Nong Khai
Photo Credit : robythai543
Nong Khai, located in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan, is a province and town situated along the picturesque Mekong River, forming the border between Thailand and Laos. It’s renowned for its lush landscapes, including the Mekong River and the intriguing Phu Phra Bat Historical Park with its unique rock formations and ancient rock paintings. Nong Khai Town, the provincial capital, serves as a gateway to Laos through the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, a significant landmark fostering trade and travel between the two countries. The town also boasts the eccentric Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park, featuring massive concrete sculptures depicting deities and mythical beings. Nong Khai hosts various festivals, including the Naga Fireball Festival, famous for its mysterious glowing orbs rising from the Mekong River. The province’s rich cultural blend of Thai, Laotian, and Isaan influences is evident in its flavorful cuisine and the warm hospitality of its people. Nong Khai has emerged as a popular tourist destination, offering natural beauty, historical sites, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of larger Thai cities.
How to Reach Nong Khai
- By Bus: Chiang Mai (642 km)
- By Air: Udon Thani International Airport (47 km)
Top Attractions
1. Visit the royal Wat pho Chai Temple-
Making its place at Phrachak Sinlapakhom Road, Wat Pho Chai is a royal temple known to house a stunning statue of lord Buddha. The Lord is worshipped here with the name Luangpho Phra Sai.
The temple is huge and divine. One can sit back and meditate here. The temple holds great faith in the hearts of the local people here. It commences annual Songkran Festival, which is celebrated with great grandeur.
2. Bargain at Tha Sadet Market aka Indochina Market-
A real treat to the shopaholics, The Tha Sadet Market is a beating heart of the city. Adorned with the Indochina and the European products, the market welcomes hundreds of shoppers each day.
One can visit this Mekong Riverside market, daily between 7.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. The market sells out Goodies in steal away prices. One can find all the things ranging from food and groceries to daily essentials and luxury gadgets. This market has it all.
3. Visit the Stupa of Phra that Klang Nam aka Phra that Nong Khai or Phrathat La Nong
The Mekong River in Nong Khao holds another famed structure of great importance. Famed for housing the holy foot bone pieces of Lord Buddha, this centuries old stupa sees itself in a damaged state now. The holy stupa holds nine pieces of bone and is broken into 3 large pieces.
In the respect of this holy place, a replica of this stupa named Phrathat La Nong is built nearby.
4. Witness Buddha’s relics at Phra that Bang Phuan
An important place for the buddhists and his devotees, Phra that Bang Phuan is a renowned and revered ancient Stupa of the city. The Stupa is famed for its housings and the other structures at the premises.
One can witness the beautiful depiction of Lord Buddha’s journey after attainment of enlightenment. There is a depiction of Satta Mahasathan (7 important places in the History of the Lord Buddha after his enlightenment), the Mutchalin Pond or Sa Pappharanakorthe (Great Serpent Pond) etc.
5. Visit the incredible Wat Thai Temple (Phaya Nak Cave)-
Spreaded across 8,512 square metres, this temple campus is a different world in itself. It is basically a serpent temple that depicts the life underworld. One can walk across the giant serpent statues depicting different importance and rendering luck and fortune to the visitors.
6. Attend the Naga Fireball festival-
The full moon day of the 11th lunar month or the End of the Buddhist Lent (usually in late October), a spectacular event of annual Naga Fireball festival is held.
In this eve, the Mekong river witnesses a soft-glowing balls of light mysteriously float over it. The locals who have great faith in the serpent gods believe that to be a phenomenon created by them.
7. Experience the unique Skywalk-
If you really want to experience the thrill of walking in air 550 meters above the sea level, then this is the stop. Made this super strong tampered laminated glass, to impart a clear view beneath the foot, this skywalk is truly a must visit in Thailand. Famed by the name Tak Suea, it is a 16 meters long skywalk in the shape of a horseshoe.
The glass projection from the cliff supports approx 2,500 kgs of weight and offers a great view of the surrounding and beneath. One can appreciate the curved and the path of the famed Mekong River here along with many other interesting sites.
8. Viewpoint of Phu Pha Dak
Tambon Ban Muang, Amphoe Sangkhom houses a stunning viewpoint named Phu Pha Dak. This mountainous view point is loved by the tourists because of its scenic views of the Mekong River and surroundings.
9.Seek blessings of Luangpho Phrachao Ong Tue
Luangpho Phrachao Ong Tue is a 4 meters high, stunning golden cast Buddha idol. The idol makes its place at Wat Si Chomphu Ong Tue, Ban Nam Mong. The place is highly revered by the Buddha devotees from across the country and world.
It is believed that the idol was built in 1562 by Phra Chaiyachettha, King of Nakhon Wiang. The gigantic idol is made from the alloy of gold, brass and silver.
The temple also commences an annual festival named The Phrachao Ong Tue Festival on the full moon day of the 4th lunar month (March).
Right behind the famed Tha Sadet Market, on the Mekong frontage is another beautiful place to visit. If you are at Nong Khai on Saturday, then you can visit this spectacular market place between 4.00-10.00 p.m.
The market not only sells goodies but also provides scenic view of the Mekong river waterfront.
Map View
Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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