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Nong Khai is a long thin province running along
the Mekong River, providing the main access to Laos. Originally people
went by boat from Tha Sadet, but the building of the Friendship Bridge
across the Mekong has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and
trade with Laos.
Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated
Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Chang, and Phra That Nong
Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen
completely in the dry season.
Sala Kaeo Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with statres of
Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and
Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains
a number of beautiful waterfalls.
Nong Khai is 615 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 7,739
square kilometres. It consists of the following districts: Mueang Nong
Khai, Bueng Kan, Phon Phisai, Tha Bo, Sangkhom, Seka, So Phisai, Si
Chiang Mai, Phon Charoen, Pak Khat, Bueng Khong Long, Si Wilai, Bung
Khla, Sa Khrai, Rattana Wapi, Fao Rai and Pho Tak.
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi which connects with
Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong
Khai. A total distance from Bangkok to Nong Khai is 615 kilometres.
Bus
The Transport Company Limited has a regular bus service both
ordinary and air-conditioned to Nong Khai every day. For further
information, contact the Mo Chit 2 (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal, Tel. 0
2936 2852-66, or visit the website www.transport.co.th
. In ddition, there is a private bus service: 407 Phatthana, Tel. 0
2992 3475-8, 0 4241 1261; Chan Tour Limited, Tel. 0 2618 7418, 0 4241
2195; Barami Tour, Tel. 0 2537 8249, 0 4246 0345; and Cherdchai Tour,
Tel. 0 2936 0253, 0 4246 1067.
Rail
Trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue Railway
Stations to Nong Khai every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and continue the journey
by car to Nong Khai, some 50 kilometres from Udon Thani. Call 1566, 0
2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.
Intra-provincial Transport
Visitors can use car rental services operated by many tour companies
in town. They may choose a tricycle service called “Skylab” for
visiting tourist spots in town and nearby areas, such as Tha Sadet
Market, Wat Pho Chai, Sala Kaeo Ku, and Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge.
From the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, there is a bus service from Nong Khai
to Loei, past Amphoe Tha Bo, Amphoe Si Chiang Mai and Amphoe Sangkhom
in Nong Khai, and Amphoe Chiang Khan in Loei. The route runs along the
Mekong River. In these districts, there are guesthouses available for
visitors.
Inter-provincial Transport
Apart from a Nong Khai – Bangkok bus service, the Nong
Khai Bus Terminal also provides its service on other routes: Nong Khai
– Rayong (both ordinary and air-conditioned), and ordinary buses on the
Nong Khai – Loei, Nong Khai – Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai – Udon Thani
routes. Contact the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 4241 1612.
Trains are available from Nong Khai to Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and
Bangkok three times a day. Contact the Nong Khai Railway Station, Tel.
0 4241 1582.
Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
Tha Bo
Phon Phisai
Si Chiang Mai
So Phisai
Pak Khat
Sangkhom
Bueng Kan
Phon Charoen
Seka 228 kilometres
Bueng Khong Long
Si Wilai
Bung Khla 181
Sa Khrai |
42
45
57
90
90
95
136
182
228
238
163
181
24 |
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Distances from Nong Khai to Neighbouring Provinces
Udon Thani
Loei 202
Sakon Nakhon
Nakhon Phanom |
51
202
210
303 |
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