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| Nong Khai | ||
| province | Nong Khai | |
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| Residents | 48.274 (2014) | |
| height | unknown | |
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Nong Khai(Thai: หนองคาย) is the capital of the homonymous province in Northern Thailand. Due to its special location on the Mekong and its proximity to Laos, Nong Khai is a special city full of life and a popular stop between Thailand and Laos. It is located directly on the southern bank of the Mekong in Isaan, a region in northwestern Thailand and is only 20 km from Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
background
Nong Khai is an excellent example of the Isaan culture which dominates northeastern Thailand. Through a mixture of the Thai and Laotian way of life, a unique lifestyle developed, which differs from other parts of Thailand and which is particularly known for its warmth, friendliness and helpfulness. The Isaan dialect is predominantly spoken in the region, which has developed from a mixture of Thai and Lao. In addition, many residents also speak a little English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
During the Vietnam War, Nong Khai got the new home of Laotian, Vietnamese and Chinese refugees, which resulted in a multicultural mix. Even today, Nong Khai still benefits from the diversity and entrepreneurship of the immigrants.
There are many attractions in and around Non Khai that attract both Thai and foreign tourists, including Salakeawku, a park with oversized and surreal statues; the famous Luang Por Phra Sai Buddha statuewhich has a remarkable history; the extraordinary Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (although located in Udon Province, the park is easy to get to from Nong Khai); and the Thai-Lao Indochina market, known as Tha Sadej Market, which spreads over several streets. A considerable part of the city is a pedestrian zone, which invites you to stroll along the banks of the river. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, opened on April 8, 1994, was the first bridge over the lower part of the Mekong and the second in the entire course of the river.
getting there
| Distances | |
| Bangkok | 624 km |
|---|---|
| Udon Thani | 54 km |
| Vientiane | 24 km |
Nong Khai is from Bangkok just over 600 km away. The Laotian capital Vientiane is only 24 kilometers away on the other side of the Mekong.
By plane
The next airfield is in Udon Thani, 56 km from Nong Khai. Thai Airways operates flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Udon Thani. Air Asia and Nok Air fly from Bangkok Don Mueang to Udon Thani. From there there is a shuttle service (minibus) between the airport and Nong Khai. The journey time is about an hour and the price is 150 baht per person. If you wish, the driver will also bring you directly to your hotel (as of 07/06/2013).
By train
Nong Khai is the terminus of the northeast railway line from Bangkok via Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. To and from Bangkok you can get to Nong Khai by train early in the morning, early in the evening or by train expresswho have a sleeping car can be reached or left in about 12 driving times. Bunks are comfortable, clean and cost 500-1300 baht depending on the equipment. However, sleeping cars are often fully booked during peak travel times and it is then advisable to make a reservation. Be careful, unlike some other night trains, there are food and drinks on this route Not included in the fare! (Prices, as of July 6, 2013)
By bus
- Udon Thani: Buses run every hour in both directions. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs 20 Baht (3rd class, not air-conditioned), 40 Baht (2nd class, with AC).
- Bangkok: Several buses run daily from Bangkok to Nong Khai, including buses direct to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The journey takes about 9 hours. Night buses leave Bangkok in the evening and are mostly air-conditioned (the air conditioning is sometimes set very cold, a jacket helps a lot).
- Khon Khaen: Most buses to and from Bangkok also stop in Khon Khaen.
- Chiang Mai: There is a minivan service and regular buses from Chiang Mai to Nong Khai.
- Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, Phrae, Phayao, Phitsanulok: the company's long-distance bus runs once a day Greenbus from Northern Thailand to Nong KHai.
In the street
Nong Khai can be reached by car from Bangkok via the very well developed Thai Highway 31 (Viphadi Rangsit), Thai Highway 1 (Phahon Yothin Road) and Thai Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) in 9 hours.
Nong Khai is by the 1,774 m long Friendship Bridge connected with Laos. The visa for Laos is available directly at this bridge.
By boat
mobility
The only type of so-called “public” transport is the tuk tuk (three-wheeled taxi). Rides within the city center cost 20-30 baht / person. Some tuk tuk drivers specifically ask tourists about inflated prices, but prices are generally negotiable. When trading, it is best to smile, be patient, and be polite. Sometimes leaving and looking for another tuk tuk is the only way to get a fair price (especially at the border). The usual price from the Friendship Bridge to the center is 40-50 baht, although tuk tuk drivers sometimes ask for 100 baht or more. If there are several people, however, the price does not increase by a multiple of the number of passengers.
Bicycles are a good alternative because the city is manageable and the surrounding area is flat. Some hotels and hostels rent bicycles (30 baht / day) and motorbikes (200 baht / day). For longer periods, prices can be negotiated (weekly, monthly). Nong Khai Cycle & Tours [1] Now also rents mountain bikes from 70 baht / day, city bikes for 60 baht / day and bikes for children for 40 baht / day, including helmets and free drinking water. All bikes are in good condition. Limmaneemotor (on Meechai Road) has good bikes, the staff are nice and has the best prices for long-term rentals (Honda Dream 125 semi auto 1,500 Baht / month, Honda Scoopy 2,000 Baht / month; prices as of 2011). You need a copy of your passport. Motorbikes can also be rented in front of the Mut Mee Guesthouse.
For local tours in the area, Discover Nong Khai Tours is recommended[2], which also offer transport from the airport in Udon Thani (from 300 Baht / person) or directly from Vientiane (from 800 Baht / person; from the airport or hotel). However, the provider mainly specializes in day tours such as to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, Wat Phu Tok, Ban Chiang (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sangkhom, Chiang Khan and Laos. The city tour, which includes Sala Kaew Khu, Tha Sadet Market, the Aquarium, Wat Pho Chai, Mon Mai Research Station (research station for silk), the Friendship Bridge, etc. is unique. You can also get a map of the city and explanations in English about the various statues in the sculpture park.
Tourist Attractions
Sala Kaeo Ku (or Sala Keoku, also known as Wat Khaek)
An absolute must for every visitor to Nong Khai is Sala Kaeo Ku[3], the bizarre park with huge sculptures (some over 20 meters high) made of cement. After the mystic and animalist Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, from his native land Laos was violated, he bought the property in Nong Khai in 1978 and built the park. A mixture of Buddhist and Hindu ideologies as well as depictions of animalism dominate his works. The artist wanted to show that Buddhism is rooted in Hinduism. Particularly noteworthy is the "circle of life"[4], a collection of statues, which reflect the stages of life and possible influences. In fact, one enters the inside of the circle through a tunnel and gate that represent the parents' genitals. Free maps of the city with the sights, a short curriculum vitae of the artist and an explanation of the statue "Circle of Life" in English are available at the Mut Mee Guesthouse (see chapter #Accommodation).
Luang Pu was very revered in the region and you can still visit his mummified body on the third floor of the main building. In August at the height of the rainy season, the park is particularly impressive, as the soft light of the season, the lush vegetation and the scent of the acacia trees create a special atmosphere. Entry costs 20 baht / person (prices as of July 2011). Due to the sun's rays, some travel guides recommend visiting the park in the afternoon, as this is a better time to take photos.
A similar sculpture park exists near by Vientianewhere you can admire Luang Pu's earlier works of art. In fact, the tallest statue in Buddha Park in Laos can be seen from the promenade at Wat That.
Sala Kaeo Ku is located at the eastern end of the city, 6 km from the center on the 212 motorway, in the direction of Nong Khai (street signs show the direction, but there are probably as many different spellings as there are signs, e.g. Salakaewkoo or Saka Keoku). Coming from Nong Khai you have to turn around to get to the other side of the expressway. From there it is only 1-1.5 km (Salakaewkoo Rd.) To the park. Since there is no public transport, a bike tour is a good idea (about half an hour from the center). Round-trip tuk tuk tickets cost 150 baht in total, including the driver's waiting time. Discover Nong Khai Tours offers a private tour from 100 Baht / person (see chapter #Mobility).
Further
- The most famous temple in Nong Khai Wat Pho Chai with a solid gold Buddha statue.
- The Chinese temple Wat Pho Chai, which is characterized by colorful kites.
activities
- For those who don't mind high temperatures and humid air, we recommend taking part in the free evening sports meeting in the city park. Just before sunset, sports enthusiasts meet there to do gymnastics or jog to Thai pop music.
- Alternatively, there should also be an American yoga master who offers courses for beginners and advanced.
- Watch the "Naga fireballs"that rise from the Mekong in October for reasons that have not yet been clarified. But they can be seen better outside the city, about 55 km to the east Phon Phisai. See below Nong Khai Province # Activities.
shop
- In the north of the city there is a weaving mill with an attached tailor's shop, both of which are part of a Catholic self-help project for women from Laos. In the workshops, which can also be visited, mainly silk fabrics, some of very good quality, are produced and sold. There is also an Indochina market (Tasadej) on the banks of the Mekong. Products from Laos, China and Vietnam are offered here.
kitchen
Above all, the Isaan kitchen (very spicy) is widespread here. But there is also traditional Thai cuisine as well as French and Vietnamese influences.
- - Mut Mee Guesthouse also operates a restaurant, which is located directly on the Mekong. The garden, from which you can also wonderfully enjoy the spectacular sunsets, offers shade and coolness on hot days. The menu offers a good selection of Thai, Western and vegetarian dishes: all wonderfully prepared and very tasty. Absolutely no MSG is used!
nightlife
Since Nong Khai is a small town, there is no particular nightlife.
accommodation
- - The hotel has rooms with A / C, flat rate PC, DVD player, a small pool, 24-hour service and the option of renting a moped or bicycle.
- - Mut Mee Guesthouse is nestled around a large garden right on the banks of the Mekong. The oldest guest house in the city is centrally located: only 5 minutes from the Indochina market (Tha Sadej). Rooms range from luxurious (with a private terrace on the river, aircon and bathroom) to simple (with outside bathroom and fan) and almost all rooms contain works of art. The helpful staff are happy to answer any questions and provide a map of the city with the sights. Thai massage is offered on site, and bike rentals, book swaps, games, and WiFi are also available. The restaurant serves a good variety of Thai, Western and Vegetarian dishes: all wonderfully prepared and very tasty. There are even hammocks in the dry season! Even if you are not staying there, it is advisable to take a look and pick up the free city map with the sights and explanations about the sculpture park. Single room without bathroom: 180 Baht, double room: 230-1400 Baht depending on the equipment (status: 05.07.2013)
Learn
Work
security
health
Practical advice
| Post Code | 43000 |
|---|---|
| prefix | 042 |
In Nong Khai, as in almost every Thai city, you will find various Internet cafés where you can use an Internet connection for a small fee.
trips
- The SOS Children's Village, approx. 4 km south of Nong Khai, is happy to accept donations.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
The Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (English Phu Phra Bat Historical Park) is one of the most famous and beautiful landmarks in Thailand and is located near Ban Phu (Province Udon Thani), 65 kilometers southwest of Nong Khai (over an hour's drive). This historic park is over 3000 years old and contains oversized mysterious rock formations. The park was opened to the public in 1989 and is maintained by the Institute of Higher Arts. This is a particularly spiritual and peaceful environment and is definitely worth a visit.
The legend of Nang Usa, which relates directly to the park and in particular to a particular stone formation, is an important part of Thai folklore. It is the story of a beautiful young girl who is forced to live with a hermit for her protection. She is being courted by the handsome Tao Barot, but the relationship is cursed. A particular aspect of the legend relates to the rivalry between Buddhist and Hindu cultures, both of which were present in the area.
One can reach the park by car, motorcycle or bus. You can visit the park as a day trip from Nong Khai or spend the night there, which is recommended.
Wat Phu Tok
Wat Chetiyakhiri, better known by its colloquial name Wat Phu Tok, is a remote rock monastery in Amphoe Si Wilai (Province Bueng Kan), a good 160 kilometers by road east of Nong Khai (a good 2½ hours drive). Ajarn Juan, a famous monk and visionary built the temple in and around a mountain. The stairs, ladders, rocks and roots that enable the ascent represent the seven levels of spiritual enlightenment according to Buddhist philosophy. One can find many small meditation huts in the caves and on overhangs, which are still used today by monks from all over Thailand. Many visitors climb the mountain to meditate in peace and quiet, and the views from the top are breathtaking on a clear day. Ajarn Juan died in a plane crash on the way to the Queen of Thailand and his bones are in a mausoleum on the property. Hours of operation: 6: 30-17: 00; 10-16 Closed April
