Decided to take a nice Sunday drive and I'd been hearing that the last bits of construction on the Chiang Khong/Chiang Saen Road were complete. So I went up there and the road is done and nicely designed. It has wide lanes and extra lanes for the inclines so you don't get stuck behind a slow truck. Also has broad shoulders designated as bike lanes, but the long steep inclines are suitable only for the most intrepid bikers. The views are stunning as they've always been but more enjoyable on the nice road, as the old road was quite treacherous at spots. The 20km or so immediately north of Chiang Khong is perhaps one of the most scenic drives around with the river on one side and the mountains on the other.  And there's the mandatory stop at The View restaurant for a cold drink and incredible view of the rapids on the Mekong. 

I’ve been to that View restaurant several times. Great restroom, easily the best view from a lavatory seat in Thailand.