Thailand

Located at 23 kilometers from Vientiane, Nong Khai is the Thai city that serves as the gateway to Laos. It's a town in the Isan region, nestled in the northeastern part of the country, on the banks of the Mekong River.

This small border town now has a population of 50,000 inhabitants. It charms visitors passing through with its location between Laos and Thailand. Its lush nature, bustling atmosphere, and sunset delight travelers.

History

Nong Khai was long part of the kingdom of Vientiane while it was divided between independence and submission to Lan Xang and Siam.

In 1893, French colonists separated Laos from Siam. Nong Khai was separated from its kingdom.

During the communist revolution in 1970, Thailand welcomed thousands of Laotian royalists who sought refuge in Nong Khai. At the same time, during the Vietnam War against the Americans, the city also welcomed many Vietnamese.

On April 8, 1994, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge was inaugurated a few kilometers from the city center of Nong Khai. It reflects cooperation between the two countries and connects the two borders.

Today

By developing its culture, Nong Khai is now a festival city. Among the list are the Songkran festival (in April), the rocket festival (in May), the candle festival (in July), and the Loy Krathong festival (in November). The Naga Fireballs Festival, or the fireballs festival, remains the most famous here.

Exploring Nong Khai

Nong Khai is often considered a transit city on a tourist circuit linking the two countries, Thailand and Laos. However, it is pleasant to stop here and enjoy a day or more to discover its attractions.

The city is home to iconic places such as the Friendship Bridge, the famous Sala Keoku, the Wat Lam Duan located in the city center, Wat Pho Chai, the lotus lake, and many others.

The city is crossed by the Mekong, offering a pleasant stroll along this mythical river.

Don't forget to visit the "Sadet Pier" market if you're there on a Saturday night. It is the meeting point for all shopping enthusiasts from Laos and Isan. You'll find several craft stalls, shops, and plenty of restaurants to discover the spicy local cuisine.

Climate

A savanna climate dominates Nong Khai. It is hot all year round, but summer is heavily affected by rain while winter is dry. Over the year, the average temperature is 28°C and the average precipitation is 2,421.8mm.

Depending on the weather, the best time to visit Nong Khai is during the dry season. From November to March, rainfall is low, and the temperature is rarely below 23°C. In April, it climbs up to 32.6°C. This is the hottest month of the year.

How to get to Nong Khai?

The capital of Thailand offers all the necessary transportation to travel around the country. To go to Nong Khai from Bangkok, you can take:

• Plane: You'll land at Udon Thani Airport, located 60 kilometers from Nong Khai. From there, you can take a bus or train to Nong Khai in an hour.
• Train: At Hua Lamphong central station, take the northeastern line. Its terminus is Nong Khai. The journey will take 11 hours, passing through Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Ayutthaya.
• Bus: From Mo Chit terminal, about twenty buses depart daily for Nong Khai.

How to get around in Nong Khai?

Walking, you can visit the city without difficulty except to reach the must-see Sala Keoku, located 4 kilometers from the city center.

However, the city has many tuk-tuks to save you time on your travels. The fare must be negotiated before your departure.

You can also inquire about renting a bike or scooter to get around as you wish.