Quick Guides – Nong Khai – Family Edition

Location

Nong Khai is a border town between Thailand and Laos.  It is right on the Mekong River (the border between Thailand and Laos) and is the entry point to the capital city of Laos via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge.

The other significant aspect to Nong Khai is that it sits at the end of Highway 2, one of the longest highways in Thailand which starts in Bangkok and traverses through northeast Thailand.

Kid-Friendliness?

Thailand is frequently called “The Land of Smiles” and this fits with the attitude towards children as well.  People are extremely loving towards children.  With big families, Thais will help you with your children along the way, as well as take pictures of your children, and often give treats to your kids.

Nong Khai is an extremely laid-back town filled with small alleys and uneven pavement.  Strollers should work fine along the boardwalk but are more difficult along the roads of the town.  Inside the Tha Sadet Market, it becomes extremely crowded, so a stroller will be cumbersome to have along there as well.

Famous Landmark

Mekong Naga Statue 

From the center of Nong Khai, work your way towards the Mekong River and you will find a walking street along the river.  On the walking street you will find two large Naga statues.  These serpent statues are common around Thailand; however, they are especially important in Nong Khai because this is the area of the Mekong where the legends come from.  The Naga Fireball Festival happens once a year in Nong Khai to celebrate the fireballs coming out of the river, which are attributed to the Naga serpents.

Shopping

The Tha Sadet Market, which situated along the bank of the river, parallels the boardwalk.  Most of the way along it is just one alleyway, but that one alley is bursting with shop after shop.  It opens at intersections every once in a while, and there are pay toilets for you to use but they are sometimes hard to spot.  You will find the occasional cafe and restaurant you can stop at and sit down.  The variety of items for sale is extensive and it is fun to spend an afternoon perusing.

Green Space

Nong Thin Public Park

Much of the nature found in Nong Khai is looking out over the swirling water of the Mekong and into Laos on the other side.  There is a small park, called Nong Thin Public Park, found in the center of town with a small lake that is relaxing to walk around if you want to get away when the Mekong boardwalk is too crowded.

Kid Activity

Young kids – Nong Khai Aquarium

The Nong Khai Aquarium is a small building filled with different fish found in the Mekong.  It is exciting for young children as the tanks are set low on the ground and they can “find” the fish in each tank.  However, older children may run through it quickly, as it does not have the diversity of fish that a larger city aquarium would house.

Older kids – Sala Keoku

For the older kids, the Buddha statue park, called Sala Keoku, may be of more interest.  This park is full of different statues that show the variety of Buddhist and animistic beliefs across Thailand.  The park is quite large and can take several hours if your child is interested in seeing all the different types of statues.  

Eating

You will find restaurants on floating platforms (boats) along the Mekong near the Naga statues.  Head down the steps and onto the boat, where you can sit right next to the flowing river and enjoy a large menu full of different dishes around Thailand, including some local Mekong dishes.

For a very different dining option, head over to The For Rest Cafe for an afternoon adventure.  A coffee shop that has taken on a rainforest appearance, you get misted in a jungle as you walk into the front ordering area.  After ordering your coffee and food, you can choose a seat in the rainforest area OR go out to the lotus pond and find a seat there.  Kids will love exploring both areas of the cafe!