Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More

12 Best Things to Do in Nong Khai

1. Be Blown Away by the View at Wat Pha Tak Suea 👍 Must Do

You know, I do like a good cliff viewpoint, and one of the best viewpoints I found in Nong Khai is at Wat Pha Tak Suea, a temple built on top of a mountain ridge overlooking the Mekong River. It is one of the most expansive and stunning viewpoints I've come across as I drove along the Mekong River to Nong Khai.

You can actually see the temple from Sang Kom town, down by the banks of the Mekong River. It may look close, but getting there takes around 40 minutes, as you'll be driving uphill along narrow, winding roads. Once you arrive, though, you'll be glad you made the effort.

First things first, I recommend checking out Pha Tak Suea Cliff, where you can admire the sweeping views, walk along the cliffside, and find a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the view. Just be careful, especially if it’s raining, as the rocks can get slippery and the cliff is quite high.

Once you're done, take a short walk to the skywalk, a glass-floored platform that extends out from the cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Mekong River and its dramatic landscape. It’s an exhilarating experience! A nearby counter usually provides shoe covers for visitors. There’s no admission fee, but donations of any amount toward maintenance are appreciated.

The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. If you're looking for a breathtaking viewpoint to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Mekong River, this is the place to be!

Where to Stay in Nong Khai?

Budget

HOP INN Nong Khai

$ | Double Room

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Amanta Hotel Nongkhai

$$ | Double Room

See Availability

High-End

LePont Riverfront Resort Nongkhai

$$$ | Double Room

See Availability

View More Hotels

2. Visit Namtok Than Thip

Namtok Than Thip is another awesome place to visit in Nong Khai. Located on the edge of the province, west of Nong Khai City, you will find this stunning 2-tier waterfall surrounded by beautiful green vegetation, tucked away in the middle of the forest.

Once you park your car, it’s just a 2–3 minute walk to reach the first tier of the waterfall. Even at this lower level, it’s already quite impressive, especially if you visit during the rainy season, as I did. In the dry season, the water flow can be reduced to just a trickle, so the falls may not look as striking.

From the first tier, you can hike another 5 minutes to reach the second tier, tucked away in the forest. It’s just as stunning as the first, but you’ll likely encounter fewer visitors up here. I really enjoyed this waterfall. It was raining quite a bit when I visited, so I had the whole place to myself, and the falls looked even prettier in the rain.

The waterfall is technically open 24/7 since there’s no gate, but a ranger is usually stationed nearby, so they may only allow visitors during daylight hours. I’d estimate it’s open from around 8 AM to 5 PM, though that could vary slightly. The best part? Entry is completely free! If you’re looking for some waterfall action in Nong Khai, this is a great spot to visit.

3. Admire the Statues of Sala Keo Kou Buddhist Park

If you’ve been to Vientiane, Laos, you probably know about the famous Buddha Park, a must-visit attraction. But did you know there’s another one just across the Mekong River, in Nong Khai, called Sala Keo Kou Buddhist Park? I certainly didn’t, until I saw it for myself and was blown away by how similar it is, and even larger than the one in Laos.

As it turns out, both parks were created by the same monk. He fled Laos during the rise of communism in the 1970s–80s and migrated to Thailand. Highly revered on both sides of the Mekong River, he first commissioned the park in Vientiane before continuing his work in Nong Khai after resettling in Thailand.

Although Sala Keo Kou Buddhist Park isn't as well maintained as its counterpart in Laos, likely due to fewer visitors and a lower entrance fee, it actually features more statues and covers a slightly larger area. The park includes a pond, a museum, and a temple where visitors can make merit.

I went there in the early morning during a rainy day, and I was the only one there for the whole time I was there, and I loved it. It was both fascinating and eerie walking around the park with all these massive statues of mythical creatures, Buddha images, and such surrounding you.

The park is quite large, so expect to spend at least 30 minutes or more to see it all. If you haven’t been to a Buddhist Park before, or it’s been a while since your last visit to the one in Vientiane, Sala Keo Kou Buddhist Park is definitely worth a visit. The park is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 40 THB per person, slightly cheaper than the one in Laos, which costs 40,000 LAK (about 60 THB).

4. Check Out the Ancient structures of Wat Phrathat Bangphuan

One of the most highly revered temples in Nong Khai City is Wat Phrathat Bangphuan, an ancient temple known for its deep historical roots and many old structures scattered throughout its grounds. Located just a short distance from Nong Khai City, it’s a great place to visit and explore while you’re in the area.

The temple is believed to enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha, brought from India. According to ancient chronicles, some of the monuments here date back as far as the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D. At the temple grounds, you’ll find a fascinating mix of old and new structures, including an ancient roofless temple preserved as it is, now protected by a modern roof built to shield it from the weather. I think it’s a pretty cool blend of history and contemporary care.

There is also a holy well here that is very sacred to the Thai people, as our current king once visited the temple and made merit here. I’m not entirely sure if he actually used the water from the holy well, but I did see a photo of him praying near the well, so it must hold great significance for the locals. In the middle of the bath stands a stone naga statue, which I think is pretty cool.

If you are looking for something to do near Nong Khai City, be sure to come check out the ancient ruins at Wat Phrathat Bangphuan. The temple is open 24/7 and it is free to enter.

5. Explore Rare Mekong River Species at Nong Khai Aquarium 🏛️ Best Museum

The Mekong River has always been teeming with life, both along its banks and beneath the water’s surface. If you want to see some truly fascinating marine life and rare species found only in the Mekong region, be sure to visit Nong Khai Aquarium, located inside Khon Kaen University’s Nong Khai Campus, just south of the city.

This freshwater aquarium showcases the rich biodiversity of the Mekong River and surrounding regions. One of the main attractions here is the giant Mekong catfish, which you can see in the large central tank inside the museum. The catfish here is considered to be the largest freshwater fish in the world, with one that can grow up to 4 meters long!

In 2005, they also caught one that was 2.7 meters long and weighed about 293 kg! Imagine seeing that swimming by the Mekong River! At the museum, they also have an underwater tunnel, where you can walk through as you admire the 360° view of various aquatic species swimming overhead.

There are many other species from different regions around the world as well, but the highlight for me was seeing the catfish swimming around a naga statue that was put inside the central tank. Who came up with the idea of putting a naga statue underwater is a genius!

The aquarium is not very big, but still expect to spend at least 30 to 40 minutes here. The aquarium is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except on Mondays, and the entry fee is 100 THB per person. If you are curious about the marine life of the Mekong River, be sure to check out Nong Khai Aquarium!

6. Stroll Around in the Evening at Naga Statue

Nong Khai has a lively riverside area that’s often filled with locals coming out to exercise, enjoy street food at the night market near the Naga Statue, and simply relax while taking in the beautiful Mekong River views.

Surrounding the Naga Statue, you’ll find a lovely riverside walkway that stretches for several kilometers along the Mekong’s bank. It connects Tha Sadet Market, another spot I highly recommend, to many other attractions along the river, making it a great place for an evening stroll.

You can catch a stunning sunset here, and with the small night market and lively atmosphere, there’s no better time to visit than in the late afternoon from around 5 PM onward. Parking along the riverside walkway is usually easy to find. If you’re spending a night in Nong Khai City, be sure to check out the Naga Statue and its beautiful walkway.

7. Shop at Tha Sadet Market

During the day, you can shop around at Tha Sadet Market, also known as the Indochina Market. This market was originally set up as a goodwill gesture to Laos to help boost the economy along the Mekong River. You'll find similar markets in many cities along the Mekong, but the one in Nong Khai is probably the best known.

Here, you'll find all kinds of shops selling everything from cheap goods and souvenirs to local foods and coffee. The market stretches parallel to the riverside walkway for about a kilometer, so be prepared to walk a bit! One of my favorite spots is an old pier that's been transformed into a vintage-style cafe and gallery located here. With retro decor, a quiet place to sit with a coffee, and a collection of old photos and artifacts donated by the local community, it’s a real hidden gem. Don’t miss it while you’re exploring.

The market is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. I recommend spending the afternoon browsing the market, then strolling along the riverside walkway to enjoy the sunset. From there, you can continue to the Naga Statue area for the night market.

8. Visit Wat Pho Chai Phra Aram Luang

Another famous temple in Nong Khai that you might want to check out is Wat Pho Chai Phra Aram Luang, located right in the city center. This temple is home to the sacred Luang Phor Phra Sai, a Buddha statue with a gold head and bronze body, adorned with rubies. It is one of three images cast in Lan Xang and transported from Vientiane in 1778. One statue was lost in the Mekong, another resides in Bangkok, while Phra Sai remains here.

The highlight here is its beautiful and intricate murals. Inside the Ubosot (ordination hall), the walls are covered with murals from top to bottom. These depict the journey of the Buddha image from Laos to Thailand, historic scenes of Siam’s invasion of Vientiane, local folklore, and even modern moments such as Songkran festivities and visits by King Bhumibol.

Be sure to look out for a pair of tourists at the Songkran Festival section of the mural 😉. If you are in the city and looking for a cool place to visit, be sure to come check out Wat Pho Chai Phra Aram Luang. The temple is open from 6 AM to 7 PM daily and like much of Thailand's temples, the entry is free.

9. Check Out the Sunken Stupa of Phra That Klang Nam

Another highly revered site among both locals and Thai tourists is Phra That Klang Nam, which translates to a stupa in the middle of the water. The name reflects its unfortunate state and current location about 180–200 meters off the Thai shore of the Mekong River.

Even before it sank into the river, this stupa was already deeply revered by the local community. According to legend, it once enshrined sacred Buddhist relics, specifically a bone believed to be 9 feet long. The structure is thought to have been built in the 15th century, similar in style to other ancient stupas in the region. Unfortunately, it collapsed into the Mekong River in the 19th century due to severe bank erosion.

Today, you can catch a glimpse of the stupa from this boat pier during the dry season when the water level is low enough. I visited during the rainy season, so I could only see the current swirling above the sunken shrine. Many people hire a boat to get a closer look and make merit at the site. The ride usually costs around 200 THB for a boat that fits up to 10 people. It’s really only worth visiting during the dry season when the stupa is visible. If you come during the rainy season, there’s not much to see, so plan your visit accordingly.

10. Look out to Vientiane from Si Chiang Mai Viewpoint

If you're driving from Chiang Khan along the Mekong River and passing through Si Chiang Mai town, not to be confused with Chiang Mai in the north, be sure to stop by the Si Chiang Mai Viewpoint. It offers a great vantage point to see Vientiane across the river on the Lao side.

At the viewpoint, you’ll also find an impressive multi-headed Naga statue, a common sight along the Mekong, where the mythical serpent is believed to reside. The view from here is especially nice, and it’s definitely worth a quick stop if you’re passing through the area. Don’t miss it while exploring Nong Khai!

11. Check Out the Cave Shrines at Wat Tham Si Mongkhon

If you are looking for a real adventure, like a scary caving through narrow caves to get to shrines, you might wanna check out Wat Tham Si Mongkhon. The temple has a cave system with several shrines built inside it, and many locals like to do the pilgrimage and visit the shrine inside.

I was there at the temple, but it was raining and the cave was partially flooded, so I didn't dare to go in any further than you see here in the photos. However, if you happen to be there during the dry season, you can try and do it.

This is not recommended for those who have claustrophobia as the cave is narrow in many places, and you have to crouch to go through half the time. Also, if it's flooded, DO NOT go in alone. The temple offers a free guiding service, and they will tell you if it's possible to go in or not.

If there’s no one around, wait for someone to show up or ask around. Do not go in by yourself. Caves and rain are a dangerous combination. If you’re not familiar with the story, 12 boys and their football coach were trapped in a flooded cave in Chiang Rai for 9 days, and the entire world came together to rescue them.

Thankfully, they all survived, but it serves as a stark reminder of why you should never enter a cave during the rainy season. The temple is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and while the guiding service is free, donations are appreciated.

12. Witness Naga Fireballs during the Naga Fireball Festival

One of the most famous festivals in Nong Khai is the Naga Fireball Festival, which often takes place at Naga fireballs viewing point at the end of Buddhist Lent (around the October full moon). Locals and visitors will gather along the Mekong River to watch hundreds, or even thousands, of glowing red or pink fireballs ascend from the river and vanish into the night sky.

Locals believe the fireballs are produced by Phaya Nak, or Naga, the mythical serpent-deity of the Mekong River, releasing the orbs to honor Buddha’s return to earth after Lent. Scientific theories offer natural explanations: ignition of methane or phosphine gases rising from the river’s sediments; electrical plasma phenomena have also been suggested, though no theory has been definitively proven.

The main spectacle occurs in Phon Phaisi, which is where the viewing point is located. You can expect to see local stage shows, food markets, light-and-sound presentations, illuminated boat parades, long-boat races, Naga-themed rituals, and more.

Since the dates change every year, the Naga Fireball Festival typically takes place sometime between October and early November. Be sure to check the official Tourism Authority of Thailand website for the latest schedule and plan your visit accordingly. Just keep in mind that it gets very crowded during the event, and traffic can be a nightmare, so come prepared!

What to Eat and Drink in Nong Khai?

1. Eat Vietnamese Food at Cafe Viet

One of my favorite restaurants in Nong Khai is Cafe Viet located in the Tha Sadet/Indochina Market. They serve a variety of Vietnamese foods and a delicious old-school Vietnamese coffee with the iconic French filter and all.

Why Vietnamese food? Well, the Vietnamese often migrate up the Mekong River during conflicts, so you will often find their influence all over this part of Thailand. You can grab many Thai-style Vietnamese dishes here, from the Vietnamese pizza - a platter full of all kinds of Vietnamese-style meat and more.

If you are looking for a place to eat in Nong Khai, this is the place to be. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily, so be sure to get there before it closes. Also, make sure to try their coffee as well!

How to Get to Nong Khai?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Nong Khai is to fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani Airport and you can catch a one-hour bus operated by RG Adventure straight from the airport to RG Office in Nong Khai.

The flight route is operated by AirAsia and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.

For the bus between Udon Thani Airport to Nong Khai, it typically takes about one hour and schedules are aligned with most flights flying into the airport. You can also check the schedule here, just in case. It will take 1 hour and cost around 300 THB.

For things to do in Udon Thani, check out:Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More

By Bus: If you are not in a rush, the cheapest way to get to Nong Khai is by bus. They typically leave from Morchit Bus Terminal, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 700 to 900 THB and takes between 9 - 10 hours, depending on the traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.

By Train: There is also a sleeper train that leaves from Apiwat Central Train Station in Bangkok. The price ranges from 1,000 - 1,200 THB and takes around 10 hours. You can find the schedule and book online here.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Nong Khai. The journey should take about 9 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Nong Khai?

By Car: The best way to get around in Nong Khai is to rent a car and drive. You should be able to rent a car from Udon Thani Airport or you can rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. It's a long drive, but if you have time, there's a lot to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.