Nong Khia (Nong Khai)

Member Name: simon2005

Product:	Nong Khai
Date:	12/09/05 (172 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pleasent regional town, sculpture park

Disadvantages: none

Nong Khai

This town situated on the banks of the Mekong River has long been used as a gateway into neighbouring Laos via the Friendship Bridge, yet the town is worth a few days of your time. The capital of the province bearing the same name is a small town of 61,000 people, mainly an administrative centre the main reason most tourists come here is too enter into Laos. The main route from Bangkok is via train with several sleeper services offered each night; the nearest airport is in Udon Thani about an hours drive away.

There are a mixture of architecture styles in the town, traditional Thai-Chinese shop houses, examples of French-Chinese buildings and early 20th century Thai style as can be seen in the Governor’s Mansion. There are also several large hotel developments in and around the town.

For things to do and see in the town the 2 highlights are the Sculpture Park and on a hot day the Water Park, there are several interesting temples around and the market overlooking the river is worth strolling through. Situated just out of the town is the large and somewhat strange Sculpture Park, built in the 1970’s the park contains many sculptures depicting the live of Buddha, and many other Buddhist and Hindu deities, the largest being 25m tall. Closer to town is a large water park with several pools and slides, just what you need on a hot summers day.

There’s plenty of choice for places to stay and eat in the town, a mixture of local and expat run businesses are along the main street and around the market area. My recommendation for a budget place to stay and for a good meal is Mutmee guest House. Situated in a large garden setting on the banks of the Mekong River this guesthouse offers good reasonably priced food and comfortable rooms. Another food option are the many food stalls that set up in the evening along the main street offering great snacks.

So Nong Khai isn’t just the gateway to Laos, is deserves a couple of days in its own right. Like many towns along the Mekong it has a large Naga Fireballs festival in October when many people both locals and tourists head to the town to witness the natural occurring fireballs that can be seen along this stretch of the river.

Summary: PLeasent town in the north of Thailand