'''''Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts'''''
Nong Khai is a border town on the bank of the Mekong River. This province is a gateway to Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People_fs Democratic Republic (Lao PDR.), with a friendship bridge linking between the two countries. The history of Nong Khai dates back to over 200 years ago. Initially, this riverside area was spotted with small towns; namely, Phran Phrao, Wiang Khuk, Pakho, and Phai (Ban Bueng Khai). At present, traces of ancient places have been found in temples along the Mekong River on the route Tha Bo ? Si Chiang Mai. During the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin era, Chao Anuwong, the ruler of Vientiane, staged a rebellion. King Rama III appointed Chao Phraya Ratchathewi to lead an army to attack Vientiane. The army won with the important forces supported by Thao Suwothanma (Bunma), the ruler of Yasothon, and Phraya Chiangsa. The king, therefore, promoted Thao Suwo to be the ruler of a large town to be established on the right bank of the Mekong River. The location of Ban Phai was chosen for the town called Nong Khai, which was named after a very large pond to the west.
Nong Khai is 615 km. from Bangkok, covering an area of around 7,332 sq km. This province has the longest distance along the Mekong River; measuring 320 km. The area is suitable for agriculture and freshwater fishery. It is also a major tourist attraction where visitors can easily cross the border into Laos. There are temples, culture and folk ways of life, which are interesting. Hotel accommodation is available and comfortable. There are various kinds of food and souvenir products. By all these charms, people have been drawn to visit this riverside town.
From Bangkok, drive along Highway 1, past Saraburi and switch to Highway 2, via Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, to Nong Khai, totalling 615 km.
The State Railway of Thailand has a train service from Bangkok to Nong Khai every day. For further information, contact the travel service unit, Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444, or visit the website www.railway.co.th.
There are flights to Udon Thani. A further bus trip for 51 km. to Nong Khai is required. For further information, contact the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI): Bangkok office, Tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000; Nong Khai office, Tel. 0 4241 1592; or visit the website www.thaiairways.com.
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.
'''Prap Ho Monument (?????????????????)''' is located in front of the old city hall. The cremated bones of those who lost their lives in the suppression of the Ho in 1886 have been contained inside the monument which was built by an order of Luang Prachaksinlapakhom, the suppression commander, to honour the good deeds of those who sacrificed their own lives for the nation. There are inscriptions in Chinese, English, Laotian and Thai on all four directions of the monument. A worshipping ceremony and a fair to celebrate the monument are held every year on 5 March.
'''Wat Pho Chai (???????????)''' is a royal temple, located on Pho Chai Road in the Mueang Nong Khai Municipality. Luangpho Phra Sai, a sacred Buddha image of the town which is respected by the people of Nong Khai, is housed here. This Buddha image sitting cross-legged, which was cast from bright yellow gold in the posture of subduing Mara, has graceful features. According to legend, three daughters of the King of Lan Chang had three Buddha images cast and named each to associate with their names: Phra Soem, Phra Suk, and Phra Sai to the eldest, middle, and youngest siblings, respectively. Originally, the three images were housed in Vientiane. In the reign of King Rama III, they were invited to Nong Khai by boat. On the way to Nong Khai, Phra Suk was drowned by a storm. Phra Soem and Phra Sai were invited to house in Nong Khai. Later on, in the reign of King Rama IV, Phra Soem was taken to Bangkok. Phra Sai is still housed at Wat Pho Chai in Nong Khai. Every year on the full moon day in the seventh lunar month, the people of Nong Khai always hold a rocket merit-making fair or Bun Bang Fai to worship Phra Sai at Wat Pho Chai.
'''Tha Sadet Market (????????????)''' is located along the Mekong River in the Mueang Nong Khai Municipality. This is a source of products from Indochina and East Europe, including dried food, processed food, and utensils, such as electric appliances, clothes, watches, kitchenware, etc. It is open daily from 07.00 - 18.30 hrs. Many visitors, both foreign and Thai, come to see and purchase products for sale here. Furthermore, this is a checkpoint for local people to cross the border into Laos, while visitors in general have to go through the Thai ? Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint.
'''Phrathat Nong Khai or Phrathat Klang Nam (?????????????? ???? ??????????????)''' is a broken pagoda in the middle of the Mekong River. According to the legend of Urangkhathat (Phrathat Phanom), nine pieces of the Lord Buddha_fs foot relics were kept here. The underwater survey of the Archaeological Unit Region 7 found that the pagoda which has an indented square base of 17.2 m on each side, with around 28.5 m in height, was broken into three pieces. It was presumed that the pagoda was built in around the 15th ? 17th Century since its form was mostly similar to Phrathat Bang Phuan. Section 70 of the Chronicles says that _gPhrathat Mueang Nong Khai collapsed on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the ninth lunar month in Buddhist Era 2390._h The river bank was eroded, so the pagoda is presently seen almost in the middle of the Mekong River.
'''Sala Kaeo Ku or Wat Khaek (??????????? ???? ??????)''' is located 3 km. from the town of Nong Khai on the right side of the route to Phon Phisai. Presently, it is under the care of the Nong Khai Buddhist Association. This place which looks like an open museum of religious statues was created with an inspiration of Luangpu Bunluea Surirat who built it around 1978, out of his own belief that the teachings of all regions could be mixed together. Therefore, there are Buddha images in different attitudes, Hindu gods, Christian religious icons, as well as character figures from the Ramayana epic and folk legends. It is open daily during 07.00 - 17.00 hrs. Admission fee is 10 Baht per person.
'''Hat Chom Mani or Chom Mani Beach (?????????)''' is located around 2 km. from town, along the Mekong River. It is a sandy beach stretching about 200 m and only emerging during the dry season. April is the appropriate time for a visit. There are so many visitors, both from town and nearby provinces, that it is called the _gPattaya of Isan._h In addition, the Thai ? Lao Friendship Bridge can be viewed clearly from the beach.
'''Thai ? Lao Friendship Bridge (???????????????-???)''' is a link over the Mekong River between Amphoe Mueang Nong Khai of Thailand and Tha Duea of the Lao People_fs Democratic Republic, the town which is around 20 km. from Vientiane the capital. It was built with cooperation from three countries: Australia, Laos, and Thailand. It is the bridge that strengthens the Thai ? Lao relationship on cultural, economic and social aspects. Visitors in general are required to cross the border from Nong Khai to Vientiane via this channel. This bridge is 1,174 m long and 12.7 m wide, with two driving lanes and the middle space spare for the establishment of a train track. At a foot of the bridge, there is an immigration checkpoint.
'''Phrathat Bang Phuan (?????????????)''' is located in Wat Phrathat Bang Phuan, Ban Don Mu, Tambon Phrathat Bang Phuan. This ancient pagoda which contains the Lord Buddha_fs relics has long been respected and worshipped by the people of Nong Khai. The original pagoda was built with bricks in the local style of architecture, featuring an Indian stupa of the same age as Phra Phathom Chedi. Then, its base collapsed in June 1970. The present pagoda which was renovated by the Fine Arts Department is an angular bell-shaped Chedi supported by a square relic chamber similar to that of a Prang, with a tapering finial crowned by an umbrella. Its lower base has five tiers and is 17.2 m wide. The pagoda measures 34.25 m from the ground. The people of Nong Khai hold a fair to worship the pagoda on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the second lunar month every year. Within the temple compound, there are other interesting ancient places such as Sattamahasathan or the seven important places in the history of the Lord Buddha after his enlightenment, where he stayed seven days each in Bliss of Emancipation, and Sa Pappharanak or Sa Phaya Nak (pond of the Naga serpent) where in the past the water was taken to bathe a newly appointed ruler of the town as an auspicious gesture.
''To get there'' Phrathat Bang Phuan is 23 km. from town. Take Highway 2 (Nong Khai ? Udon Thani) for around 11 km. and turn right to Highway 211 toward Tha Bo. Drive on to Km 10, the temple is on your right.
'''Luangpho Phrachao Ong Tue (??????????????????????)''' is housed in Wat Si Chomphu Ong Tue, Ban Nam Mong. This large Buddha image was cast from bronze by the royal artisans of the northern city and Lan Chang. Having graceful features, the 4 metre-high image is sitting cross-legged in the attitude of subduing Mara with a lap width of 3.29 m. It is a holy image which has gained much respect from the peoples on both of the banks of the Mekong River. According to a stone inscription, this image was built in 1562 by the royal command of Phra Chaiyachettha, King of Nakhon Wiang. The metals used included gold, brass, and silver, weighing a total of one Tue (an ancient scale of Isan) and it took seven years and seven months to finish the cast. The province has a fair to pay homage to Luangpho Phrachao Ong Tue every year on the full moon day in the fourth lunar month.
''To get there'' From the town of Nong Khai, take Highway 2 to Udon Thani and switch to Highway 211 (Nong Khai ? Tha Bo). At Km 31, follow a road sign on the left to the temple for around 1 km.
'''Tobacco-making Village (???????????????)''' is along the route from Amphoe Mueang to Amphoe Tha Bo on Highway 211. The villagers grow tobacco plantations along the area parallel to the Mekong River. Here, there are picturesque views of nature.
'''Freshwater Fishery Village (???????????????????)''' is located in Tambon Kong Nang on the Tha Bo ? Si Chiang Mai route. The villagers here have freshwater fishery as a profession. Freshwater species of fish raised in their farms are Pla Taphian, Pla Nai, Pla Nuan Chan, Pla Yisok Thet, Pla Klet Ngoen, Pla Hua To, Pla Duk Thet, etc. Their produce is delivered for sale in Bangkok, the North and Isan regions.
'''Krayo Pastry-making Village (???????????????????)''' is located on the route from Nong Song Hong to Amphoe Tha Bo. Here, bamboo trays are seen with Krayo pastry being sun-dried along the roadsides. Krayo pastry is used for Vietnamese food such as Popia (spring rolls) and Naem Nueang (wrap of pork and vegetables with spicy sauce). Krayo pastry is an export product as well.
'''Phra Sutham Chedi, Wat Aranyabanphot (??????????????? ?????????????)''' is located on the Si Chiang Mai ? Sangkhom Road, Tambon Ban Mo. Relics of the Lord Buddha are enshrined in this Chedi which also serves as a museum. The Chedi was constructed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand as a tribute to Luangpu Rian Woralapho, a religious master of many followers. An annual merit-making fair is held at the temple in January.
'''Wat Hin Mak Peng (??????????????)''' is located at Ban Thai Charoen, Tambon Phra Phutthabat. The temple compound is spacious, clean and shady with various species of plants amidst tranquility. Its area on one side borders the Mekong River where a scenic view can be seen. Originally, this place was a Dharma practice place of Luangpu Thet Thetrangsi, a famous meditation master of Isan, who initiated it as a Dharma practice centre for Buddhist monks, nuns and pilgrims. After his death, a Chedi was built to enshrine his remains. Inside the temple, there is a statue of Luangpu Thet on display with the eight requisites (the three robes, the bowl, a razor, a needle, the girdle and a water-strainer) and his biography.
''To get there'' Wat Hin Mak Peng is 75 km. from town. Take Highway 211 (Nong Khai ? Si Chiang Mai) and switch to Highway 2186. The temple is on your right.
'''Namtok Than Thong (???????????)''' is located in Ban Pha Tang, Mu 1, Tambon Pha Tang. This waterfall has its stream flowing along the rocky ground. There is a pond where visitors can swim. Tiers of small cascades line below for a distance of around 30 m before merging with the Mekong River. The time to visit when the waterfall holds plenty of water is between June and October. The surrounding area is an arboretum with a thick forest.
''To get there'' Take the Nong Khai ? Si Chiang Mai ? Sangkhom route (Highway 211) past Ban Chai Charoen to Ban Pha Tang (Highway 2186). At Km 74, around 11 km. before reaching the town, Than Thong Waterfall is on your right, while the car park is on the left.
'''Namtok Than Thip (?????????????)''' is a high and beautiful waterfall amidst a lush forest. It has three tiers. The first tier is around 30 m high and its long white body of water rushes into a pond below. The second tier of about 100 m high can be reached through a marked trail. The third tier is around 70 m high with water flowing all year round, especially in the rainy season there will be plenty of water.
''To get there'' Drive along Highway 211. At Km 97-98, follow a road sign to turn left and go on for around 2 km. (It is about 9 km from Amphoe Sangkhom.) From the parking area, walk another 100 m.
'''Nong Khai Horticultural Research Centre (???????????????????????)''' is located on the Nong Khai ? Bueng Kan route (Highway 212). From the town of Nong Khai, drive on for around 63 km. Then, follow a road sign to turn right at Ban Na Yang and go on for another 200 m. Being not far from the Mekong River, this area is very moist and various species of plants have been grown here for an experiment to see their development. Visitors can walk the area to view groves of fruits, such as durian, mangosteen, Long Kong, cashew nut, etc., and local plants for conservation, such as Makiang which is used for making wine and juice. There are also furrows of local vegetables, such as Krachiao, Phakkat Ya, Som Mong, Phak Wan Pa, etc., which are eaten with Namphrik (spicy sauce) or Lap (spicy dish of minced meat) by the people of Isan. Besides, local herbs and more than 100 species of fragrant flowers are gathered here. During the cool season, colourful temperate flowers will be grown as well. This is an interesting place of agro-tourism. For further information, call 0 4242 1257.
'''Wat Sawang Arom or Wat Tham Si Thon (?????????????? ???? ???????????)''' is located on the rocky ground of a hill. It is shady with trees and a small stream flows through it. The Ubosot (ordination hall) stands on a giant boulder. Down below, a reclining Buddha image is housed for the people to pay homage to. From here, a view of Laos can be seen in the distance.
''To get there'' From the town of Nong Khai, drive along Highway 212 to Amphoe Pak Khat. Follow a road sign to turn right and go on for another 500 m.
'''Phu Thok (?????)''' means an isolated mountain in Isan dialect. Located in Ban Na Kham Khaen, Tambon Na Sabaeng, this sandstone range stands out and can be seen from a distance. It consists of two hills: Phu Thok Yai and Phu Thok Noi. Previously, this area was dense woods with many wild animals. Because of its tranquility, Phra Achan Chuan Kunlachettho, a meditation master, initially established a meditation place here for Buddhists to practise the Buddha_fs teachings.
'''Phu Thok Noi is where Wat Chetiya Khiri Wihan (Wat Phu Thok)''' is situated. This temple is the starting point of a walk up to the top of Phu Thok, via a wooden bridge winding around the steep mountain. The bridge was built with faith from monks, novices and villagers. The construction began in 1969 and took five years to complete. This bridge is compared to a path of virtue that leads a righteous man to leave a world and enter into emancipation by their own efforts and determination. Phu Thok is still a meditation practice centre and a place for the community_fs religious affairs. Visitors shall be calm in manner and pay respect to the place. The bridge_fs stairs to the mountain top are divided into seven sections.
The first and second sections leading to the third section wind around the mountain which is covered by a dense dark forest with boulders and rocky grounds. At the end of the third section, a left turn is a very steep shortcut through the channel-like rock formation straight to the fifth section, but a right turn provides a path up to the fourth section.
The fourth section climbs around the mountain and overlooks small hills dotting the ground below called _gDong Chomphu_h whose area to the west borders Phu Langka which is a rain forest in Amphoe Seka. Here, it is a residence for nuns. The section is around 400 m in circumference and is provided with rest areas here and there along the path.
The fifth section has pavilions and monk_fs residences. There are several caves along the route to the sixth section. Many spacious rest areas are available on the sixth section, including cliffs, such as Pha Thep Nimit, Pha Hua Chang, Pha Thep Sathit, etc. To the north, visitors can see a natural stone bridge to Phra Wihan (hall) where the Lord Buddha_fs relics are enshrined. Here, a mountainous line of Phu Thok Yai can be seen clearly. Most visitors often end their walk here. Since a further move to the seventh section goes along the winding bridge which clings to an edge of the high steep cliff, for around 400 m before reaching the shady forested hilltop destination. To visitors, this may seem horrifying and too dangerous.
''To get there'' Phu Thok is around 185 km. from the town of Nong Khai. Take Highway 212, past Pho Chai, Pak Khat and Bueng Kan districts. Then, turn left to take Highway 222 and head for Si Wilai district. From Si Wilai, take a left turn and go on for another 30 km., past Ban Na Sing, Ban Sai Ngam, to Ban Na Kham Khaen and Phu Thok.
'''Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary (???????????????????????????)''' is located in Ban Don Chik; 3 km from Bung Khla district and take a right turn for a further trip of around 6 km. It has an area of around 186 sq. km. or 116,562 rai, covering some part of Bueng Kan, Bung Khla, Seka and Bueng Khong Long districts, and nearly bordering Laos. This sanctuary is around 150-300 m above sea level. Types of forest here are mostly Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest, Dry Evergreen Forest and Moist Evergreen Forest. Some parts of the area are sandstone mountain ridges, rocky grounds and grass fields.
''Places of Interest''
''To get there'' It is rather a difficult trip. From Bung Khla district, drive on Highway 212 for 24 km. to Ban Tha Dok Kham. Turn right to take a dirt road to Huai Bang Bat and go further by boat to the waterfall.
''To get there'' Use the same route to Namtok Chet Si. Take the Ban Chai Phon ? Ban Phu Ngoen route for 13 km. Follow a small road off the route for another 5 km. Go further for the final distance on a bumpy narrow dirt road accessible by only motorcycle.
Travel to the Lao People_fs Democratic Republic through the Thai ? Lao Friendship Bridge
Visitors can visit Laos by themselves. For those who prefer convenience, there are licensed companies offering a tour service. The immigration checkpoint at the Thai ? Lao Friendship Bridge is open daily during 06.00 ? 22.00 hrs.
To bring a car in and out of the country, a document is required with a fee as imposed. Contact a tour company in Nong Khai for the service. For further information, contact the provincial customs checkpoint, Tel. 0 4241 1518, 0 4242 1468-9, fax: 0 4241 2654.
Tour Service to Laos Visitors can contact tour companies in Nong Khai for more details. Rates of the service are subject to travelling days and the number of visitors.
'''Prap Ho Monument Fair (????????????????????)''' Being held at the Prap Ho Monument around the month of March every year. Activities in the fair include shows, games, and booths of goods at reasonable prices.
'''Trut Songkran Fair (???????????????)''' Being held at Wat Pho Chai on Songkran Day every year. Luangpho Phra Sai and important Buddha images from other temples will be put on a procession to go around town for the general public to pay homage to and bathe the holy images. There are booths of local products at reasonable prices.
'''Bun Bang Fai Fair (????????????)''' Being held in the sixth lunar month (May) every year. There is a rocket contest to worship Phaya Thaen or god of the rain. It is a way the local people do to ask for rain. A temple fair will be organised in the grounds of Wat Pho Chai. Rocket shooting will be done on the field around 10 km. from Wat Pho Chai.
'''Bang Fai Phaya Nak (????????????)''' This extraordinary miracle always occurs at the beginning of the full moon night in the eleventh lunar month (End of Buddhist Lent). It can be seen along the Mekong River in the districts of Mueang, Phon Phisai, Pak Khat, Bung Kan, Tha Bo, Si Chiang Mai and Sangkhom. Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a term used for red and pinkish fire balls, which according to belief, belong to Phaya Nak or the great serpent of the underwater world. On the day marking the End of Buddhist Lent, a great number of people come to witness this phenomenon.
'''Tak Bat Thewo and Thai - Lao Friendship Boat Race (???????????????????????????????????-???)''' Being held during the end of the Buddhist Lent festival every year. People come to offer alms to Buddhist monks in the morning. Long boat competitions, which the Thai and Lao sides will take turn to host, will be held on the Mekong River during the day.
'''''Distances from Nong Khai to Nearby Provinces'''''