Nong Khai

Located on the southern bank of the Mekogn River, the northernmost of the northeastern region of Thailand, Nong Khai is a bustling town of the country. It covers an area of 7,332 square kilomaters and is only 24km from Vientian, Laos and 615 km from Bangkok. It is the gateway to the capital of Laos. It was once under the control of the Thai Kingdom Ayutthaya and the Laotian kingdom Lan Xang.

Being one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, Nong Khai draws a variety of attractions, from the riverside location to mountainous area. In addition, it offers some venerable temples and many heritage sites, along with transquil rural atmosphere, which will keep tourists satisfy with Nong Khai holiday. Some of famed cultural and historical sites are Prap Ho Monument, Luang Pho Phra Sai Buddha Image with remarkable history, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Khong River which connects Nong Khai with Tha Na Laeng in Laos, Prathat Bangphuan ancient pagoda, Wat Hin Mak Peng – a peaceful wat with spectacular scenery, Phra Chao Ong Tu Buddha image, etc. Lying in a lovely position, Nong Khai features a lot of beautiful landscapes attracting a large number of Thai and foreign tourists, including Salakeawku, the nearly surreal sculpture park and Phu Wa Wild Life Sancturay which offers picturesque waterfalls as Nam Toc Chanaen, Nam Tok Tham Phra, Nam Toc Tham Fun and Nam Toc Chet Si.

Nong Khai is also the land of rich culture with numerous festivals held throughout the year as Prap Ho Monument Fair in March, Trut Songkran Fair, Bun Bang Fai Fair in May with a rocket contest, Bang Fai Phaya Nak in 11th lunar month and Tak Bat Thewo and Thai – Lao Friendship Boat Race held in the end of the Buddhist Lent festival. These festivals take place annually with many interesting activities and entertainment performances promising to bring an regrettable holiday for visitors.