Thailand Travel Heaven: Nong Khai : long thin province running along

Nong Khai is a long thin province running along
the Mekong River, providing the main access to
Laos. Originally people went by boat from Tha Sadet, but the building of the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and trade with Laos.

Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Chang, and Phra That Nong Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen completely in the dry season.

Sala Kaeo Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with statres of Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains a number of beautiful waterfalls.

Nong Khai is 615 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 7,739 square kilometres. It consists of the following districts: Mueang Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Phon Phisai, Tha Bo, Sangkhom, Seka, So Phisai, Si Chiang Mai, Phon Charoen, Pak Khat, Bueng Khong Long, Si Wilai, Bung Khla, Sa Khrai, Rattana Wapi, Fao Rai and Pho Tak.

:: How To Get There

Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi which connects with Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai. A total distance from Bangkok to Nong Khai is 615 kilometres.

Bus

The Transport Company Limited has a regular bus service both ordinary and air-conditioned to Nong Khai every day. For further information, contact the Mo Chit 2 (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 2936 2852-66, or visit the website www.transport.co.th . In ddition, there is a private bus service: 407 Phatthana, Tel. 0 2992 3475-8, 0 4241 1261; Chan Tour Limited, Tel. 0 2618 7418, 0 4241 2195; Barami Tour, Tel. 0 2537 8249, 0 4246 0345; and Cherdchai Tour, Tel. 0 2936 0253, 0 4246 1067.

Rail

Trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue Railway Stations to Nong Khai every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.

Air

Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and continue the journey by car to Nong Khai, some 50 kilometres from Udon Thani. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.

Intra-provincial Transport

Visitors can use car rental services operated by many tour companies in town. They may choose a tricycle service called “Skylab” for visiting tourist spots in town and nearby areas, such as Tha Sadet Market, Wat Pho Chai, Sala Kaeo Ku, and Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge.
From the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, there is a bus service from Nong Khai to Loei, past Amphoe Tha Bo, Amphoe Si Chiang Mai and Amphoe Sangkhom in Nong Khai, and Amphoe Chiang Khan in Loei. The route runs along the Mekong River. In these districts, there are guesthouses available for visitors.

Inter-provincial Transport

Apart from a Nong Khai – Bangkok bus service, the Nong Khai Bus Terminal also provides its service on other routes: Nong Khai – Rayong (both ordinary and air-conditioned), and ordinary buses on the Nong Khai – Loei, Nong Khai – Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai – Udon Thani routes. Contact the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 4241 1612.
Trains are available from Nong Khai to Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Bangkok three times a day. Contact the Nong Khai Railway Station,
Tel. 0 4241 1582.

Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts

Tha Bo

Phon Phisai

Si Chiang Mai
So Phisai
Pak Khat
Sangkhom
Bueng Kan
Phon Charoen
Seka 228 kilometres
Bueng Khong Long
Si Wilai
Bung Khla 181
Sa Khrai