Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Lorraine Aust, Somchai Boonmee
13/08/2025
Una Baufala, Pexels
Nong Khai is a serene border town nestled along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, offering a tranquil escape from bustling tourist hubs. Visitors are drawn to its authentic local culture, picturesque riverfront, vibrant markets, and rich array of temples and unique sculptures.
The Mekong Promenade, stretching along the river, serves as a primary social hub, especially during the lively Saturday night market where locals and visitors gather to enjoy food and goods. Several guesthouses, such as Mut Mee Guesthouse, offer comfortable stays and act as informal meeting points, often providing riverside dining and tourist information.
Top 6 Things to do in Nong Khai
The activities in Nong Khai primarily revolve around exploring its rich spiritual and local cultural sites, experiencing vibrant markets, and engaging with unique artistic and historical attractions.
1. Sala Keoku Sculpture Park
Sala Keoku, also known as Wat Khaek, presents a fantastical open-air sculpture park unlike any other. Visitors encounter dozens of colossal concrete statues, some towering over 20 meters, depicting a synthesis of Buddhist and Hindu ideologies. It is a peculiar yet captivating journey through the mind of its creator, Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, featuring Buddhas, multi-armed goddesses, and human-animal hybrids. Taking time to wander among these unique figures provides a truly memorable cultural experience.
Cost: Entrance fee for foreigners is 20 THB.
Transport: Located approximately 6 kilometers east of Nong Khai city center. A tuk-tuk can be hired for a return trip, typically costing around 300 THB including waiting time. Alternatively, one can rent a bicycle for approximately 50 THB per day, or take a local bus along Highway 212 and walk the final kilometer to the park.
2. Wat Pho Chai
Wat Pho Chai stands as Nong Khai's most significant and sacred royal temple, enshrining the revered Luang Pho Phra Sai Buddha image. Inside the 'wihaan,' the main hall, one can admire beautifully decorated walls adorned with murals that narrate the statue's history and traditional Buddhist beliefs. The temple offers a peaceful and sacred atmosphere, making it a valuable visit for those interested in local spirituality and art.
Cost: There is no entrance fee.
Transport: Situated within the city, the temple is easily accessible. It is a comfortable walk (approximately 30 minutes) or a short tuk-tuk ride from the central riverfront area, with a tuk-tuk typically costing around 60 THB.
3. Mekong Promenade & Saturday Night Market
Strolling along the expansive Mekong Promenade offers picturesque riverside views, particularly at sunset. This thoroughfare transforms into a vibrant social hub, especially on Saturday evenings when the famous Saturday Night Market comes alive. The market is a sensory delight, filled with stalls offering diverse local food, clothing, souvenirs, and live entertainment ranging from traditional dances to musical performances. It provides an authentic glimpse into local life and an opportunity to sample regional delicacies.
Cost: Access to the promenade and market is free. Food and shopping are at one's own expense.
Transport: The Mekong Promenade and Saturday Night Market are centrally located along the riverfront and are easily walkable from most accommodations in Nong Khai's main tourist area.
4. Tha Sadet Market
Tha Sadet Market, often referred to as the 'Indochina Market,' is a sprawling covered market situated along the riverfront. It serves as a significant hub for local trade, offering a wide array of goods including clothing, souvenirs, electronics, and various local products. Exploring its numerous stalls provides insights into daily commerce and allows for unique shopping opportunities.
Cost: Entrance to the market is free; purchases are at one's own expense.
Transport: The market is located along the Mekong riverfront and is within walking distance of the city center.
5. Nong Khai Aquarium
The Nong Khai Aquarium provides an opportunity to explore a variety of aquatic life, focusing on both freshwater and saltwater species. Its highlight includes a 34-meter-long tunnel that connects different sections of the aquarium, allowing visitors to observe large fish species, including the local giant Mekong catfish, in an immersive setting. It is a relaxing attraction, particularly suitable for families.
Cost: The entrance fee for foreign adults is 100 THB, and for foreign children it is 50 THB.
Transport: Located approximately 4 to 11 kilometers outside the city center on the Khon Kaen University campus. Public transport does not directly serve the aquarium. A tuk-tuk can be hired for a return trip, which may cost around 300 THB including waiting time. Alternatively, one can rent a motorbike for approximately 200 THB per day for personal transport.
6. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (Day Trip)
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, while located in the neighboring Udon Thani province, is a significant archaeological site easily accessible from Nong Khai for a day trip. It features unique rock formations, some shaped by ancient glaciers, alongside prehistoric cave paintings and ancient Buddhist structures dating back to the Dvaravati, Lop Buri, and Lan Xang periods. Exploring this park offers a glimpse into Thailand's deep historical and geological past within a lush natural setting.
Cost: Admission is 100 THB.
Transport: This park is about 67 kilometers from Nong Khai town, making a private car or taxi the most practical way to visit. A taxi from Nong Khai can cost around 315 THB for a one-way trip. Self-driving by rental car from Udon Thani (about an hour's drive) is also an option.
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