Destination Nong Khai...

The Mekong River flows along the horizontal Nong Khai's northern side, separating it from Laos. The provincial city, sitting on the Mekong bank, is only 26 km from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Once a sleepy border town, the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge transformed it into one of the busiest commercial centers in the region. Yet, it has still retained its peaceful, riverside charms. Outside the city is a wealth of beautiful scenery comprised of lush forests and many small, interesting towns dotting the banks of Mekong River.

It is the last stop on the North Eastern Railway line. The town is long and narrow and follows the banks of the Mekong River. Directly opposite central Nong Khai is Tha Deua in Laos accessible by the Friendship Bridge or ferry if you are Thai. Its pretty busy with Thai and Lao people alike going in both directions for a day's shopping and trading.

Many Lao people and foreigners in Vientiane come to Nong Khai for a day of shopping for luxuries like soap powder and processed foods. The Lao Capital Vientiane is about 26 km further upriver and cannot be seen from Nong Khai.

Nong Khai is an interesting and laidback town memorable for its decaying temples (the serpent park is fantastic) and busy all day market running along the river banks. There are numerous rickety elevated restaurantswhere you can while away the day drinking and enjoying views of the murky Mekong River. And looking is all you are able to do as the Mekong's powerful currents are such that diving in for a swim would be dangerous.