Nong Khai is a charming city in northeastern Thailand, located on the banks of the Mekong River. It is a popular destination for travelers who want to explore the culture, history and nature of this region. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best tourist attractions in Nong Khai, as well as some things to do in Nong Khai that will make your trip memorable.
Looking for things to do in Nong Khai? Discover the best tourist attractions in Nong Khai:
1. Sala Kaew Ku (Wat Khaek): A park with giant statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities, built by a mystic who died in 1996.
2. Issan Rum Distillery: A distillery that produces rum from sugarcane and offers tours and tastings.
3. Wat Pho Chai: A temple that houses a large and precious Buddha image called Luang Po Phra Sai, which was brought from Laos in the 18th century.
4. Nong Khai Aquarium: An aquarium that showcases freshwater and marine fish from Thailand and around the world, with a tunnel and a feeding show.
5. Lan Phaya Nak: A scenic walkway along the Mekong River, with statues of naga (serpent-like creatures) and a fountain.
6. The First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge: A bridge that connects Thailand and Laos, opened in 1994 as the first international bridge across the Mekong River.
7. Wang Bua Daeng: A lake with pink lotus flowers that bloom in the morning, surrounded by mountains and forests.
8. Tha Sadet Market: A covered market that sells a variety of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to electronics and antiques.
9. Wat Pha Tak Sua: A forest temple that offers a panoramic view of the Mekong River and Laos, as well as a skywalk and a meditation center.
10. Din Phiang Cave: A cave that locals believe is the home of a naga king, with stalactites, stalagmites, and bats.
11. Lightner Muay Thai: A gym that teaches Muay Thai (Thai boxing) to beginners and advanced students, with friendly and bilingual instructors.
12. Asawann – Shopping Complex 1: A shopping mall that has familiar brands, restaurants, banks, and a cinema.
13. Nong Kut Thing: A small island in the Mekong River that has a temple, a park, and a beach.
14. Tesco Lotus : Nongkhai Branch: A supermarket that sells groceries, household items, clothes, and more.
15. Wat Hin Mak Peng: A large forest temple that overlooks the Mekong River, respected for its meditation practice and its former abbot who died in 2015.
16. Phrathat Bang Phuan: A sacred temple that has a beautiful chedi (stupa) that contains 29 Buddha relics, dating back to ancient times.
17. Nong Khai Muay Thai Gym: Another gym that teaches Muay Thai to locals and foreigners, with experienced and professional trainers.
18. Prap Haw Monument: A monument that commemorates the brave people who defended Nong Khai from Chinese bandits in the late 19th century.
19. Wihan Ji Gong: A Chinese temple that is dedicated to Ji Gong, an eccentric and heavy-drinking monk who is now revered as a deity.
20. Wat Hai Sok: A temple that is located across from Mut Mee Garden Guesthouse, with a colorful facade and a peaceful atmosphere.
21. Nam Tok Than Thip: A three-tiered waterfall that has a swimmable pool at the bottom, but dries up by March.
22. Wat Lam Duan: A temple that has an immense Buddha image on top of its main hall, which can be climbed for a view of the town.
23. Phra That La Nong: A stupa that was built in 2006 in honor of Phra That Klang Nam, a ruined chedi that is submerged in the middle of the river.
24. Nong Khai Aquarium 2: Another aquarium that is smaller than the first one, but still has some interesting fish and exhibits.
25. Wat Noen Phra Nao Wanaram: A forest temple that is a respected vipassana (insight meditation) center on pleasant grounds.
26. Nam Tok Than Thong: Another waterfall that is wider than Nam Tok Than Thip, but also dries up by March.
27. Wat Phra That Bang Phuan 2: Another temple that is similar to Wat Phra That Bang Phuan, but less visited and more serene.
28. Nong Khai Museum: A museum that displays the history and culture of Nong Khai, from prehistoric times to the present day.
29. Wat Si Chomphu Ong Tue: A temple that has a large and impressive chedi that is decorated with colorful tiles and mirrors.
30. Wat Si Khun Mueang: A temple that has a unique and modern design, with a circular main hall and a cone-shaped roof.
31. Wat Luang Por Phra Sai: A temple that is named after the same Buddha image that is housed in Wat Pho Chai, but has a different story and appearance.
32. Wat Aranyabanphot: A temple that is located on a hill, with a large reclining Buddha image and a view of the river.
33. Wat Pa Tak Sua 2: Another temple that is similar to Wat Pha Tak Sua, but smaller and less crowded.
34. Nong Khai Art & Culture Centre: A center that promotes and showcases the art and culture of Nong Khai, with exhibitions, workshops, and events.
35. Wat Si Thon: A temple that has a beautiful and elaborate ubosot (ordination hall), with intricate carvings and paintings.
36. Wat That Kham: A temple that has a simple and elegant chedi that is surrounded by smaller ones, creating a harmonious scene.
37. Nong Thin Public Park: A park that has a lake, a playground, a fitness area, and a statue of King Rama V.
38. Wat Pa Thaem Nimit: A temple that has a striking and colorful main hall, with a dragon-shaped staircase and a mural of the Buddha’s life.
39. Wat Klang: A temple that has a large and majestic Buddha image that is visible from the road, as well as a peaceful garden.
40. Wat Si Bun Rueang: A temple that has a distinctive and modern main hall, with a pyramid-shaped roof and a glass wall.
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