Nong Khai is a peaceful and serene region situated within
the Mae Nam Kong valley. Dwelling on the banks of Mekong River, this
northeastern Thai province is located on the borders of Thailand and Laos. Nong
Khai is just 25 kilometers away from the Laotian capital, Vientiane, and is a
prime market for the trade and transport of Lao and Thai goods.
There are
numerous destinations available for the tourists to visit. The most monumental
of them is the Thai-Lao Friendship bridge built on the Mekong River.
Constructed in 1994, this bridge commemorates the alliance between Thailand, Laos
and Australia. Another beautiful place to visit is the Phu Wua Wildlife
Reserve. Most part of this wildlife sanctuary is covered with deciduous
dipterocarp and dry evergreen and moist evergreen dense forests. This park is
known for its breathtaking waterfalls and cascades such as Namtok Tham Fun,
Namtok Chet Si, Namtok Phu Tham Phra and Namtok Chanaen.
Adventure lovers can opt for jungle trekking, camping, rock climbing and
swimming near the waterfalls.
Hat Chom Mani is a beautiful beach located on
the banks of the Mekong River. One
of most attractive places in Nong Khai is the Phu Thok mountain range. This
range consists of two mountains namely Phu Thok Yai and Phu Thok Noi. Both
these mountains present tourists with various interesting, and adrenaline
pumping experiences. The lovely and the most revered Buddhist temple Wat Phu
Thok is located on the hilltop. Apart from this, numerous fascinating
destinations exist in Nong Khai that can carve a wonderful experience in the
minds of visitors.
Nong Khai Province is widely popular for
an extraordinary natural phenomenon or miracle called Bang Fai Phaya Nak. It
occurs on the day marking the end of Buddhist Lent and can be viewed all along
the banks of Mekong River. During this Long Boat Race competitions are
conducted to mark the Thai-Lao friendship.
Other colorful celebrations of
this province include Prap Ho Monument
Fair held during March and Bun Bang Fai Fair held in May. Rocket shooting, folk
entertainment, shows and games are organized as part of celebrations.
Nong Khai offers tourists with a
wide range of local food delights such as Isan-styled sausage, Mu Yo or Pork
bar, Naem or fermented pork, and Naem Nueang, a Vietnamese dish. There are
numerous restaurants serving delicious Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines.
Other notable products of the region are hand-woven cotton, baskets and silver
ornaments.
Nong Khai Province is 615 kilometers away
from Bangkok. Direct trains to this region depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong
and Bang Sue Railway Stations daily. Transport Company Limited operates
air-conditioned and non air-conditioned daily bus services to Nong Khai. These
services are available at Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal. Tourists can even
hire a car from Bangkok to Nong Khai. The popular means of travel for visitors
to go around the Nong Khai town is the tricycle service called “Skylab”. Local
bus services are available for the convenience of tourists to visit other
destinations inside the province.
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