15 great places to visit in Nong Khai
Nong Khai is a beautiful city located on the Mekong River in Thailand, known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, including the famous Bun Bang Fai tradition and its legends surrounding the sacred serpent. In addition to these cultural attractions, Nong Khai also boasts natural wonders, including the purity of its natural environment and the beauty of the islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. Visitors to Nong Khai are sure to find relaxation, joy, and fulfillment while exploring all that the province has to offer. If you are planning to visit Nong Khai, be sure to follow the local guidelines and customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Mueang District
Wat Phrathat Bangphuan
Wat Phrathat Bangphuan is an important temple located in Nong Khai city, in the Mueang District. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nong Khai, as it is home to the sacred Phra That Bang Phuan and the Naga Mutchalinda, which is revered by many as a place where wishes can be fulfilled. Visitors to Wat Phrathat Bangphuan are encouraged to pay their respects and make offerings at these holy sites.
Wat Pho Chai
Wat Pho Chai is a temple located in the Mueang District of Nong Khai, Thailand. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking to experience the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Visitors to Wat Pho Chai can explore the temple grounds, pay their respects at the various shrines and altars, and participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies. It is advisable to dress modestly and follow the rules and customs of the temple while visiting.
Location: VQM4+XW8 หนองคาย-โพนพิสัย Nai Mueang, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Sala Kaew Ku
Sala Kaew Ku, also known as Thevalai Park or Wat Khaek, is a tourist attraction in Nong Khai that is popular with both Thai and foreign visitors. It is home to more than 200 large reinforced concrete statues that depict a variety of figures, including Buddha images, Bodhisattva, Hindu gods, Christian figures, and characters from the Ramayana. These statues are an unusual and impressive sight, and the ancient and beautiful architecture of the park makes it a spectacular place to visit. Visitors to Sala Kaew Ku can explore the park and learn more about its cultural and religious significance.
Tha Sadet Market
Tha Sadet Market, also known as Indochina Market, is a popular destination for tourists visiting Nong Khai. Located along the Mekong River in the city, it is a source for local products such as food, OTOP items, souvenirs, and various appliances, including many products for children. Tha Sadet Market was formerly known as Tha Ruea Market and has a long history as a trading hub in the region. In addition to the market itself, visitors can also explore the ancient row buildings located along Mee Chai Road, near the market, which are a unique and interesting sight to see.
Nage Statue (The Twin Naga Terrace)
The Twin Naga Terrace is a well-known landmark located in Nong Khai city, in front of Wat Lamduan and adjacent to Tha Sadet Market. It is a cultural courtyard that is used for various events and is a popular destination for recreation, exercise, and sightseeing. Visitors to Nong Khai can easily access the Twin Naga Terrace by traveling via the Mekong River or Tha Sadet Market. In the evening, the Twin Naga Terrace is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the atmosphere of the golden light, with a variety of restaurants and shops offering delicious local dishes and other refreshments.
Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No.1
The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is a bridge that spans the Mekong River, connecting Mueang Nong Khai District in Thailand to Mueang Tha Dua in Laos. It is located about 20 kilometers from the city of Vientiane and was built with the cooperation of Australia, Laos, and Thailand as a way to strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties between the two countries. The bridge is open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is a popular route for tourists traveling from Nong Khai to Vientiane. It has two lanes for traffic and is an important transportation link between Thailand and Laos.
Phra That La Nong
Phra That La Nong, also known as Phra That Klang Nam, is a large relic located on the banks of the Mekong River in Nong Khai, Thailand. The Phra That is made of bricks and mortar and has a square base, but it has fallen on its side and is partially submerged in the water. It is considered a sacred site by the people of Nong Khai and is highly revered. In order to preserve the relic, the province has built a replica of the original Phra That, which contains pieces of the original relic inside. The replica is located near the original site, along the banks of the Mekong River, and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking to experience the cultural and spiritual significance of the region.
Wang Bua Daeng
Wang Bua Daeng, also known as Wang Bua Chompoo, is a natural swamp located in Ban Phai Thong, Wiang Khuk Sub-district, Mueang District, Nong Khai Province, Thailand. It is known for its beautiful red lotus flowers that bloom in the cool weather from December to February. Visitors can admire the flowers from the shore or take a boat tour to see the flowers from a different perspective. The flowers are surrounded by lush green trees and are accompanied by crabs that can be seen all over the water. The best time to see the flowers is in the early morning, from around 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., when the weather is cool and comfortable.
Sangkhom District
Wat Pha Tak Suea – Skywalk
Wat Pha Tak Suea is a temple located on top of a high mountain in Nong Khai, Thailand. It is known for its stunning views of the Mekong River and the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors to the temple can enjoy these views by taking a walk along a circular glass skywalk that follows the contours of the cliff. In the morning, the view is particularly beautiful, as the thin mist often floats above the Mekong River, adding to the atmosphere of the place. Wat Pha Tak Suea is not only a place of meditation, but also a popular tourist attraction, attracting many visitors who come to see the beauty of the region.
Wat Tham Si Mongkhon – Dinpieng Cave
Wat Tham Si Mongkhon is a temple located about 5 kilometers from the Wat Pha Tak Suea skywalk. It is known for its cave, which is said to be connected to the Mekong River and is believed to have been used by the Naga, a mythical serpent, to travel to the underworld. Inside the cave, there is always moist water and there are openings and holes that are illuminated by neon lights of various colors, creating a beautiful and striking effect. Visitors to the temple can explore the cave and learn about the local legends and stories associated with it.
Phu Huai Isan
Phu Huai Isan is a popular spot in Nong Khai, Thailand known for its beautiful views of the sea of mist and the sunrise. Located in the highlands, visitors to Phu Huai Isan can see the mist covering the landscape as far as the eye can see and the golden sun rising over the horizon. The mist often covers the islands of the Mekong River, creating a stunning and peaceful atmosphere. Many people visit Phu Huai Isan to experience the beauty of the sea of mist and to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Tak Mok, Norn, Beng Dao
After visiting Phu Huai Isan View Point, visitors can stop at a restaurant near the pick-up point for a simple breakfast including options like pan-fried eggs, boiled rice, coffee, Ovaltine, and Tak Mok Norn Beng Dao. This restaurant also offers tent accommodation with views of the Mekong River for a few hundred baht. The tents offer a spacious and scenic atmosphere.
Location: 5569+GX9, Ban Muang, Sangkhom District, Nong Khai 43160, Thailand
Phan Khod Saen Krai
During the dry season, the Mekong River’s water level significantly decreases, resulting in the appearance of rocks of different sizes. Along these rocks, lemon trees are often found, adding a splash of fresh green to the landscape. The water’s color changes as the sun reflects off its surface, creating a golden yellow hue that sparkles along the waves as small fishing boats pass by. This beautiful sight, known as “Kaeng Phan,” is perfect for capturing the sunset in a photograph. Many of the rocks in “Phan Khod Saen Krai” have names and stories associated with them. You need to take a boat to get there (1 hour ride)
Nong Pla Buek
At Nong Pla Buek, visitors can witness the stunning sunset view from the viewpoint, which is just a short 10 minute walk from Phan Khod Saen Krai. The area is known for its beautiful rocks that become visible when the Mekong River dries up. It is a great spot for photography and taking in the natural beauty of the region.
Phon Phisai District
Phaya Naga Cave
The Phaya Naga Cave is a popular attraction in Nong Khai, located on the bank of the Mekong River. It is known for its beautiful views of Naga skyballs and its 9-headed serpent statue “Nak Chaiyan.” Visitors can also explore an underground city cave model (not really a cave) and visit the Berk Fah Lan courtyard, which is used for various events and activities.
Location: 327 Moo 1, Pisaisoradej Road, Soi Sukhapibal 16, Jumpol Sub-district, Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai
