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About Nong Khai
Nong Khai lies on the west bank of the Mekong, about 20 km from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and is one of Thailand's most important border crossings. The town has a relaxed riverfront with food stalls, cycle paths and an evening market. In Wat Pho Chai stands the famous Buddha image Luang Por Phra Sai, one of three images cast for the daughters of King Setthathirath. The sunken chedi Phra That Klang Nam once stood on the bank and fell into the river in the eighteenth century. Just outside town lies the sculpture park Sala Keoku with giant concrete statues. In October Nong Khai draws visitors for the Mekong fireballs. The town works well as the end point of the night train and a springboard to Laos.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by night train (about 10 to 12 hours), bus, or flight to Udon Thani plus about 1 hour onward; the Friendship Bridge lies 3 km outside town. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Nong Khai
- Mekong riverfront Walk or cycle along the river with food stalls and views of Laos.
- Wat Pho Chai A temple with the revered Buddha image Luang Por Phra Sai.
- Sala Keoku A sculpture park with giant, colourful concrete statues.
- Phra That Klang Nam A sunken chedi in the Mekong, most visible at low water.
