Nong Khai was once a part of the Vientiane kingdom, which vacillated between both Lan Xang (Royal Lao) and Siamese rule. This volley of power greatly influenced the city’s culture. The opening of the Australian-financed Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in 1994 marked the beginning of a new era of development and trade. Today there are many guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants as a result of the boom.

Capital City Attractions

Sala Kaew Koo (also called Wat Khaek) is a strange Hindu-Buddhist shrine started by a monk who fled the communists in Laos. Many bizarre statues of Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha, and others stand as testament to the monk’s skill.

Phra That Nong Khai is a Lao-style chedi which slipped into the river in 1847. Today it is only visible during the dry season and continues to slide. Currently it is near the middle of the Mekong.

Tha Sadet Market sits along the Mekong River. Here one may find a vast array of goods: clothes, snacks, candles, exotic trinkets, tailors, and cafes. The market has a friendly feel and is also a great place to pick up a tuk tuk for traveling farther afield.

The Prap Haw Monument sits in front of the former Provincial Office, and commemorates the Thai-Lao victories over Jiin Haw (Yunnanese) invasions over a century ago.

Provincial Attractions

Wat Pho Chai is renowned for its large Lan Xang-era sitting Buddha. The head was smelted from pure gold and is adorned with rubies. During the annual Songkran Festival (Thai/Lao New Year) the Buddha image is taken down and paraded around town.

Giant Catfish (or pla buek) are the largest freshwater fish in the world. It can grow to 3m in length and can weigh 300kg. The meat from the fish is very valuable, as there are only 30-60 fish caught a year! In ages past, fishermen used harpoons to capture these large creatures. Now fishermen trawl the river with nets.

Festivals

Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a natural phenomenon. A fireball is seen rising up out of the Mekong River on the night at the end of the Buddhist Lent. The fireball is visible from Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi. Many people from across Thailand and the world gather to witness this spectacle. A friendship boat race between Thailand and Laos is also staged during this time.

Accommodation

Pantawee Hotel
1049 Haisoke Rd. [Tel: 0 4242 0033] 450-1500 baht

Nong Khai Grand Hotel
Rte. 212 [Tel: 0 4242 0033] 1000-2500 baht

Mekong Royal Nong Khai
222 Jommani Beach [Tel: 0 4242 0024] 900+ baht

Thai-Laos Riverside Hotel
051 Kaew Worawut Rd. [Tel: 0 4246 0263] 500+ baht

Dining

Mutmee serves delicious food in a riverside location. Kaew Worawut Rd., dishes 40-80 baht

Danish Baker offers many Western dishes as well as baked goods. Meechai Rd., dishes 30-100 baht

Nobbi’s Restaurant cooks up many tasty Western dishes and sausages. Rimkhong Rd., dishes 50-120 baht

Daeng Naem Nuang serves delicious Vietnamese food. Banthoengjit Rd., dishes 30-40 baht