Nong Khai

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Cliff side wooden bridge at Wat Phu tok temple , Bueng Kan, Thailand

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Overview

Sitting on the banks of the Mekong, just across from Vientiane in Laos, Nong Khai (หนองคาย) has been a hit with travelers for years. Its popularity is about more than just its proximity to Vientiane and its bounty of banana pancakes, though. Seduced by its dreamy pink sunsets and sluggish pace of life, many visitors who mean to stay one night end up bedding down for many more.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Sala Kaew Ku

Nong Khai

One of Thailand’s most enigmatic attractions, Sala Kaew Ku can't fail to impress. Built over 20 years by Luang Pu Boun Leua Sourirat, a mystic who died in…

Wat Pho Chai

Nong Khai

Luang Po Phra Sai, a large Lan Xang–era Buddha image awash with gold, bronze and precious stones, sits at the hub of Nong Khai's holiest temple. The head…

Phra That Klang Nam

Nong Khai

The ‘Stupa in the Middle of the River’ (sometimes called Phra That Nong Khai) is a ruined Lao-style chedi submerged in the middle of the river and can…

Nong Khai Aquarium

Nong Khai

Although it's looking a little shabby these days, this large aquarium offers a fairly interesting collection of freshwater and ocean-dwelling fish from…

Wat Noen Phra Nao Wanaram

Nong Khai

This forest wát on the south side of town is a respected vipassana (insight meditation) centre on pleasant, tree-shaded grounds. Most of the extremely…

Tha Sadet Market

Nong Khai

This is the most popular destination in town. Almost everyone loves a stroll through this covered market despite it being a giant tourist trap. It offers…

Prap Haw Monument

Nong Khai

Nong Khai and the surrounding area came under several attacks by jeen hor (Yunnanese) marauders in the late 19th century. The small Prap Haw Monument …

Wihan Ji Gong

Nong Khai

The city's newest Chinese temple is dedicated to Ji Gong, an eccentric and heavy-drinking Chinese monk (he's usually depicted with a bottle of wine) now…

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