About Nong Khai Province
Nong Khai is a relaxed Mekong-side province directly opposite Vientiane in Laos, linked by the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. The capital has a long riverfront promenade, an excellent night market and a sociable expat community, plus the surreal sculpture park of Sala Kaew Ku just outside town. Nong Khai is also famous for the unexplained Naga fireball phenomenon over the Mekong at the end of Buddhist Lent, which draws large crowds each October.
Key facts
- Population
- 517,435 (2020)
- Area
- 3,027 km²
- Density
- 171 / km²
- Districts
- 9
- Capital
- Nong Khai
- ISO code
- TH-43
All 9 districts
Fao Rai · Mueang Nong Khai · Pho Tak · Phon Phisai · Rattanawapi · Sakhrai · Sangkhom · Si Chiang Mai · Tha Bo
Top Highlights
Mekong riverfront promenade in Nong Khai town, looking across to Vientiane
Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park, with towering Hindu-Buddhist concrete figures
First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, the main land gateway to Vientiane, Laos
Naga Fireball phenomenon over the Mekong on Ok Phansa night (October)
Getting There
There is no airport in Nong Khai itself; most visitors fly to Udon Thani and continue by minibus or taxi in around an hour. Overnight trains from Bangkok run directly to Nong Khai station, taking 9–11 hours, and through-trains continue across the Friendship Bridge to Thanaleng/Vientiane.
Inside Nong Khai
Districts (9)
Fao Rai ·Mueang Nong Khai ·Pho Tak ·Phon Phisai ·Rattanawapi ·Sakhrai ·Sangkhom ·Si Chiang Mai ·Tha Bo
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources
Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.
- 1.Q327737 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
- 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
- 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026
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