Nong Khai province is situated along the mighty Mekong River, the natural border that separates Thailand And Laos. The area was once part of the ancient Vientiane kingdom before coming part of Monthon Lao Phuan, during the reign of Rama V. The Monthon covered a large part of the northeast region and Vientiane. In the late 19th century when French colonialists took control over Vientiane, the Monthon capital was moved to nearby Udon Thani.
The city of Nong Khai is situated about 2km east of the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Mekong between Ban Jommani and Tha Na Laeng (20km southeast of Vientiane). The bridge was built to link landlocked Laos with Highway 2, thus opening the area for trading and to port facilities in Thailand.

Places of Attraction

Wat Pho Chai

The wat is located off Prajak Rd, in the east-central part of town. The temple is famous for its exquisite Lang Xang style sitting Buddha image, Luang Pho Phra Sai. The image has a solid gold head, with the usnisa (wisdom 'bump' on the head) decorated with rubies, while the body is bronze.
The inside of the bot is lined with murals depicting the dramatic journey of the image from Laos. The image sunk while being transported across the Mekong in 1550. It remained on the riverbed until 1575, when it was retrieved and placed in Wat Pradit Thammakhun. It was later moved to Wat Pho Sai during the reign of King Mongkut (1852-1868). During the annual Songkran Festival in April, the highly revered image is led on a procession around the town.

Prap Haw Monument

The monument was raised in 1886 to commemorate the victory over Chiin Haw (Yunnanese) tribesmen who invaded the region in the late 1800's. The monument is in front of the city hall. The monument contains the remains of top officials who lost their lives in crushing the rebellion.

Phra That Nong Khai

This temple is better known as Phra That Klang Nam. The Laos style chedi has slipped away from the river bank and is placed in the middle of the river. The top of the chedi is only revealed during the dry-season; when it is immediately adorned with religious decorations by the locals. The chedi is located about 2.5km east of town.

Wat Hin Mak Peng

This temple is located in Si Chiang Mai district. Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, this tranquil meditation centre is a great place to view the Laotian landscape. The grounds of the temple are tended to by Mae Chii, Buddhist nuns.