Northeast Thailand NONG KHAI
The Mekong River flows along the horizontal Nong Khai’s northern side, separating it from Laos. The provincial city, sitting on the Mekong bank, is only 24 km from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Once a sleepy border town, the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge transformed it into one of the busiest commercial centers in the region. Yet, it has still retained its peaceful, riverside charms. Outside the city is a wealth of beautiful scenery comprised of lush forests and many small, interesting towns dotting the banks of Mekong River.
Nong Khai is 615 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 7,739 square kilometres. It consists of the following districts: Muang, Bueng Kan, Phon Phisai, Tha Bo, Sangkhom, Seka, So Phisai, Si Chiang Mai, Phon Charoen, Pak Khat, Bueng Khong Long, Si Wilai, Bung Khla, Sa Khrai, Rattana Wapi, Fao Rai and Pho Tak.
Chom Mani beach is on the Mekong River. The beach occurs during the dry season in April. It is 2 kilometres from town. The locals and tourists enjoy a day out here.
Monument for the Suppression of the Haw Tribe
Monument for the Suppression of the Haw Tribe is in front of the provincial hall. It honors soldiers who died suppressing the Haw rebellion in 1886.
Phra That Bang Phuan
Phra That Bang Phuan is at Ban Don Mu, 11 kilometres from town on the Nong Khai-Udon Thani road, then a road on the right onto Highway No. 211 to Tha Bo for 10 kilometres. This old pagoda measures 34 metres high and houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha. It underwent major renovation in 1976 because the original fired brick pagoda collapsed. The temple still has the old pagoda, temple boundary markers and an ancient stone inscription. Furthermore, there is an ancient pool from which water was once used in blessing past city lords.
Sala Kaeo Ku
Sala Kaeo Ku is full of strange statues according to the belief of a defunct sect. It is 3 kilometres from town on the way to Phon Phisai. Luang Pu Lua, an old man who believes all religions should be integrated together, set up the park in 1978 by allegedly using unsilled craftsman to carry out fine details. Sala Kaeo Ku features a large garden of statues depicting Buddhist and Hindu gods, goddesses, saints devils, and demons, as well as some secular sculptures.
Tha Sadet
Tha Sadet is the port for crossing the Mekong River to Tha Dua in Laos. There is a market for Indochinese and eastern European products, as well as the province’s local goods.
Foreign tourists wishing to visit Laos from Nong Khai must obtain a visa from the Lao Embassy in Bangkok in advance and can use the services of a number of tour operators in Nong Khai.
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge spans the Mekong from Thailand into Tha Na Laeng in Laos. Visitors can then continue to Vientiane 20 kilometres away.
Wat Pho Chai
Wat Pho Chai is in Nong Khai town. The temple houses Luang Pho Phra Sai, a beautiful gold Buddha image most sacred in the province.
Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a natural phenomenon. A fireball is seen rising up from the Mekong River on the night at the end of the Buddhist Lent. The fireball is visible from Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi. This spectacle is watched by a great number of people. A friendship boat race between Thailand and Laos is also staged during this time.
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi that connects with Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai. The total distance from Bangkok to Nong Khai is 615 kilometres.
Bus
Bangkok-Nong Khai buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information
Train
Trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Nong Khai every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and continue the trip by bus or rented car to Nong Khai, some 50 kilometres from Udon Thani. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.
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