Nong Khai is a long thin province running along the Mekong River, providing the main access to Laos. Originally people went by boat from Tha Sadet, but the building of the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and trade with Laos.

Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Chang, and Phra That Nong Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen completely in the dry season.

Sala Kaeo Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with statres of Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains a number of beautiful waterfalls.

Nong Khai is 615 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 7,739 square kilometres. It consists of the following districts: Mueang Nong Khai, 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.

How to get there

Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts:

Bang Pla Ma Si Prachan Don Chedi U Thong Sam Chuk Doem Bang Nang Buat Nong Ya Sai Song Phi Nong Dan Chang

10 Kms. 20 Kms. 31 Kms. 32 Kms. 39 Kms. 54 Kms. 58 Kms. 70 Kms. 77 Kms.

By Car:
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi which connects with Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai. A total distance from Bangkok to Nong Khai is 615 kilometres.


By Bus
The Transport Company Limited has a regular bus service both ordinary and air-conditioned to Nong Khai every day. For further information, contact the Mo Chit 2 (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 2936 2852-66, or visit the website www.transport.co.th . In ddition, there is a private bus service: 407 Phatthana, Tel. 0 2992 3475-8, 0 4241 1261; Chan Tour Limited, Tel. 0 2618 7418, 0 4241 2195; Barami Tour, Tel. 0 2537 8249, 0 4246 0345; and Cherdchai Tour, Tel. 0 2936 0253, 0 4246 1067.


By Rail
Trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue Railway Stations to Nong Khai every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.


By Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and continue the journey by car to Nong Khai, some 50 kilometres from Udon Thani. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.


Intra-provincial Transport
Visitors can use car rental services operated by many tour companies in town. They may choose a tricycle service called “Skylab” for visiting tourist spots in town and nearby areas, such as Tha Sadet Market, Wat Pho Chai, Sala Kaeo Ku, and Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge.

From the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, there is a bus service from Nong Khai to Loei, past Amphoe Tha Bo, Amphoe Si Chiang Mai and Amphoe Sangkhom in Nong Khai, and Amphoe Chiang Khan in Loei. The route runs along the Mekong River. In these districts, there are guesthouses available for visitors.


Inter-provincial Transport
Apart from a Nong Khai - Bangkok bus service, the Nong Khai Bus Terminal also provides its service on other routes: Nong Khai - Rayong (both ordinary and air-conditioned), and ordinary buses on the Nong Khai - Loei, Nong Khai - Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai - Udon Thani routes. Contact the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 4241 1612.

Trains are available from Nong Khai to Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Bangkok three times a day. Contact the Nong Khai Railway Station,
Tel. 0 4241 1582.


Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts:
 

Attractions

Amphoe Bung Khla
Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve
Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ban Don Chik; 3 km from Bung Khla district and take a right turn for a further trip of around 6 km. It has an area of around 186 sq. km. or 116,562 rai, covering some part of Bueng Kan, Bung Khla, Seka and Bueng Khong Long districts, and nearly bordering Laos. This sanctuary is around 150-300 m above sea level. Types of forest here are mostly Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest, Dry Evergreen Forest and Moist Evergreen Forest. Some parts of the area are sandstone mountain ridges, rocky grounds and grass fields.

Places of Interest
Namtok Tham Fun is located in Ban Phu Sawat, Tambon Nong Doen. Drive on Highway 212, and 7 km. before reaching Bung Khla district, turn right to go on for around 4 km. The waterfall is encompassed by a timber forest with a scenic view of the northern Phu Wua. A walking trail passes a rocky ground to the cascade which is seen along the long narrow channel on the sandstone cliff. There is water only in the rainy season.

Namtok Chet Si is located in Ban Don Siat, Tambon Ban Tong, Amphoe Seka. This very beautiful waterfall, especially during the rainy season, originates from a stream of Huai Ka-am and flows along a high sandstone cliff to spread over a long line. The falling water that hits the rocks below causes a spray of water which gives rainbow colours when seen in sunlight. So came the name “Namtok Chet Si,” which means a waterfall of seven colours.

To get there Drive on Highway 212, and 12 km. before reaching Bung Khla district, turn right at Ban Chai Phon. Head for the waterfall, past Ban Phu Ngoen and Ban Don Siat, for 28 km. Or from Phu Thok, take the route via Ban Na Tong and Ban Don Siat, totalling 14 km.

Namtok Phu Tham Phra is located in Ban Tham Phra, Tambon Sok Kam, Amphoe Seka. It is around 34 km. from Seka district. Like other waterfalls at Phu Wua, it has water only in the rainy season. A monastic residence or Samnak Song here is tranquil and shady. Walking down to the rocky ground at the back, visitors will find a valley with a deep bottom of around 200 sq. m. where a waterfall flows down the valley. The waterfall is on a cliff of around 100 m wide and 50 m high. Visitors can play in the pool.

To get there It is rather a difficult trip. From Bung Khla district, drive on Highway 212 for 24 km. to Ban Tha Dok Kham. Turn right to take a dirt road to Huai Bang Bat and go further by boat to the waterfall.

Namtok Chanaen is located in Ban Phu Ngoen, Amphoe Seka. Originally, it was called “Namtok Tat Sanaen.” “Tat” literally means a place where water flows. “Sanaen” refers to “summit” or “excellence.” This waterfall has its origin from Lam Huai Sanaen. It is 100 m wide and has two tiers with an interval of 300 m. This is a large and beautiful waterfall which has water only in the rainy season. The path to the waterfall passes Khua Hin or a natural stone bridge of around 100 m long, where a phenomenon of water disappearing under the bridge can be witnessed. A walk up to the second tier passes along a stream dotted with boulders. Following the stream on its left bank, visitors will find a broad ground by a large pool. There is another small waterfall called Namtok Bueng Chorakhe, rushing down to the pool.

To get there Use the same route to Namtok Chet Si. Take the Ban Chai Phon – Ban Phu Ngoen route for 13 km. Follow a small road off the route for another 5 km. Go further for the final distance on a bumpy narrow dirt road accessible by only motorcycle.


Amphoe Mueang
Getting to Vientiane
Visa
Foreign tourists wishing to visit Laos from Nong Khai must apply for visas at least 3 working days in advance at

- Lao Embassy, 520/1-3 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39, Bang Kapi, Bangkok, Tel: 0 2539 6667 or

- Lao Consulate General, 171/102-3 Prachasamoson Road, Amphoe Mueang, Khon Kaen, Tel: 0 4324 2856-8 Fax: 0 4224 4918

They can use the services of a number of tour operators in Nong Khai. The visa is valid for 1 month and visitors can extend for additional 2 months.
Visitors to Laos may obtain visas on arrival at the Immigration Office in Laos and are permitted to remain in Laos for 15 days.

Transportation
Shuttle bus services crossing the bridge cost 20 baht per person. From the checkpoint in Laos visitors can hire a taxi to Vientiane which is 20 kilometres away and costs 500 baht. The checkpoint is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To bring a car in and out of the country, a document is required with a fee as imposed. Contact a tour company in Nong Khai for the service. For further information, contact the provincial customs checkpoint, Tel. 0 4241 1518, 0 4242 1468-9, fax: 0 4241 2654.

Major attractions in Vientiane are temples, museums, monuments and a morning market. Package tours cost approximately 800-1,500 baht for one-day trip and 2,000-2,600 baht for two-day trip. The prices vary according to the number of people in a group. Details can be obtained from tour operators in Nong Khai.

Hat Chom Mani
Hat Chom Mani is a sandy beach on the Mekong River, 2 kilometres from town. The beach occurs during the dry season in April. The locals and tourists enjoy a day out here.

Phrathat Bang Phuan
Phrathat 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 is 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.

Phrathat Nong Khai
Phrathat Nong Khai collapsed into the Mekong in 1847. Over the years the pagoda drifted to the centre of the river where it is seen today.

Prap Ho Monument
Located in front of the old city hall. The cremated bones of those who lost their lives in the suppression of the Ho in 1886 have been contained inside the monument which was built by an order of Luang Prachaksinlapakhom, the suppression commander, to honour the good deeds of those who sacrificed their own lives for the nation. There are inscriptions in Chinese, English, Laotian and Thai on all four directions of the monument. A worshipping ceremony and a fair to celebrate the monument are held every year on 5 March.

Sala Kaeo Ku
Located 3 km. from the town of Nong Khai on the right side of the route to Phon Phisai. Presently, it is under the care of the Nong Khai Buddhist Association. This place which looks like an open museum of religious statues was created with an inspiration of Luangpu Bunluea Surirat who built it around 1978, out of his own belief that the teachings of all regions could be mixed together. Therefore, there are Buddha images in different attitudes, Hindu gods, Christian religious icons, as well as character figures from the Ramayana epic and folk legends. It is open daily during 07.00 - 17.00 hrs. Admission fee is 10 Baht per person.

Tha Sadet
Tha Sadet is the port for local people crossing the Mekong River to Tha Duea in Laos. There is a market for Indo-Chinese and eastern European products, as well as the provinces local goods.

Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is the first international bridge spanning the Mekong. The bridge was built jointly by the governments of Australia, Thailand and Laos. It was opened in April 8, 1994.

Wat Pho Chai
A royal temple, located on Pho Chai Road in the Mueang Nong Khai Municipality. Luangpho Phra Sai, a sacred Buddha image of the town which is respected by the people of Nong Khai, is housed here. This Buddha image sitting cross-legged, which was cast from bright yellow gold in the posture of subduing Mara, has graceful features. According to legend, three daughters of the King of Lan Chang had three Buddha images cast and named each to associate with their names: Phra Soem, Phra Suk, and Phra Sai to the eldest, middle, and youngest siblings, respectively. Originally, the three images were housed in Vientiane. In the reign of King Rama III, they were invited to Nong Khai by boat. On the way to Nong Khai, Phra Suk was drowned by a storm. Phra Soem and Phra Sai were invited to house in Nong Khai. Later on, in the reign of King Rama IV, Phra Soem was taken to Bangkok. Phra Sai is still housed at Wat Pho Chai in Nong Khai. Every year on the full moon day in the seventh lunar month, the people of Nong Khai always hold a rocket merit-making fair or Bun Bang Fai to worship Phra Sai at Wat Pho Chai.


Amphoe Sangkhom
Namtok Than Thip
Namtok Than Thip is at Ban Tat Som in Tambon Ban Muang at Km. 97 on Highway No. 211, then take a left for 2 kilometres. This three-level waterfall is 30 metre-high, 100 metre-high and 70 metre-high, respectively. It is at its most beautiful in the rainy season.

Namtok Than Thong
Namtok Than Thong is in Ban Pha Tang at Km. 74 of Highway No. 211, 11 kilometres before arriving in Sangkhom district office and 83 kilometres from Amphoe Muang. The waterfall is 30 metres high and falls down to the Mekong. Below is a large pool suitable for swimming. There is water only in the rainy season.


Amphoe Si Chiang Mai
Wat Hin Mak Peng
Located at Ban Thai Charoen, Tambon Phra Phutthabat. The temple compound is spacious, clean and shady with various species of plants amidst tranquility. Its area on one side borders the Mekong River where a scenic view can be seen. Originally, this place was a Dharma practice place of Luangpu Thet Thetrangsi, a famous meditation master of Isan, who initiated it as a Dharma practice centre for Buddhist monks, nuns and pilgrims. After his death, a Chedi was built to enshrine his remains. Inside the temple, there is a statue of Luangpu Thet on display with the eight requisites (the three robes, the bowl, a razor, a needle, the girdle and a water-strainer) and his biography.

To get there: Wat Hin Mak Peng is 75 km. from town. Take Highway 211 (Nong Khai - Si Chiang Mai) and switch to Highway 2186. The temple is on your right.


Amphoe Si Wilai
Phu Thok
Phu Thok means an isolated mountain in Isan dialect. Located in Ban Na Kham Khaen, Tambon Na Sabaeng, this sandstone range stands out and can be seen from a distance. It consists of two hills: Phu Thok Yai and Phu Thok Noi. Previously, this area was dense woods with many wild animals. Because of its tranquility, Phra Achan Chuan Kunlachettho, a meditation master, initially established a meditation place here for Buddhists to practise the Buddha’s teachings.

Phu Thok Noi is where Wat Chetiya Khiri Wihan (Wat Phu Thok) is situated. This temple is the starting point of a walk up to the top of Phu Thok, via a wooden bridge winding around the steep mountain. The bridge was built with faith from monks, novices and villagers. The construction began in 1969 and took five years to complete. This bridge is compared to a path of virtue that leads a righteous man to leave a world and enter into emancipation by their own efforts and determination. Phu Thok is still a meditation practice centre and a place for the community’s religious affairs. Visitors shall be calm in manner and pay respect to the place. The bridge’s stairs to the mountain top are divided into seven sections.

The first and second sections leading to the third section wind around the mountain which is covered by a dense dark forest with boulders and rocky grounds. At the end of the third section, a left turn is a very steep shortcut through the channel-like rock formation straight to the fifth section, but a right turn provides a path up to the fourth section.

The fourth section climbs around the mountain and overlooks small hills dotting the ground below called “Dong Chomphu” whose area to the west borders Phu Langka which is a rain forest in Amphoe Seka. Here, it is a residence for nuns. The section is around 400 m in circumference and is provided with rest areas here and there along the path.

The fifth section has pavilions and monk’s residences. There are several caves along the route to the sixth section. Many spacious rest areas are available on the sixth section, including cliffs, such as Pha Thep Nimit, Pha Hua Chang, Pha Thep Sathit, etc. To the north, visitors can see a natural stone bridge to Phra Wihan (hall) where the Lord Buddha’s relics are enshrined. Here, a mountainous line of Phu Thok Yai can be seen clearly. Most visitors often end their walk here. Since a further move to the seventh section goes along the winding bridge which clings to an edge of the high steep cliff, for around 400 m before reaching the shady forested hilltop destination. To visitors, this may seem horrifying and too dangerous.

To get there Phu Thok is around 185 km. from the town of Nong Khai. Take Highway 212, past Pho Chai, Pak Khat and Bueng Kan districts. Then, turn left to take Highway 222 and head for Si Wilai district. From Si Wilai, take a left turn and go on for another 30 km., past Ban Na Sing, Ban Sai Ngam, to Ban Na Kham Khaen and Phu Thok.


Amphoe Tha Bo
Freshwater Fishery
Located in Tambon Kong Nang on the Tha Bo – Si Chiang Mai route. The villagers here have freshwater fishery as a profession. Freshwater species of fish raised in their farms are Pla Taphian, Pla Nai, Pla Nuan Chan, Pla Yisok Thet, Pla Klet Ngoen, Pla Hua To, Pla Duk Thet, etc. Their produce is delivered for sale in Bangkok, the North and Isan regions.

Luang Pho Phra Chao Ong Tue
Housed in Wat Si Chomphu Ong Tue, Ban Nam Mong. This large Buddha image was cast from bronze by the royal artisans of the northern city and Lan Chang. Having graceful features, the 4 metre-high image is sitting cross-legged in the attitude of subduing Mara with a lap width of 3.29 m. It is a holy image which has gained much respect from the peoples on both of the banks of the Mekong River. According to a stone inscription, this image was built in 1562 by the royal command of Phra Chaiyachettha, King of Nakhon Wiang. The metals used included gold, brass, and silver, weighing a total of one Tue (an ancient scale of Isan) and it took seven years and seven months to finish the cast. The province has a fair to pay homage to Luangpho Phrachao Ong Tue every year on the full moon day in the fourth lunar month.

To get there : From the town of Nong Khai, take Highway 2 to Udon Thani and switch to Highway 211 (Nong Khai – Tha Bo). At Km 31, follow a road sign on the left to the temple for around 1 km.

Tobacco-making Village
Tobacco-making Village is along the route from Amphoe Mueang to Amphoe Tha Bo on Highway 211. The villagers grow tobacco plantations along the area parallel to the Mekong River. Here, there are picturesque views of nature.

Krayo Pastry-making Village
Located on the route from Nong Song Hong to Amphoe Tha Bo. Here, bamboo trays are seen with Krayo pastry being sun-dried along the roadsides. Krayo pastry is used for Vietnamese food such as Popia (spring rolls) and Naem Nueang (wrap of pork and vegetables with spicy sauce). Krayo pastry is an export product as well.

Festivals

Bang Fai Phaya Nak
This extraordinary miracle always occurs at the beginning of the full moon night in the eleventh lunar month (End of Buddhist Lent). It can be seen along the Mekong River in the districts of Mueang, Phon Phisai, Pak Khat, Bung Kan, Tha Bo, Si Chiang Mai and Sangkhom. Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a term used for red and pinkish fire balls, which according to belief, belong to Phaya Nak or the great serpent of the underwater world. On the day marking the End of Buddhist Lent, a great number of people come to witness this phenomenon.

Bun Bang Fai Fair
Being held in the sixth lunar month (May) every year. There is a rocket contest to worship Phaya Thaen or god of the rain. It is a way the local people do to ask for rain. A temple fair will be organised in the grounds of Wat Pho Chai. Rocket shooting will be done on the field around 10 km. from Wat Pho Chai.

Prap Ho Monument Fair
Being held at the Prap Ho Monument around the month of March every year. Activities in the fair include shows, games, and booths of goods at reasonable prices.

Tak Bat Thewo and Thai - Lao Friendship Boat Race
Being held during the end of the Buddhist Lent festival every year. People come to offer alms to Buddhist monks in the morning. Long boat competitions, which the Thai and Lao sides will take turn to host, will be held on the Mekong River during the day.

Shopping

Handicraft and food
Nong Khai has many local products for souvenirs, especially local food products such as Isan-styled sausage, Mu Yo (pork bar), Naem (fermented pork), and Vietnamese food such as Naem Nueang. In addition, there are products made of hand-woven cotton, basketry and silver ornaments available for sale at shops in town. Products being promoted on the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) programme include Huat or Muai, used to cook sticky rice, from Tambon Khai Bok Wan, Amphoe Mueang; Kluai Tak (dried banana) and Kluai Muan (rolled banana) from Amphoe Sangkhom; Khao Mao Op Krop (crispy shredded rice) from Amphoe Pak Khat; Sapparot Kuan (pineapple conserve) from King Amphoe Rattanawapi; Ya Sen Op Thang (tobacco cured in a tank) from Tambon Ban Thon, Amphoe Tha Bo, etc.

Dining

Amphoe Mueang
Daeng Naem Nueang (Vietnamese Food)
1062/1-2 Banthoeng Chit Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1961, 0 4242 1202

Di Di Photchana
1155/9 Mu 4 Prachak Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1548

Im Em Photchana
1255/3 Soi Wat Nak, Banthoengchit Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1608

Nong Khai Photchana (Thai and CHinese Food)
387/6 Banthoengchit Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1645

Phen Photchana (Suki)
1164 Prachak Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1297

Ruean Rim Nam (Thai and Chinese Food)
Kaeo Worawut Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4246 5212

Tha Dan (Thai, Chinese and European Food)
1993 Tha Sadet, Rim Khong Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1541

Thippharot (Thai, Chinese and European Food)
1069 Michai Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1584

Udomrot (Thai, Chinese and European Food)
423 Rim Khong Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1568

Charoenphong Anong Thai Silk
1156/1 Hai Sok Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 1662 8863

Kap Ngoen
1066 Rim Khong Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4242 0421

Mum Ngoen Thai Silk
292 Rim Khong Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1235

Nisachon
115 Mu 11 Mittraphap Road, Ban Nong Song Hong, Tambon Khai Bok Wan, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 2457

Phrae Mai
294 Rim Khong Road, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 2095

Village Weaver Handicrafts
1151 Soi Chittapanya, Prachak Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Bueng Kan, Nong Khai
Tel :: 0 4241 1236



All Hotels in Nong Khai

Nongkhai Grand Hotel

Royal Mekong Nongkhai Hotel