together, these places span communal religious life, a varied river route and expansive views of the landscape.

Wat Phon Ngam: Temple and Village Life

Wat Phon Ngam was registered in 1964, the Buddhist year 2507. It is thought to have been built around the time the village was founded. This means that an exact registration year is paired with a construction date that can only be estimated.

On Buddhist holidays and important religious occasions, residents of Ban Lat Khang take a break from their daily work, visit Wat Phon Ngam, listen to Dharma teachings and care for the temple together. Wat Phon Ngam is considered the heart of village life; visits also give residents an opportunity to exchange opinions and experiences. This makes Wat Phon Ngam both a historical landmark and part of the village’s communal life.

Rafting on the Lan Nam San

The rafting route on the Lan Nam San is more than 13 kilometres long, divided into three sections, and includes over 40 rapids in total, ranging from grade 2 to grade 5. The third section runs through Ban Lat Khang, from Kaeng Khon Ba at the small hydropower plant in Ban Lat Khang to Wang Sam Phan on the Thai border. It is 7 kilometres long, and the raft trip takes about two hours.

The full route has over 40 grade 2 to 5 rapids, while the third section has more than 26. In some places the water flows gently; in others, the current is strong. The approximate two-hour raft trip refers to its 7 kilometres, so it should not be confused with the duration of the entire route, which is more than 13 kilometres long.

Hai Tak Land: Panorama of a Sea of Mist

Another highlight of the landscape is Hai Tak Land. The viewpoint is in Ban Hai Tak, Tambon Lat Khang, near Lat Khang. From there, you can enjoy a 180-degree panorama of a sea of mist. The viewpoint therefore complements the local history and river route with a perspective on the landscape.

Which experience suits your trip?

When choosing a holiday rental in Lat Khang, you can first consider which of these sides you want to shape your stay: local religious history, rafting or views of the sea of mist. If rafting is your priority, distinguishing between the roughly two-hour third section and the longer full route can help you plan your time. For those interested in culture, Wat Phon Ngam offers a connection to communal village life; Hai Tak Land adds a landscape viewpoint to the options.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pak Chom, Bu Hom, Tha Li, Pong, Kut Pong, Wang Saphung, Chiang Khan, Kok Thong

For the overview of the wider area: Loei.