-- Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Jonesy

Nong Khai in the northeast of Thailand is visited daily by travellers passing through on a visa run to Vientiane in Laos.

While Nong Khai town or city is not the most exciting place in Thailand….. It’s a relaxed way of life, and the views of the wonderful Mekong River make it a great place to stay for a couple of nights.

I’ve passed through Nong Khai for a couple of nights a few times, and on one occasion, I stayed longer, a few nights that time (now I visit annually). It is certainly a relaxing and refreshing break from Bangkok, where I stay.

You can also read more about places to visit in the province of Nong Khai. There are some great attractions, but you do need transport and time.

Getting To Nong Khai

Many people visit Nong Khai after getting a visa from the Vientiane Thai Embassy. Vientiane is just across the Friendship Bridge and where the immigration border is.

The quickest way to Nong Khai from Bangkok is taking a cheap flight to Udon Thani and then a minivan or taxi to Nong Khai. If you are up for an overnight train journey, the Nong Khai from Bangkok train is very pleasant and comfortable. You can read more about the Nong Khai train here.

If you are coming from or heading to Chiang Mai, then a flight from or to Udon Thani is the quickest option. Minivans go to and from Nong Khai to Udon frequently and daily. The other option is taking the overnight bus from Udon Thani, which takes about 12 hours.

Transport Around Nong Khai

The main public transport around Nong Khai is tuk tuks. They are fairly priced at about 40 – 60 THB for a short distance, although it’s a different charge if more than one person is travelling (unless they were just ripping me off). If you are staying near the riverside, you may not need transport much, and you can hire a bicycle for the day.

Motorbikes can also be rented for the day, which is useful if you wish to get around more and not keep paying for the tuk-tuks.

Hotels & Guesthouses

There are many well-priced options near the river for different budget levels. Spending 1000 THB will get you somewhere pretty good, and many people spend less than 1000 THB.

The two main aspects of staying in hotels on my various Nong Khai excursions (usually involving a visa in Laos) are the overall friendliness and great value for money found there.

Hotel Recommendations

Here are some recommended hotels that are popular among travellers that have all been visited and reviewed to start with.

Restaurants & Eating Out

There are plenty of Thai restaurant options available around Nong Khai, including, of course, Isan-style food. There are many places to eat (western food as well) near the riverfront for visitors staying in the nearby hotels and guesthouses to eat out.

In these types of towns and cities, I would seek good Thai and Isan food rather than Western. Western food is not always that great, but it’s alright if you need Western food.

Recommended Restaurants

Here are some restaurants that are recommended and in convenient locations for travellers in Nong Khai.

Things To Do in Nong Khai

If you are just planning to stay for a night, then relax, eat, have a beer, and enjoy the impressive sunset near the Mekong.

If you have a day or so spare, there are a few things you can do to enjoy the Nong Khai relaxed vibe and visit various local attractions.

There are also great full-day trips if you can fit the time into visiting Wat Pa Phu Kon, Wat Pha Tak Suea Skywalk, and other places in the Nong Khai Province.

Wat Pa Phu Kon

Wat Pa Phu Kon, also known as the forest temple is an outstanding place in the province of Udon Thani, but slightly closer to Nong Khai. Read More…….

Wat Hin Mak Peng

Wat Hin Mak Peng was really an add-on to the Pha Tak Suea and Pa Phu Kon trip, but still a great temple, especially the surroundings. Read More »

Wat Pha Tak Suea

Wat Pha Tak Suea (skywalk) is located within the beautiful mountainous and forest areas of the Nong Khai province in Thailand. Read More »

Phiang Din (Caves)

Another gem in the Nong Khai province is the (Wat Tham Phiang Din) Naga caves. Well worth a visit and about 80 km from the town. Read More »

Safety in Nong Khai

Nong Khai seems like a very safe city and calm. If you are calm and polite …it’s likely that’s what you’ll get back.

As always – late at night, you should have your wits about you and get a tuk-tuk back to the hotel. I walked back at about 12 am, and it was so peaceful….but too peaceful –if I was to run into the wrong person.

Dogs are quite lethal here at night. They’re very protective of the homes and areas. Best to pick a stick up to warn them off if you are walking back late.

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