The town is in the far north of north-eastern Thailand on the Mekong River. In fact, it is so far north that it is geographically north of Vientiane in Laos. The riverside location with rugged Lao mountains in the distance makes for a picturesque setting. This is enhanced by a corniche and boardwalk that runs for miles. In town there are bars and restaurants to go with the evening market, whilst down the river there is a weekly market of local fare. You can hire a bike to cruise up and down at sundown while a strong Mekong breeze will test your stamina. The town centre-piece is the Naga statue that looks over the river.