Nong Khai is located on the banks of the Mekong River and on the border with Laos. It is here that all those who travel to Vientiane (capital of Laos) for a Thai visa. Some are late, including us. The truth is already on the way back - they made a visa, visited Vang Vieng and returned to Thailand.
To be honest, we were very happy to be back in Thailand. We did not like Laos very much in terms of life in it, it is poorer, more expensive, the attitude of people is also so-so. It is better to go there as a tourist, look at nature, climb the mountains, and it is better to live or winter in Thailand. Well, at least that's the way it is for us.
The content of the article
- one Nong Khai
- 2 How to get to Nong Khai
- 3 Where to stay in Nong Khai
- 4 What to see in Nong Khai
- five Nong Khai Map
Nong Khai
Why go to Nong Khai? In general, no need if you need some action. But for «just live», definitely worth it. Nong Khai is a small Thai town. But not quite typical, its main difference is very quiet and calm, neat and cute. Another would be the sea, instead of the Mekong, and just an ideal family resort.
A big plus for us was that there is absolutely no nightlife here. I do not know what this is connected with, but the city begins to die out at about 6 pm. Markets, shops are closed, the number of people on the streets is sharply reduced. Even cafes begin to close closer to 8-9 pm. And at 10 o'clock everyone is already asleep.
Sunset at Nong Khai waterfront
Nong Khai waterfront
Children sleep right on the embankment in cradles
The wind came from somewhere and brought a bunch of rubbish
Gymnastics for everyone
Monks huddle
The king of Thailand is very much like our friend here
We drive a dump truck along the night Vang Vieng
Dandelion grandma
How a pig can advertise sausages from itself?!
Lottery ticket sellers
Since Nong Khai is a border town, there is a market where all visitors are stocked. The market combines both the sale of food and the sale of junk at once. Even weapons are sold here, I don’t know which one, because I don’t understand, probably something simple at all.
Food and clothing nearby
Buy yourself some hair
Weapons on the shelves
Sell balls that change color in water
Sometimes Thais use styrofoam to make the fruit appear larger.
How to get to Nong Khai
The easiest option is by bus from Bangkok, travel time is about 12 hours. There are also buses coming here, from Pattaya, Udontani, Khon Kaen.
The city of Udontani is an hour's drive from Nong Khai, and is a city where buses travel from so many cities. Therefore, as an option, first get to Udontani, and there change to a minibus to Nong Khai.
There is a railway station Nong Khai Railway Station, so you can come here by train from Bangkok and other cities on the route of this railway line.
If you are coming from Vientiane (Laos), then there is a direct bus Vientiane - Nong Khai, runs 5 times a day, the last at 6 pm. Travel time 2 hours.
Bus schedule Vientiane - Nong Khai
And maybe the schedule of the Nong Khai - Pattaya (Rayong) bus will come in handy - almost every hour, the last one at 19.20, travel time 13 hours, cost 500 baht (500r). Bus Nong Khai - Phuket runs at 14.00, travel time 23 hours, cost 1250 baht.
Where to stay in Nong Khai
I really want to recommend the Joom malee guesthouse. At the moment, in the best location, we have not stayed yet. No, this is not a fashionable resort, it is a very simple guest house, but with such a cozy and homely atmosphere that I really did not want to leave there. Perhaps a big role was played by the owner, the always laughing grandfather, trying to help in everything and feeding us fruit. Every morning, two bottles of water, clean towels and soap were waiting for us in front of the door, so cute.
The room is all wooden, there is a terrace with tables and chairs, free water, kettle, coffee, shared fridge, free wifi, and free bicycles. A double with a fan costs 300 baht, they did not recognize the air conditioner. Soi See Koon Mueng, in the alley opposite the gate to Wat Sri Kun Muang, tel 085-0102540.
Alternatively, you can still search for hotels in Nong Khai through a price comparison service RoomGuru, it shows prices in all booking systems at once.
Guesthouse Joom malee
Guesthouse Joom malee
Guesthouse Joom malee
On the contrary, there is another guesthouse with a similar interior, and with the same prices. For more, just walk along the Mekong promenade and the parallel Me Chai street.
What to see in Nong Khai
Two of the most significant landmarks in my opinion: Sala Keoku and Pha Phru Bat Historical Park.
Sala keoku
This is not just another temple, this is a park of Buddhas. On the territory of the park, there are probably a hundred sculptures depicting Buddhas and other heroes, in different poses and with different meanings. The entrance costs only 20 baht, and this place is located 3 km from the city of Nong Khai. Another similar park is in Laos, across the Mekong River.
Sala Keoku Park
Pha Phra Bat Historical Park
Or Phu Phra Bat Buabok Forest Park - a park with dilapidated temples carved into the outliers - stone mushrooms created by nature. This place is also called mini-Cappadocia, which is located in Turkey. Unfortunately, there is not much left to view. Since in the present Cappadocia we were then this place we missed.
To get to Pha Phra Bat Historical Park, you must first get to Ban Phu town from Nong Khai by minibus, which runs every hour from the bus station (the last at 16.00). Travel time is 2 hours. Then go to san teo or tuk-tuk to the west, about 15 km more.
Bus Schedule Nong Khai - Ban Phu
Nong Khai Map
My placemark on google maps:
And detailed drawn maps with streets, guesthouses, and attractions are in this post - Detailed map of Nong Khai.
