Nong Khai - Discovering Laos

Travelling to Nong Khai

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Nong Khai, a pretty good destination in Laos (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Nong Khai and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Nong Khai, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Laos, here's everything to know about Nong Khai for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Nong Khai

Correction: Nong Khai is actually a province in northeastern Thailand, not a place in Laos. Nong Khai is a province that is located on the bank of the Mekong River and borders Laos. The provincial capital is also called Nong Khai. The climate is tropical and can be quite hot and humid, with a rainy season from May to October. Nong Khai is known for its temples, scenic riverside views, and the famous Sala Keoku sculpture park. The province is also popular as a gateway to Laos via the Friendship Bridge, which connects Nong Khai to the Lao capital of Vientiane.

What to visit in Nong Khai

I'm sorry, but Nong Khai is actually a province in Thailand, not in Laos. However, there are some popular tourist attractions in Nong Khai that I can list for you to help plan your trip: 1. Sala Keoku: This is a park with giant statues inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythology, built by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat in 1978. It's located around 8 km from Nong Khai city center.
2. Wat Pho Chai: This temple is known for its towering Buddha statue and visual depictions of Thailand's elaborate creation story.
3. Nong Thin Public Park: This is a lovely public park located in the heart of Nong Khai, with a beautiful lake and plenty of areas for picnics and relaxation.
4. Wat Phra That Bang Phuan: This temple is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful golden chedi, which can be seen from miles away.
5. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park: This park is home to ancient rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings, as well as many cultural relics from the Dvaravati and Khmer periods.
6. Tha Sadet Market: This is a bustling market that features local products, handicrafts, and food.
7. Wat Hin Mak Peng: This temple is located on a hilltop and offers great views of the surrounding area.
8. QC Home: This is a unique art gallery with beautiful mosaics and sculptures made from recycled materials.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Nong Khai has to offer. Each of these attractions has unique characteristics that make them special and worth visiting.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Laos, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Nong Khai.

When to go on holiday to Nong Khai

The best time to visit Nong Khai is between November and February when the weather is cool and dry. During this period, the temperature typically ranges between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for outdoor activities such as exploring temples and markets. Avoid going between May and October, as this is the rainy season, and the area can get quite flooded and muddy, making it difficult to get around and enjoy the sights.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Nong Khai

To get to Nong Khai, Laos from Thailand, you have several options: 1. By Bus: You can take a bus from Bangkok to Nong Khai, which takes around 9 hours. There are also buses available from other cities such as Chiang Mai and Udon Thani. From the bus station in Nong Khai, you can cross the Friendship Bridge to reach Laos.
2. By Train: You can take a train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, which takes around 11 hours. There are also trains available from other nearby cities such as Udon Thani. From the train station in Nong Khai, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the Friendship Bridge to cross into Laos.
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Nong Khai is in Udon Thani, which is about an hour away. You can take a flight to Udon Thani and then take a bus or taxi to Nong Khai.
4. Cross-border Transportation: Once you're in Nong Khai, you can cross into Laos via the Friendship Bridge. There are several options for transportation, including bus, tuk-tuk, or taxi. From there, you can explore the beautiful country of Laos.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Nong Khai, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Nong Khai

Nong Khai is actually a province in the northeastern region of Thailand, not Laos. However, the cuisine in this region has influences from neighboring Laos and may include some similar dishes. Here are a few typical foods from this region: 1. Som Tum: A spicy salad made with shredded green papaya, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
2. Larb: A minced meat salad typically made from pork, chicken, or beef that is flavored with lime, chilies, fish sauce, and toasted rice powder.
3. Tom Saap: A spicy and sour soup made with meat (usually pork or chicken), lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and lime juice.
4. Khao Ji: A crispy rice cake topped with a mixture of pork, shallots, coriander, and garlic, and then served with a side of sweet chili sauce.
5. Tom Kha Gai: A creamy coconut milk soup with chicken, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies.
6. Khai Jiao: A Thai-style omelet made with beaten egg, fish sauce, and scallions, and often served with a side of rice.
7. Pad Kaprao Moo: A stir-fried dish made with minced pork, Thai basil, chilies, and garlic, and then served on a bed of rice.
8. Khao Soi: A noodle curry dish made with a mixture of coconut milk, curry paste, and meat (usually chicken or beef) that is served over noodles and topped with crispy noodles, shallots, pickled mustard greens, and lime wedges.
You can find general info about typical foods in Laos here.

Is Nong Khai an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to some other tourist destinations in Laos, Nong Khai can be considered relatively expensive. However, it's important to note that it's still generally cheaper than many western countries. The cost of your trip will depend on various factors such as your accommodation choices, food preference, and activities you plan to do. With that said, travelers on a budget can still find affordable options for lodging and food in Nong Khai. It's always a good idea to do some research and compare prices before settling on any particular lodging or activities.

Where to find accomodation in Nong Khai

It is best to find accommodation in the central area of Nong Khai, close to the Mekong River and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Some popular areas to stay include the Nong Khai city center, the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai Road, and the Mekong Riverside Road. These areas offer convenient access to local attractions, markets, restaurants, and transportation options for exploring the city and crossing over the Friendship Bridge to Laos.
You can check hotel prices at Nong Khai here:
Booking.com

Is Nong Khai a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Nong Khai in Laos is generally considered to be a safe place for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, may occur in tourist areas, so it is important to keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings. Additionally, it is always a good idea to research any potential safety concerns or risks before travelling to a new destination.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Laos here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Nong Khai.

What type of travelers will enjoy Nong Khai the most?

Nong Khai is a beautiful town in the northeastern part of Thailand, which is situated right at the border of Laos. It offers a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for all kinds of travellers.
Couples will find Nong Khai to be a romantic destination, thanks to its stunning temples, scenic Mekong river views and tranquil atmosphere. It's also a perfect place for a peaceful honeymoon or a romantic getaway; you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Mekong or take a romantic walk in one of the town's parks.
Young people looking for fun may also enjoy Nong Khai. There are many fun activities in Nong Khai that young people will enjoy, such as taking a bike ride along the Mekong river, exploring local markets and trying street food, visiting waterfalls, and experiencing the nightlife.
Families will find Nong Khai to be a great destination because it provides educational and cultural experiences such as visiting temples, exploring nature, and visiting museums. Kids can learn about history and culture while having fun, and parents can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are also activities like elephant riding, which can be a fun experience for families with children.
Overall, Nong Khai is a place that has something to offer for everyone, so whether you're a couple, young people or a family, you are sure to have an enjoyable time.

How to get around Nong Khai

In Nong Khai, the primary mode of transportation is tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled motorized vehicles commonly used for short distances. You can also rent motorbikes and bicycles to explore the city at your own pace. Taxicabs are available too, but they're relatively expensive compared to tuk-tuks. Additionally, boats are a common means of transportation for crossing the Mekong River to reach the nearby country of Thailand.

What to see around Nong Khai

Here are some interesting places you can visit in a day trip from Nong Khai (Laos): 1. Buddha Park: This park is located just across the Mekong river at the border between Thailand and Laos, around 30 minutes drive from Nong Khai. It is a beautiful park containing more than 200 sculptural depictions of Buddhist and Hindu deities.
2. Phu Tok Mountain: This is a scenic mountain located about an hour drive from Nong Khai. Visitors can trek up to the top of the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valley.
3. Wat Phra That Bang Phuan: This temple is located about 40 minutes drive from Nong Khai. It is one of the most important temples in the region, famous for its massive golden stupa that can be seen from a distance.
4. Sala Kaew Ku (Wat Khaek): This park is located just across the river from Nong Khai in Laos and can be accessed by a short ferry ride. It is a popular attraction featuring numerous impressive sculptures and giant statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities.
5. Nong Khai Aquarium: If you're traveling with kids, this aquarium is a great attraction to visit. It features a vast variety of marine creatures and offers a glimpse into the underwater world.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
For every travel information about Laos you can click here.

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