Nong Khai

Nong Khai (หนองคาย) is a city in Isaan. The city lies on the southern bank of the Mekong River, only 20 km from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Statue park, Sala Kaew Ku Understand On the banks of the Mekong, with Laos on the far side Famed for its lovely position along the Mekong River, Nong Khai is a bustling Thai town and the main gateway to Laos and Vientiane. It has many beautiful features which attract a considerable number of Thai and Foreign visitors every year, including Salakeawku the almost surreal sculpture park; the enormously revered Luang Por Phra Sai Buddha Image which has a remarkable history; the truly extraordinary Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (though in Udorn Province is easily reached from Nong Khai); and the Thai-Lao Indochina Market called Tha Sadej Market which occupies many, many streets in the centre of the town. A large part of the centre of the town, including along the river bank has been pedestrianized. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, opened on April 8, 1994, was the first bridge across the lower Mekong, and the second on the full course of the Mekong. Nong Khai is an excellent example of the Isaan Culture which dominates the north east of Thailand and which has a very strong identity that is very different from the culture of the centre, north and south of Thailand. Famed for its warmth, kindness and friendliness, the Isaan language and culture has been drawn from twin Thai and Lao roots. Today, the very distinctive Isaan culture is a source of tremendous pride to those who are born into it. Most locals speak both Thai and the local dialect called Isaan, which is closely related to both the Thai and Lao languages. Many locals also speak a little bit of English, some Vietnamese and some Chinese. Nong Khai played a central role in the Yunnanese (Chinese) Hor Rebellions of the 1880's. Later it was under French local rule until 1932, and some examples of French architecture remain. During the Vietnam war, it became home to many Lao, Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants who have added their own culture and entrepreneurial skills to the great benefit of the town. Get in By plane The nearest airport (on the Thai side) is in Udon Thani, 56 km away. There are direct shuttle buses four times a day between the airport and the Friendship Bridge (2 km from Nong Khai), plus taxis and minibuses that will take you in to Nong Khai proper. Thai Airways operates flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Udon Thani. AirAsia and Nok Air operate a service between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Udon Thani. By train Nong Khai is the terminus of the northeastern railway line from Bangkok via Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. The trip takes 10-12 hours and a first class sleeper ticket from Bangkok to Nong Khai or vice versa is currently about 1,200 baht, and a second class sleeper ticket (not bad for the price) is 748 baht. Sleepers often sell out at peak times so you may need to book in advance. Shuttle services now operate onward from Nong Khai to Tha Nalaeng, Laos (near Vientiane) four times a day, consistent with the arrivals and departures of the Bangkok trains. You can only buy tickets at Nong Khai station, and you need to pass through immigration as well. (If coming in on train #69 from Bangkok, there's a 90-minute window to do this.) Once the formalities are done, the trip itself across the Friendship Bridge only takes 15 minutes. Visa on arrival is now available on the Lao side By bus There are departures to Udon Thani at least once per hour from the BKS station on Prajak Rd. The hour-long ride costs 20 baht in 3rd class (non-air con). 40 baht in 2nd class (air-con). There are several departures daily from Bangkok (~9 hours), Khon Kaen (110 baht, class 2, with a stop at Udon Thani) and across the border direct from Vientiane (55 baht, 17,000 kip, two hours) via the Friendship Bridge. A 1st class bus service connects Nong Khai directly with Suvarnabhumi Airport (the new BKK). Get around The only mode of public transport in the city is by tuk-tuk. Although the price has gone up recently due to the increased cost of fuel, they remain inexpensive at 20-30 baht/person to anywhere around the city centre. Recently, they have gone off the planet with prices, and wanted 100 baht from the bus station to anywhere within town. Some tuk-tuk drivers will ask for much more than 20-30 baht/person, but you can generally bargain with them to reach a reasonable price. When bargaining, smile and be patient and polite (or just walk down the street until you see a roaming tuk-tuk, which will probably be cheaper - and walking a short distance is sometimes the only way to get a reasonable price when arriving at the Friendship Bridge from Laos). A trip to or from the Friendship Bridge can cost over 70 baht for tourists if only one passenger is on board, although the normal price is 40-50 baht. Another good way to discover Nong Khai and its surroundings is by bicycle. Some guesthouses and several rental places around town offer bicycles (30 baht/day) and motorbikes (200 baht/day). Lower prices can usually be negotiated for longer rentals - try the rental stand outside the Mut Mee guesthouse or at Limmaneemotor on Meechai Road. Go for the one on Meechai Road first, their motorbikes are a lot better and the people there are very nice. You'll need a copy of your passport to rent one. Very cheap for long-term rental (Honda Dream 125 semi auto 1,500 bahts/month, Honda Scoopy 2,000/month at 2011 prices). A new location, Nong Khai Cycle & Tours [1], at 867 Kaeworawut Rd between Mut Mee Guest house and Thai-Laos Hotel now rents mountain bikes starting from 70 baht/day, city bikes for 60 baht/day and children's bikes for 40 baht/day, including helmets and free bottled water with each rental. For local tour options Discover Nong Khai Tours[2] offers airport service from Udon Thani & Vientiane to your guest house or hotel in Nong Khai. Udon Thani starts from 300 baht per person and Vientiane 800 baht per person. As well, they offer day tours to places such as Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, Wat Phu Tok, Ban Chiang (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sangkhom, Chiang Khan and Laos. They have the only city tour featuring stops at Sala Kaew Khu, Tas Sadet Market, aquarium, Wat Pho Chai, Mon Mai Research Station, Friendship Bridge, and more. They also provide free city maps as well as a map of Sala Kaew Ku which helps explain the various statues through out the park (a must have if you visit the park and one of the few places to offer the map in English). See Sala Keoku Nong Khai has one sight that cannot be missed - Sala Kaew Ku[3] (or Sala Keoku', also known as Wat Khaek), located 6km east of Nong Khai on Highway 212 (there is signage on the road indicating the direcion to Sala Kaew Ku, which will be spelt in many different ways on different signs). It's on the side of the road going towards Nong Khai (you'll need to make a U-Turn if coming from Nong Khai). Once you turn off the highway (into Salakaewkoo Rd.), the site itself is about 1-1.5 km away on the left. This utterly bizarre park of massive sculptures (some over 20m tall) is the handiwork of the mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, who bought the land in 1978 when he was kicked out of his native Laos - a similar park of his earlier work remains near Vientiane. Synthesizing Buddhism and Hindu ideologies, Buddhas, many-armed goddesses, naga snakes and all sorts of human-animal hybrids dominate the scenery. Entry is 20 baht for Thais and Foreigners (July/August 2011). There is no direct public transport. The site is perfectly reachable by riding a bike or even walking. You can also arrange a return ride with a tuk-tuk (100 baht or so, including the cost of the driver waiting one hour) or hire a motorbike at Limmaneemotor in Nong Khai. (Discover Nong Khai Tours listed above can arrange private tour in an air conditioned vehicle starting from 100฿ per person. As well they offer free maps explaining the individual statues of the Wheel of Life which is invaluable when walking around. Maps are in English and can be picked up from their local office.) Particularly noteworthy is the Wheel of Life[4], depicting his theory of the cycle of life; you enter via from a womb-shaped tunnel and walk the circle past statues depicting the stages. Luang Pu's mummified remains are enshrined on the third floor of the Sala Kaew Ku pavilion itself. The park is particularly imposing during the peak of the rain season in August, when light is soft and changeable, vegetation is particularly verdant, and acacia trees are full abloom with yellow fragrant flowers. The top of the tallest structure of Sulilat's earlier park on the Lao side of Mekong (known as Buddha Park) can be seen jutting above the trees if you walk along the Mekong past Wat That and look carefully over the Lao side of the river. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park Nang Usas Tower, Phu Phra Bat Historical Park Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located near Ban Phu and is one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Thailand. This historical park dates back more than three thousand years and contains large and mysterious rock formations. Transport to Phu Phra Bat is available in the form of motorbike, car, or bus and can take a day to travel and experience it. It is also possible to stay overnight at Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, and this is highly recommended. Phu Phra Bat was opened to the public in 1989 and is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand. Phu Phra Bat is known to be a very spiritual and peaceful environment and is a must-see for every tourist, whether it be a day-trip or an overnight stay. Wat Phu Tok Wat Phu Tok is located about four hours from the town of Nong Khai, nearby Bung Kan, and is accessible by bus, by car, or by motorbike. There are seven levels of wooden steps, ladders, roots and rocks on the mountain which represent the seven factors of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhist psychology. Inside caves and sitting on cliffs, you will find many meditation huts that are used by monks from all over northeastern Thailand. Wat Phu Tok is a quiet mountain and a place of peace and respect where many climb to the summit to practice meditation. Open 6:30am-5pm and Closed 10-16 April. Taa Sadej Market The Taa Sadej Market is located in the town of Nong Khai, nearby the Mekong River. It is an undercover market and separates into two different sections. This market is the main market of Nong Khai and it is open every day with stalls selling various food items, clothing, electronics, household items, and jewelry pieces obtained from China, Vietnam, and Laos. You will also find the Porntip Exchange store towards the end of the Taa Sadej Market, and here all currencies of money can be exchanged. Sepak Takraw Sepak Takraw, normally played throughout South-East Asia, is a sport that appears to be a cross between english football and volleyball. This amazing display of gymnastics and kung-fu is becoming more popular around the world. The aim of the game is to try and keep the special ball off of the ground using everything but their hands. Sepak Takraw competitions are held throughout Thailand every April, but casual games can be seen in many public places such as parks. Nong Khai Freshwater Aquarium The Nong Khai Freshwater Aquarium is located on the Khon Kaen University campus, about 4km out of Nong Khai. It is famous for it's giant catfish and displays various ocean-dwelling species as well as freshwater species. The Nong Khai Aquarium is a great place to visit and relax, with a picnic garden area and a few drink stalls also available. On the weekends the aquarium holds scuba-diving shows. The aquarium is open from Tuesday to Sunday (9am-4:30pm) and admission price is 100B. Phra Taat Klangnam Phra Taat Klangnam or the Sunken Chedi, is a large Lao-style Chedi that was submerged beneath the murky waters of the Mekong in the 18th Century. The chedi eventually fell over into the river in 1847 and is marked by a number of flags in the middle of the Mekong, which can be seen in the dry season when the water level drops low enough. It is also known as the Holy Reliquary in the Middle of the River, and was supposedly built to conserve Buddha's right foot. A replica of the chedi called Phra That Klang Nam, was built in 2006 and sits on the banks of the Mekong nearby. Experience There a variety of events and festivals that are celebrated and take place in and around Nong Khai throughout the year. [5] They include various Rocket Festivals, Song Kran, The Anou Savari Festival, The Candle Festival], The Rowing Festival, the mysterious Maekong Fireballs, the Chinese Festival, and Loy Kratong. Rocket Festivals Rocket Festival The rocket festivals of Nong Khai normally occur in May, which is the sixth lunar month, in June, and sometimes July (also known as Bun BângFai). Every year at these times, large rockets are fired into the sky and the crowds gather to watch this event as well as enjoy the music, stalls, and vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Visakha Puja day, which is the day that Buddha was born, the day of his enlightenment, and the day of his death, marks the beginning of one of the biggest rocket festivals and a parade takes place in celebration. The festival is a lot of fun and traditionally it occurs to encourage the clouds to part and water the crops, as well as way to worship Phaya Thaen who is the god of the rain. Rockets are usually fired about 10km from Wat Pho Chai, but a temple festival is normally held at Wat Pho Chai itself. The Candle Festival Candle Festival, Nong Khai The annual Candle Festival is a beautiful street parade which takes place on the day before the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Huge candles are built in the grounds of Wat Chayaporn on the days prior to the festival. On the day of the festival they are paraded on floats through the streets, accompanied by dancing girls, boys in their traditional Siamese costumes and middle aged devotees in their white robes. Song Kran Song Kran, Nong Khai The Thai New Year takes place on the 13th of April and the people of Thailand celebrate by participating in 'Song Kran, also known as the water festival.. Song Kran occurs between the 12th of April and the 15th of April. Water is splashed upon others as a symbolism of a blessing, and traditionally it was the day that Buddha images were cleaned. Song Kran often turns into a large water fight between the locals and is one of the most popular festivals of the year The Anou Savari Festival Every year, the Anou Savari festival occurs on the 5th of March and spans just over one week. Unique to Nong Khai, the Anou Savari festival is the city's biggest street fair and is held in celebration of the defeat of the Hau rebellions between 1884 and 1886. Rowing Festivals Rowing Festival Rowing festivals take place in October and involve longboats with crews of up to thirty rowers each. During the first few weeks of Buddhist Lent, Paan Saa, the rowers begin their practice for the race. The race is a spectacular display of athletic talent and the festivities that surround the event are a must-see for any visitor to Nong Khai. The Maekong Fireballs Maekong Fireballs The strange appearance of the famous Maekong Fireballs takes place on the last night of Buddhist Lent. They are visible from several points along the river bank but the most famous place to view them is Phon Phisai, 40km east of Nong Khai. These mysterious pink, glowing balls arise silently from the river after dusk, and are visible on this night only. Also known as the Naga Fireballs (after the Maekong River Naga), they appear for only a few seconds before disappearing as mysteriously as they appeared. There are many theories of what the scientific cause of these fireballs could be, but most believe it is better not to know and would rather enjoy the festivities of the night instead. The Chinese Dragon Festival During late October and early November, the people of Thailand hold their version of the Chinese Dragon Festival and it lasts for ten days. It's a fantastic event to attend and involves amazing displays of acrobatics, dancing Chinese Lions, dancing dragons, parades, firecrackers, and Chinese opera. Loy Krahtong Loy Krathong, Nong Khai The Loy Krathong festival is known as the second most important festival of the year for Thai people and occurs between the middle of the 11th lunar moon to the middle of the 12th lunar moon, which is a great flood season, making the waters high and ideal for this festival. Krathong are small, floating shrines or lanterns normally made out of bamboo leaves and decorated with flowers, incense and candles. The floating of the Krathong represents the gratitude of the Thai provinces to the gods for the rain, as well as a blessing and good luck for the year. Loy Krahtong involves a krathong parade, krahtong-design contests, and 'Noppamas which are beauty pageants. Do Nong Khai is a charming city to wander around on foot or on a rented bicycle (30 baht/day) and meet the friendly and helpful locals. It's also a good place from which soak up the Isaan culture of the neighbouring towns, which can easily be reached by bus from the main BKS ("Bor-kor-sor") bus station in the city centre, on Prajak Rd. If you expect the usual tourist traps of Bangkok and Phuket, you will be disappointed. There are no superclubs, go-go bars and mega-malls. This is a place to chill by the Mekong River watching passenger and cargo boats transit between Thailand and Laos, or to finish that paperback that has been sitting in your luggage for weeks. You may also consider stocking up on travel necessities before trudging on to Laos. Many who have planned only an overnight stay have ended up staying for weeks. For those interested in Muay Thai boxing lessons on a long-term basis, go to the boxing stadium beside the Grand Hotel and inquire from ex-Muay Thai boxing national champion Arjarn Lart, a friendly local who speaks just enough English. This is the real deal, so do not expect an air-conditioned gym with cushy floor mats surrounded by ceiling high mirrors. During the months from January to May when the Mekong River level resides to its lowest, the Jomanee ("Joe-mar-nee") 'beach' appears near the Friendship Bridge, 2 km west of town. Food and drink vendors readily provide mats, shade and music for the hundreds of locals and tourists who patronise their stalls. An excellent spot to watch the sunset. When you vist Nong Khai you must get a massage. A good one is Rungtawan Thai Massage, 1205 Jen Job Thid Rd, Nai Muang subdistrict. Go fishing at VS Fishing Park, 157/1 Moo 5 Tambolhadkam, Tel: +66 42-411054 or +66 862 425 914. 80 baht for the day to fish. 100 baht for a days rent of rod, reel and hooks etc. 20 baht for bag of sticky rice for bait. They have a restaurant there also. Fishing competitions held on the first Sunday of each month. All fish have to be returned to the pond after being caught. 20 kg carp have been caught here. Mundo Exchange[6] is a voluntary charity that matches volunteers with community development projects in and around Nong Khai. If you have a few days you could try teaching English or learning about environmentally friendly methods used in and around Isaan. Thai-Experience[7] is a charity arranging volunteer vacations and service learning projects in Nong Khai and the Isaan area. Volunteer opportunities include teaching English or computer skills and help at an orphanage. Isara [8] is another volunteer organisation based in Nong Khai. They are one of Thailand's only free volunteering organisation which runs its own recycling centre, learning centre and regular helmet campaigns. They also have a programme where they send volunteers to government schools across Thailand to teach English. They work to teach English everyday to local children and adults, as well as classes in art, dance, computers, and Chinese. Openmind Projects [9] is a locally based volunteer organisation which provides an excellent initial 3 day training to all volunteers and provides placements ranging from teaching English in local schools to more distant placements in Southern Thailand, Cambodia and Nepal, and in eco-projects in Thailand and Laos. Visa Run - Getting a Thai Visa in nearby Vientiane, Laos From Nong Khai Bus Station go to border/Friendship Bridge by tuk-tuk. Fill out your Thai Departure Card (stapled in passport) and exit Thailand. Take the bridge shuttle bus (tickets 15 baht at ticket stand) to the Lao side. Get Lao entry application at Window 2. Fill this in and include one passport photo. US$35 for Lao entry visa [USD available for sale just around corner. Much better rate than the 1,500 baht charged if you pay in Thai baht. Only US$50 notes available but change will be given in USD. Use it next time you go or spend it in Lao. Give [completed form, one passport photo, and passport] at Window 1 Wait at Window 3 (just around corner) for passport. Your name will be called/passport photo waved around You can buy Lao currency (Lao kip) at the same window as the USD. The rate has been 254 kip = 1 baht for a long time now. You can easily use baht or US dollars in Lao so you don't need to change money. Lao currency is very difficult to change back into baht or dollars, so if you do buy kip, don't buy too much. Proceed past the 'entry fee' kiosks. You will rarely be asked for the 20 baht entry fee Negotiate for an air-con taxi (better than tuk-tuk) which will take you to the Thai Embassy, wait for you, and take you to a hotel of your choice for 150 baht per person for 2 people. (Tuk-tuks want 200 baht just to take you to the embassy) Thai Embassy open for visa applications from 08:00-12:00 Return next day from 13:00-15:00 to collect your passport with completed visa (e.g., 60-day tourist visa). The same taxi driver will pick you up at your hotel the next day at 12:30 if you agree on this with him. Same price. Arrive at the Friendship bridge (Lao side) by taxi There is a duty free shop across the road Fill in your Lao departure card (stapled to your passport) and exit Lao Take the bridge shuttle bus (tickets 4,000 Lao kip or 15 baht at ticket stand) to the Thai side Get a Thai arrival card at the kiosk and fill it in (at least the arrival half) Go to the immigration kiosk and get stamped into Thailand. Your new Thai visa has just been activated. Check the stamp has the correct duration, just in case (depends on what type of visa you've got, e.g., 60-days) Get a tuk-tuk to Nong Khai bus station (50 baht per person for 2 people) Buy There are plenty of banks with ATMs in town, in particular on the main drag, Prajak Rd, and on Meechai Rd, which is runs parallel and to the north of Prajak Rd. Some ATMs limit the amount you can take out to 3,000 baht/day. The ones inside Tesco-Lotus near the cashiers allow up withdrawals up to 25,000 baht. The only bank branch open on Saturdays is at the Tesco-Lotus mall. If you stand in front of the main entrance pass the building on the right side and enter near the bookshop. Most ATMs charge 150 baht for overseas cards but the Aeon Bank doesn't. Find it in the Tesco Lotus shopping mall near to KFC/adjacent to the MK Restaurant. The recently renovated Thasadej Market is a 500 m covered alley market beside the Mekong River, where one can find handmade Thai and Lao products, Chinese teas, cheap (and often low-quality) electronics, clothes and a bewildering assortment of other items. It's open daily 08:00-18:00. South of town on the Udon Thani road is a Tesco-Lotus, a fully-fledged Western-style supermarket with satellite shopping arcade and a cinema (nearly always Thai movies or Western movies dubbed into Thai). Nearby on Sunday afternoons/evenings is the Sunday Market, which sells all kinds of things. You can also buy and sell used books in the HornBill Book Shop, Very good book shop with a great selection of new and used English and international books also has a good selection of travel guides. This book shop is located in the Soi leading to Mut Mee guest house. The owner has an extensive knowledge about her books and about Thailand in general. Eat & Drink The majority of Nong Khai locals eat out at the dozens of restaurants and bars along the Rimkhong (the riverside road) at the east end of town. Food here is cheaper and often better than in the town centre. English is not always spoken but increasingly Nong Khai restaurants have menus in more than one language. There are also many Thai food vendors along Prajak Rd that sell excellent cheap food. Both of the above areas are aimed principally at evening customers, so many eateries don't open until after dark. However, there are a number of Thai (and European) establishments in and around Thasadej market which are open during the day. Smile Bar [10], Location: 622 Rimkong Road (on the Mekong River west of Thasadet Market). You can always enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Smile Bar where there are ice cold beers and tasty food right by the Mekong River. ThaiGun Aeng Bar [11], location: Rim Kong Rd (on the Mekong River east of Thasade market). Nong Khai's newest expat bar. Relaxing environment with a great view of the mighty Mekong River. It has a free pool table, friendly staff, quality drinks, fun music, Western-style toilets. This is a great bar to visit in Nong Khai. Highly recommended! The Manchester Arms is an English-owned, gay-friendly bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from 13:00 till late, there is also free Wi-Fi and live sports on TV as well as great views across the Mekong to Laos and stunning sunsets almost daily. Dee Dee and Thai Thai on Prajak Rd, the main street in Nong Khai, are two Chinese-style diners right next to one another that serve good Thai and Chinese food. They are open later than most other restaurants. "Thai Thai" is open later, but "Dee Dee" generally has better food. Daeng Naem Nueang, along the Mekong on Rim Kong Rd slightly downstream from 'Warm up' and just upstream from the Tha sadej market, is a Vietnamese restaurant widely acclaimed among Thai and Vietnamese residents of Nong Khai. The staff are friendly, but not all proficient in English. They also offer pre-made take-away packages of 'naem neuang' (a delicious Vietnamese dish) if you want to eat at home instead. Im Im Dim Sum Serving dim sum, noodle, fried snacks, coffee and tea. Located in downtown Nong Khai, Soi Sook Pracha near the PP Sport Centre. The most popular bar with young locals is Warm Up, which is located on the Rimkhong (riverside) road west of Thasadej market, and also accessible from the promenade. This area also has the largest concentration of farang bars and guesthouses. And floating on the Mekong river close by, below Wat Hai Sok, is the romantic Gaia Bar [12] Soi Nitapat just off Prajak Rd in central Nong Khai features a few more farang bars, such as the The Funky Monkey Bar together with Jig's Kitchen, which also offers Thai food. Computer/WiFi for customers, sports on TV, and a 'bring one take one' book exchange. [13] Ruan Thai Coffee & Breakfast, Rimkhong Rd (warm up). Run by a very pleasant young Thai woman who does her best to speak English. The prices are a little high, but the food is excellent and the restaurant itself is also quite nice. The German Bakery at the corner of Meechai and Haisok has very good bread. Yota Vegetarian Restaurant, on Kaeworawut Rd a few minutes west of Mutmee Guesthouse. Most dishes here have mock meat, usually very convincing. About 25 baht per meal. Breakfast and lunch, sometimes dinner (if there's a special occasion). Arm Bar and Restaurant on the promenade about midway down, next door to the big sunset terrace restaurant. Really good Thai and European food, with sausage and bacon for breakfast open from 09:00 until late, well worth a visit. Lovely Thai lady owner speaks good English. Nong Khai Home Cooking on Prajak Rd & Soi Pho Sri 4. Private Western or Thai home cooked meals. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Private events or catering/buffets. The chef formerly worked at Don's Cafe in Phuket. [14] Sunday Market, on the highway west of the major intersection with the arch (sort of near Tesco Lotus), roughly mid-afternoon to 22:00 rain permitting, has plenty of cooked/uncooked food. Other markets, including the Chayapone Market (between Meechai Rd and Kaeworawut Rd, near the Thai Lao Riverside Hotel), the Wednesday evening market (near the Nong Khai Grand Hotel), the morning market (near the bus station), and the other market near the Sunken Chedi at the east end of town, also have cooked/uncooked food. Mut Mee and Nagarina are the only two restaurants who serve proper vegetarian food all day around. Coordinates: N17° 53.016 E102° 44.527 Sleep Budget accommodation is of good value, extensive and affordable relative to the other more popular cities of Thailand. Amazon Guesthouse, [15]. checkout: 12:00. A garden guesthouse. Laid-back but efficient accommodation. Close to the natural park and Mekong River. Has an outdoor lounge area where you can relax with a book and enjoy views of the river.  edit Friendship Guesthouse, 402 Meechai Rd (in the soi, on the left side towards the Mekong). checkout: 12:00. It's only 10 minutes from the bus station by foot, so save the 20 baht because the guesthouse is a bit expensive, but one of the most beautiful and romantic places in town. A renovated dark-red wooden house set in a lush garden with beautiful double rooms for about 400 baht. 400 baht.  edit Khiang Khong Guest House. checkout: 12:00. beside the river. A new guesthouse, family run. Good rooms, hot water, comfortable beds.  edit Mekong Guesthouse. checkout: 12:00. by the Mekong River on the bridge side of the market has rather expensive rooms with air-con but they also have a dorm for 150 baht with hot shower and TV. There's a good chance of being the only person in there.  edit Mut Mee Guesthouse, ☎ 042 460 717, [16]. checkout: 11:00. by the Mekong River west of Thasadej market. Long-established and understandably popular. In a large tree filled garden overlooking the river, it has both simple and higher quality rooms surrounded by hammocks and a variety of seating. It has a boat called the Nagarina which cruises on the river at sunset. Mut Mee owns the Gaia bar mentioned above. Yoga & meditation classes are also available. Large range of good food and drinks. GPS coordinates: N 17° 53.010 E 102° 44.515 220B-800B. (17.88349519,102.74190903) edit Pantawee Hotel (โรงแรมพรรณทวี), 1049 Haisoke Rd (It is about 1.5 km from the bus station. Turn left as you exit onto the main road.), ☎ +66 42 411 568. Rooms are clean and well-looked after, with air-con and a free computer terminal in the 700 baht rooms at the rear. Restaurant on-site, and it is not too expensive. English is spoken at the desk, and guests have free English language daily newspapers at the restaurant. Staff are very competent and friendly. 500-700 baht.  edit Rimkhong Guesthouse, (A few blocks downriver from Mut Mee, about 100 paces beyond the Nong Khai Pier building.), ☎ +66 42 460 625. checkout: 12:00. Nice little place with wonderful courtyard full of tables and benches and charming bric-a-brac. Lots of area information posted around the courtyard. Laundry service, basic food and drink and bicycles available. Shared bathrooms. Rooms include nice beds, table and chair, comfy chair. Good quality Wi-Fi connection, available from 09:00 till midnight. Passing motorcycles and tuk-tuks are pretty loud during the day, not bad at night. GPS coordinates: N 17°53.048' E 102°44.631' 300-400 baht. (17.89666748,102.90860748) edit Sawasdee Guesthouse, 402 Meechai Road A. Muang Nongkhai (Opposite Saikunmaung Temple, down river from post office), ☎ (042) 412-502 (fax: 420-259), [17]. checkout: 12:00. 5 minutes from the bus station by foot. Situated in an old, colonial-style building on a good location offering fan room whit shared bathroom and cold shower and AC rooms whit private bathroom and hot shower. The rooms are good and clean, guest house has nice communal area and a free WiFi. Friendly and helpful owner who can give you lots of tips for getting around. GPS coordinates: N 17° 53.131 E 102° 45.056 fan single 180B, fan double 200B-220B, AC 400B-450B. (17.88553727,102.75085687999) edit Get out Vientiane — the capital of Laos, is just across the Mekong, and most visitors can get visas on arrival at the border Jom Jang — a village on the banks of the Mekong river, approximately 18km east of the city Relax in one of the villages along the Mekong to the west (near to far): Tha Bo, Si Chiangmai (famous for spring roll wrappers), Sangkhom and Chiang Khan (popular with Thai tourists) in neighbouring Loei province. Routes through Nong Khai END ←  N  S  → Udon Thani → Nakhon Ratchasima END ←  N  S  → Udon Thani → Saraburi This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!