The rapidly growing city of Nong Khai with 63000 inhabitants is situated at the border river Mekong. Due to the facilitation of visa regulations it became again a place of transit to and from Laos. The capital city Vientiane lies only 24 km from Nong Khai. Therefore you could usually meet many foreigners who live in Thailand and they just crossed the border to extend their visa. But as the regulations recently changed, this might not be possible anymore. An increasing number of individual tourists are attracted by the route through Laos on their way to South China.
The 1774-meter-long Friendship Bridge, the first bridge across the Mekong River, was inaugurated in 1994. On Saturdays and Sundays the bridge is open to pedestrians only. Foreign tourists have to use the bridge to enter Laos, the boat at the pier in Nong Khai is reserved for Thais and Laotian only. A railway line across the bridge is in under construction. A French-inspired Laotian influence is strongly evident in Nong Khai.
When you take a stroll through the covered Tha Sadet Market, also known as Indochina Market, it is very hard to resist all the inexpensive goods from Laos and China. Nong Khai is one of the most pleasant cities in the Northeast and it is worthwhile to spend a few days here. The travellers' district has been established around Rimkong Road. Many bars offer cold beers as well as the latest insider news.
The most famous temple is Wat Pho Chai with its solid gold Buddha image Luang Pho Phra Sai. During the full moon days in June the rocket festival takes place in this temple. Wat Nernpa Nao is located in a forest in the eastern outskirts of Nong Khai, next to the Highway. 60 monks and nuns live in this meditation center amidst numerous Buddhist and Chinese graves. The colourful Chinese temple Wat Putaugongmaa is located on Ho Road, it is decorated with dragons and other mystical animals painted in many colours. It is well worth a visit.
During the dry season, Jom Manee Beach, a kilometer-long beach with clean fine sand stretches below and west of the friendship bridge. Locals enjoy swimming in the Mekong, floating on inner tubes or just sit in one of the numerous BBQ restaurants and eat delicious grilled fish. A beautiful route goes along the Mekong to the west (28 km until Tha Bo). The road is narrow and partially in bad condition, but very scenic: at the right side the Mekong, at the left tobacco fields. Some old wooden houses are located at the road side. Even with one of the yellow non AC-buses this trip is a great experience.
New to t-Globe?
Register for free to get the full power of this web site!
Name
Email
Password
Confirm Password
Registered members will be able to:
use our Interactive t-Maps
see Business Neighborhoods
print a customized PDF Guidebook
get discount coupons for hotels, restaurants and other services
