Thailand : Nong Khai

Nong Khai is a border town on the bank of the Mekong River. This province is a gateway to Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR.), and a friendship bridge links the two countries. It is also the site of the famous Naga Fireballs.

Nong Khai is a border town on the bank of the Mekong River. This province is a gateway to Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR.), and a friendship bridge links the two countries. It is also the site of the famous Naga Fireballs.

The history of modern Nong Khai dates back over 200 years. Initially however, this riverside area was spotted with small towns and traces of ancient places have been found in temples along the Mekong River. During the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin era, Chao Anuwong, the ruler of Vientiane, staged a rebellion. King Rama III appointed Chao Phraya Ratchathewi to lead an army to attack Vientiane. The army won with the support of forces led by Thao Suwothanma (Bunma), ruler of Yasothon, and Phraya Chiangsa. The king consequently promoted Thao Suwo to be ruler of a large town to be established on the right bank of the Mekong River. The location of Ban Phai was chosen for the town called Nong Khai, which was named after a large pond that lies just to its west.

Nong Khai province contains the longest stretch of the Mekong River: 320 km. The area is suitable for agriculture and freshwater fishery. It is also a major tourist destination and the major launching point for journeys into Laos or exploring greater Isan (northeastern Thailand). Nong Khai features temples, traditional culture, a beautiful countryside, and a rural folk lifestyle, the most lively event of which centers on the Bung Fi Phaya Nak, the naga fireballs: an annual event whereby mysterious glowing balls of light rise up out of the river, believed to be sent by the naga king in honor of the lord Buddha.

Nong Khai is a border town on the bank of the Mekong River opposite the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR.). A friendship bridge links the two countries and Nong Khai is a popular stop for travelers headed to Vientiane and greater Laos. Nong Khai has a charming capital city and the province features a number of beautiful natural attractions and a fascinating culture. Mud Mee, a special style of silk that is popular with the Thai royal family, is produced in Nong Khai and the naga fireballs, a mysterious annual event, takes place in the Mekong River not far from town.

Indo-China market (Ta Sadet)

Nong Khai province is one of the most enchanting areas because it features the multi-cultural lifestyle of the Thai, Laos and Vietnamese. Nong Khai is a peaceful province located on the banks of the Mekong River and it offers many interesting places to visit. If you are looking for a place to shop and eat with nice scenery that illustrates the identity of Nong Khai, then Indo-China Market is where you should go.

Nong Khai is one of the official Thai-Laotian border checkpoints and has been a significant trading center between Thai and Laos throughout history. In the past, Ta Sadet was a pier for Thai-Laos boats transporting goods from Indochina and Eastern Europe. Later on, Indo-China Market became a shopping center, situated on the banks of Mekong River, north of Nong Khai. The market is opened daily from 7 am – 6.30 pm. It offers a wide range of local foods and various products. The market area is roofed to provide comfort for shoppers and merchants protecting them from rain and sun.

At Indo-China Market  there are many local products, which make wonderful souvenirs. While walking through the market, there are many shops selling electronics, watches, jewelry, silver ornaments, ceramics, hand-woven cotton, and herbs. The goods available are cheap and the market is very easy to explore, as it is not very crowded. Here, visitors will enjoy perusing from stall to stall while relishing in the memories of the good old days of Ta Sadet the trading post.

Apart from shopping at the market, there are many food stalls along the Mekong River as well. If you are hungry or tired from walking, just walk into one of the local restaurants and order from an Isan menu. Some famous local food and dessert recommendations include: Mekong fish, Isan-style sausage, Mu Yo (pork bar), Naem (fermented pork), Naem Nueang (Vietnamese food), and Ma Prow Kaew (sweet coconut). Take your time in eating and appreciate the mammoth yet tranquil river as you recuperate. From this spot, you can also see the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that crosses over the Mekong River linking Nong Khai, Thailand and Laos together.

In the evening, Indo-China Market is the place to watch a stunning sunset and the mighty Mekong River and shopping at the walking street every saturday before returning home.

The Naga fireballs, Nong Khai

Be amazed by various colors of mysterious fireballs abruptly soaring up from the water high into the air.

This phenomenon is an experience that is worth seeing with your own eyes. According to the folk story, the fireballs are believed to come from a Naga, the mythical serpent that rules the underwater world, showing his respect to the Buddha when the Lord descended from Tavatimsa (the second heaven where Indra dwells).

It is a scientifically inexplicable phenomenon in which glowing reddish fireballs appear about 1- 30 meters above the Mekong River and rise up quickly 50-150 meters high in the air. They radiate for only around 5-10 seconds before disappearing, unlike typical fireworks that fall in a curved path.

These smokeless, soundless, and odorless fireballs have diverse sizes from thumb-size sparklers to as big as an egg. They are often reported to be seen from the dusk until midnight of the end of Buddhist Lent. This phenomenon is known as Naga fireballs.

The locals at Phon Phisai district believe that the area they live in is called Pattalung, the gateway to the subterranean world under the water. The mythological belief about Naga fireballs dates back more than 2,000 years on the last night of Buddhist Lent. When the Buddha descended from the celestial Tavatimsa heaven back to the human world after giving a sermon to his mother for three months all mortals and deities were greatly delighted and celebrated his return. Naga, the ruler of underwater world, thus produced rocketing fireballs to show his great faith in the Buddha.

Do not miss such an amazing opportunity to observe how miraculous and dazzling this phenomenon is.

Wat Po Chai

Don’t miss visiting Pra Sai, the most respected and sacred Buddha statue of Wat Po Chai. Originally, there were three statues in total; Pra Sai, Pra Sook, and Pra Serm, located in Wiang Chan. When the Anuwong rebellion took place in the reign of King Rama III, the King ordered all the three statues to be transported to a safer place. On the way, Pra Sook accidentally sank in the Khong River. Pra Serm was taken to Wat Patumwanaram by King Rama IV. The cart that carried Pra Sai, however, broke down in front of Wat Po Chai and, believing it was some kinds of prophecy, the statue was placed there.

Wat Po Chai is situated in Nai Mueng Sub district, Mueng District, Nongkhai.

Tourists are encouraged to visit in April around the Songkran Festival. Pra Sai is annually bathed in scented water and paraded around the town. The festival draws a massive number of people each year.

Wat Hin Mhak Peng

With a serene and pleasant atmosphere, Wat Hin Mhak Peng is considered a suitable place for meditating and practicing Dharma. If visitors have plenty of time, they can come here to meditate and regain their composure. People who are interested can telephone 042 421 409 for more information

Wat Hin Mhak Peng is situated at Tambol Praputtabat, Amphur Srichiangmai, Nongkhai.

There are also other interesting temples such as Wat Pratad Bungpuan, where visitors can see the old stupa in the Lan Xang style. After that do not forget to visit Sattamahastan Jamlong, which is where it is believed the Buddha stayed after his enlightenment. During the end of the Buddhist lent, there is also a firework festival here at Amphur Ponepisai.

There are many delicious restaurants near Wat Hin Mhak Peng such as Dang Restaurant who have sold pork sausages and Vietnamese food for more than 40 years. Fah Mai restaurant, Racha restaurant, Mae Tuan restaurant are also popular eateries.

Cheap Chinese appliances are sold at the Indochina market at the Mekong River Road. Coffee from Laos also can be found here at Nongkhai.

Tham Phra waterfall

Tham Phra waterfall is one of the beautiful falls located in the Phu Wua wild life sanctuary about 40 kilometers from Bung Khong Long. It can be reached by boat, taking about 15 minutes the route passing Nam Ning brook. On both sides of the falls are verdant thick forest, some parts is stone cliff with an abundant flower display.Alighting from the boat it is a short walk to view the falls. There are two statues of Buddha at the rim of a red sandstone cliff. There used to be a temple on this spot but it was moved in order to open this area for visitors. Steps take you up to the top where the water flows into the shallow pond beneath. Near the waterfall is the remarkable red sandstone cliff, the symbol of the northeast. This is a great spot for swimming, playing in the water or just relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.

From this level, walk up a little more and you will find a large waterfall with many big stones. In this area, you will find the big clumps of Habenaria rhodocheila Hance at the rim of the cliff and you will see a few Arundina caespitosa which seem like Arundina graminifolia but smaller.

Key Tips

• The naga fireball phenomenon occurs most often on Wan Awk Pansa, the full moon night of the 11th month of the lunar year that signifies the end of Buddhist rain retreat, usually in October.
• Hotel rooms fill quickly before the Naga Fireballs; book a room in advance!