TH · Nong Khai · 17.87°N 102.74°E

nong khai

Mekong riverside town facing Vientiane, with a surreal giant sculpture park.

Best time
November to February is cool and dry. Around the end of Buddhist Lent in October, crowds gather by the river hoping to see the 'naga fireballs' rise from the Mekong.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours), then about 1 hour to Udon Thani. Nong Khai is about an hour north of Udon by van or taxi. The train from Bangkok also ends here.
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TH · Nong Khainong khai17.87°N 102.74°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Mekong riverside town facing Vientiane, with a surreal giant sculpture park.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNong KhaiTH, Nong Khai
KLnong khai
≈ 1,642 km from KL, as the crow flies
Nai Mueang, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai, Thailand

Photo: กิตติ เลขะกุล · CC BY 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A laid-back town on the Mekong, looking straight across the river to Laos. People come for the riverside walks, the sunsets and Sala Kaew Ku, a sculpture park full of giant concrete gods and Buddhas. It's also the jumping-off point for Vientiane, about 25 km away over the Friendship Bridge.

Makan

  1. Naem nueangGrilled pork rolled in rice paper with herbs, a local favourite with Vietnamese roots.Map ↗
  2. Mekong river fishGrilled or in soups at the riverside restaurants.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Sala Kaew KuA strange, memorable sculpture park with towering concrete figures from Buddhist and Hindu stories.Map ↗
  2. The Mekong promenadeWalk or cycle along the river at sunset, with Laos on the other bank.Map ↗
  3. Tha Sadet MarketA long riverside market for snacks, dried goods and things from Laos and beyond.Map ↗
  4. Wat Pho ChaiHome of Luang Pho Phra Sai, one of the most revered Buddha images in the region.Map ↗
  5. Vientiane day tripCross the Friendship Bridge to the Lao capital for the day.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Bring your passport if you plan to cross into Laos, and check the entry rules before you go.
  • Dress modestly at Wat Pho Chai: cover shoulders and knees.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.