Nong Khai is a long thin province running along the Mekong River, providing the main access to Laos. Originally people went by boat from Tha Sadet, but the building of the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and trade with Laos.

Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Chang, and Phra That Nong Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen completely in the dry season.

Sala Kaew Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with statues of Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains a number of beautiful waterfalls.

Bang Fai Phaya Nak or Naga Fireball
Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a mysterious phenomenon occurred in the Mekong River. Fireballs are seen rising up from the Mekong on the night at the end of the Buddhist lent. They are visible from districts located by the Mekong. This spectacle is watched by a great number of people. A friendship boat race between Thailand and Laos is also staged during this time.