Nong Khai sees many tourists passing through daily because of its border neighbouring Laos (Vientiane) with visitors entering for travel and for Thai visa applications at the Vientiane Thai Embassy.
I’ve covered this trip many times and have actually come to really enjoy Nong Khai and a visit to Vientiane for a couple of nights, while some farang (foreigners) loath taking the visa run trip there. Nong Khai is a breath of fresh air and a beautiful province to explore.
Anyway, moving on to the transport options……..
Getting to and from Nong Khai
Most of you will be coming from Bangkok and many from Chiang Mai as well, or maybe came from Bangkok – Nong Khai – Vientiane and now heading to Chiang Mai – possibly.
Bangkok
Bangkok has a number of options to get you to Nong Khai, including minivans, buses, trains and flights. The obvious quickest mode of transport is by plane and the cheapest is a bus or minivan; a great option is the overnight train.
See the schedule and guide here for the Nong Khai to Bangkok train.
–Bangkok Flights
There is no direct flight to Nong Khai. You have to fly to Udon Thani which is only 60 KM away and about an hour’s drive. Shared minivans leave Udon Thani after a flight arrives you can book and pay for at the airport (about 200 THB when I last used them). You can also get a taxi (maybe around 600 THB – 800 THB) and there are other cheaper local buses which I have never used.
There is no point in giving you price of the flight as it can change at any time of the year because of Thai holidays (demand) etc. Worth booking as early as possible though. There are many flights from Bangkok operating daily.
Returning to Bangkok is easy enough. Most guesthouses or hotels will book you a minivan to Udon Thani.
–Bangkok Buses & Minivans
The main reason anyone would take the bus or a minivan is to save money, otherwise they are not the best option in terms of comfort and safety, although a bus is slightly quicker than a train. There are government buses (cheapest buses), private and VIP buses, and minivans running services.
Buses to Nong Khai depart from Mo Chit bus terminal daily and take around 10 hours to get there. For a bit more comfort you may want to go with a VIP/private service that all depart from Mo Chit. You can book in advance at Mo Chit (you will have to visit and return though) or use an online service such as 12go.asia (see search box below) that will help you to compare options.
If returning to Nong Khai you will need to book (unless you book online as mentioned above) a ticket and depart from Nong Khai Bus Station, Pra Saem , 43000 Nong Khai (Thailand), which will return to Mo Chit Bangkok after 10 hours of travel.
As far as I am aware, if you wish to get a minivan you would have to get one to Udon Thani and then another to Nong Khai and vice versa coming back. This option must only be for those really saving the pennies.
–Bangkok Trains
This has been the option I have used many times. Of course, trains are not as quick as flying, but they’re comfortable, reasonably cheap and another way to experience Thailand for many travellers. There’s one-morning departure and two evening departures from Hua Lamphong (Bangkok).
Overnight trains cost around 900 THB +, and the day service costs 500 THB or less. The day service train is cheaper than the bus, but don’t expect luxury oriental express services.
You can now book through Thai official site or use a service such as 12go.asia if the Thai official site presents problems.
If you are going to –or returning to Bangkok, you must book online or go to the Nong Khai station and book in advance to ensure you secure seats. Nong Khai railway station is a short tuk-tuk ride away from the riverside area.
Entrance of Nong Khai Railway Station
— Bangkok to Nong Khai Trains »
— Nong Khai to Bangkok Trains »
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai also has a number of options to consider when planning a trip to or from Nong Khai. Land trips are much more interesting than Bangkok because of the wonderful Northeast and Northern scenery.
–Chiang Mai Flight
To fly to or from Chiang Mai, you must go via Udon Thani. Plenty of flights depart and arrive daily and minivans or taxis can be taken from or to Udon Thani airport. Minivans cost around 200 THB and a taxi will cost about 600 – 800 THB (more than one person a taxi makes sense) to do the 60 KM journey which takes just over an hour.
–Chiang Mai Buses
The most popular bus I see running from Chiang Mai is the 20.30 departure and 08.40 arrival (12 hrs 10 mins) you may view or book here. This departs from Chiang Mai Arcade bus station, Soi Kaeo Nawarat 5, Tambon Wat Ket, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand.
The bus travelling to CM from NK leaves at 1900 and arrives in CM at 06.40 (11 hrs 40 mins) that departs from the Nong Khai bus station, a 60 THB tuk-tuk trip from the riverfront. You may book here with 12.go or reserve a ticket at the bus station.
–Chiang Mai Trains
My favorite way of travelling and the safest is train travel. Unfortunately, there is no direct rain to and from Nong Khai or Udon Thani. You would have to do a combination of bus and train, which I have not done as yet….that could be a lot of fun and a great way to see the country (I may work on that). This would be for those seeking the scenic route rather than getting there as quickly as possible.
Transport Around Nong Khai Town
The main modes of transport for tourists are tuk tuks, cycles, walking, and motorbikes. You can also hire drivers as I did on one occasion with the owner of the Rim Riverside guesthouse, if travelling further out of Nong Khai town.
Tuk tuks cost around 60 THB a trip to most local destinations around Nong Khai. From the Laos – Nong Khai friendship bridge border, it should cost about 80 THB for one person or 50 THB a person if other people are travelling the 5km into the town.
Tuk Tuk at Nong Khai – Vientiane Border
Bicycles can be hired from many guesthouses for around 60 THB a day, and other places rent out a better standard of bikes but only city bikes as far as i am aware (not mountain bikes). Cycling around the Mekong River area is a must-do in Nong Khai and is so beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Nong Khai cycle hire – cheap & cheerful city bikes
Motorbikes can be hired for 200 – 300 THB a day. You will need to have your passport with you to rent a motorbike.
Walking in Nong Khai is also great. Most of what is needed for a day is within walking distance, and it’s pleasurable, especially walking along the Mekong riverfront. Heat can be an obstacle though certain times of the year and day.
Nong Khai riverfront – pleasant walking area
Travelling to and from Nong Khai and getting around the town has plenty of options and is well tuned in to the traveller’s needs.
Enjoy this beautiful scenic part of Thailand. Don’t just slip through with a visa if you have time……you’ll miss the good stuff.
I’m Jonesy. The one responsible for whole lot of things including having this Thailand site up and running. I first arrived in Thailand in 2008 and being a web developer it made sense to create a website and write some stuff about my second home. Enjoy your travels!
