destionation of Thailand
Nong Khai
Nong Khai is located in the valley of the Mae Nam Kong (Mekong river), which also forms the border with Laos. There are highlands to the south. The Laotian capital Vientiane is only 25 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Nong Khai. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which connects the two countries, was built jointly by the governments of Thailand, Laos and Australia, and was opened in 1994. Nong Khai is a charming city to wander around for the makers of Thailand tours on foot or rented bicycle (30 baht/day) and meet the friendly and helpful locals. It's also a good place from which soak up the Isaan culture of the neighbouring towns, which can easily be reached by bus from the main BKS ("Bor-kor-sor") bus station in the city centre, on Prajak road.
In your Nong Khai tours,if you expect the usual tourist traps of Bangkok and Phuket, you will be disappointed. There are no superclubs, go-go bars and mega malls to fill your hours. This is a place to chill by the Mekong river watching passenger and cargo boats transit between Thailand and Laos, or to finish that paperback that has been sitting in your luggage for weeks. For those interested in Muay Thai boxing lessons on a long-term basis, go to the boxing stadium beside the Grand Hotel and inquire from ex-Muay Thai boxing national champion Arjarn Lart, a friendly local who speaks just enough English to get you by. This is the real deal, so do not expect an air-conditioned gym with cushy floor mats surrounded by ceiling high mirrors.
Nong Khai has one sight that cannot be missed during your Nong Khai tours- Sala Kaew Ku (or Sala Keoku, also known as Wat Khaek), This utterly bizarre park of massive sculptures is the handiwork of the mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, who bought the land in 1978 when he was kicked out of his native Laos - a similar park of his earlier work remains near Vientiane. Synthesizing Buddhism and Hindu ideologies, Buddhas, many-armed goddesses, naga snakes and all sorts of human-animal hybrids dominate the scenery.
All in all, Nong Khai is one of northeastern Thailand's most popular tourist destinations and features the surreal Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park, a must-see on any jaunt through the region. Make it part of your Thailand tours, and you will get this good memory for your Thailand holiday.
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