Nong Khai Attractions

Amphoe Muang

Monument for the Suppression of the Haw Tribe

This monument in Changwat Nong Khai commemorates those persons who died in the suppression of the Haw Tribal Rebellion in the year 1866. His Royal Highness Krommaluang Prachak Silpakhom ordered this monument to be built at Muang Nong Khai so that the ashes of the combat heroes in the Haw Tribal Suppression Campaign could be buried inside. It is situated behind the Nong Khai Provincial Police Station. Later, in 1949, Changwat Nong Khai obtained a budget to renovate the monument to dignify the honour of those who sacrificed their lives. The construction site of the monument was then moved to the present location or the three-way intersection for entering into Nong Khai township The inscriptions are in four languages: Thai, Chinese, Laotian, and English, each side of the pedestal having one language. The province celebrates by paying homage during an annual fair held on March 9-15 of every year.

Luang Pho Phra Chai

This bronze image of a seated Buddha is in the attitude of subduing evil. It has very fine characteristics. The lap width is 28 inches while the height from the base to the top of the finial is 41 inches. It is enshrined at Wat Pho Chai in Nong Khai municipal area. This sacred Buddha image has been enshrined since the establishment of the province. The history of this image relates to many parts of Thai history but it is unclear when it was cast or who cast it. HRH Prince Damrong Rachanuphap speculated on its origin in a book called ’Histories of Important Buddha Statues’ which was published and distributed in a royal kathin ceremony in the year 1925.

Prince Damrong thought that Luang Pho Phra Sai was cast in Lan Chang Kingdom. According to legend, three princess were the persons who caused the casting. Another legend gives more derails, such as, King Chaiyachetthathirat’s princess daughters were named Serm, Suk, and Sai. They had the unanimous idea to cast their own personal Buddha images. They then asked their father for support, thus leading to the king’s command to cost three Buddha images having different sizes according to their ages, the oldest having the largest image. They were named accordingly, Phra Serm for the oldest and largest, Phra Suk for the middle sister and second largest size, and Phra Sai for the youngest and smallest image.

In the year 1776 King Tham Thewawong moved the three Buddha images to be enshrined in Vientiane. They were moved back to Thai territory again during the reign of King Rama III. However, a storm which caused the sinking of Phra Suk at the mouth of Nom Ngum River (Wern Phra Suk) did not affect the others. Phra Serm and Phra Sai were enshrined in Wat Pho Chai and Wat Ho Klong respectively. In the reign of King Rama IV, Phra Serm was moved to be enshrined in Bangkok while Phra Sai still remained in Nong Khai at Wat Pho Chai. On every full moon day of the 7th lunar month the people of Nong Khai celebrate Phro Soi by having ’Bun Bong Fai’, the rocket contest ceremony or Wat Pho Chai. Traveling from Nong Khai township, one can go by Highway No.212 beginning at KM 2.

Phrathat Bangphuan

Originally this was an ancient pagoda long revered by Nong Khai people. The phrathat was first constructed from brick utilizing the Indian stupa design. It is about the same age of Phra Pathom Chedi (Thailand’s first pagoda in Nakhon Pathom). According to Lon Chang legend, King Chaiyachettha commanded the construction of the Phrathat to cover the original pagoda in the year 1559. It fell down in the year 1970 due to the sinking of the foundation. Now it has been completely renovated by the Fine Arts Department with the features of a square-based pagoda. The lowest five steps of the base ore square prangs adjacent to one another featuring the lotus shape. The sixth step of the base features a dome shape while the seventh step features the star with a tiered umbrella above the star. The "Supreme Patriarch has housed relics of the Lord Buddha inside.

Phrathat Bangphuan is located at Wat Phrathat Bangphuan, Tambon Don Mu, Amphoe Muang, Changwat Nong Khai. The distance from the township area is 22 kilometers. Go along Highway No.2 about 10 kilometers, then branch off via Highway No.211 (Nong Khai-Tha Bo) for another 12 kilometers. There is on homage-paying fair for Phrathat Bangphuan on the 11th waxing day of the second lunar month every year.

Hot Chom Mani

This riverine beach is located at Ban Chom Mani, Tambon Michoai, about 2 kilometers from the municipal area. This beach is about 200 meters long and can be seen during the summer rime, especially in April when a huge number of tourists from Non Khai and other provinces visit the beach.


Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge spans the Mekong from Thailand into Tha Na Laeng in Laos. Visitors can then continue to Vientiane 20 kilometres away.

Amphoe Tha Bo

Luang Pho Phraehao Ongtue

This is the largest principal Buddha image of the province. It was cast by northern and Lan Chang artisans. This large Image is in the attitude of subduing evil, having a lop width of 3.29 meters with a height of 4 meter’s. It is housed in Wat Nam Mong, Nam Mong Village, Tambon Narn Mong, Amphoe Tha Bo. It is considered very sacred.

There are no reliable records as to when it was cast, though if is believed to have been cast in 1562. King Chaiyachettha, the ruler of Vientiane (who was a son of Phraya Sinsuwan, and who was born in Muang Wiang Khuk) commanded the casting for his queen, Queen Sichompho (a villager of Ban Nam Mong-or Muang Choampa), The cast was not successful until the god Indra and 108 divinities come to help. The total time spent for the casting was 7 years and 7 months with the expense of Baht 400,000. There is an annual homage-paying fair on the full moon day of the 4rh lunar month every year.

To pay homage to this Phrachao Ongtue, one can go from Nong Khai township along Highway No.211 (Nong Khai-Si Chiang Mai) to Amphoe Tha Bo where a left turn is to be made at KM 31 for another distance of 2.2 kilometers. The total distance from the province township area is about 43 kilometers.

Amphoe Si Chiang Mai

Wat Hin Mak Peng

This monastery is located at Ban Phutthabat, Tambon Phra Phutthabat, Amphoe Si Chiang Mai. Phra Achan Thet Thetrangsi established this place to be utilized as a meditation practice center for monks, nuns, and the general public. The surroundings of this monastery are clean and peaceful, and it was appraised to be a ’Model of Developed Monastery’ in the year 1960. To reach this place, one can travel from the township area along Highway No.211 (Nong Khai-Si Chiang Mai), then continue the trip via Highway No.2186. One can see Wat Hin Mak Peng on the right side near KM 63. The monastery is about 83 kilometers from Nong Khai and about 20 kilometers from Amphoe Si Chiang Mai.

Wong Nam Mog Waterfall

This waterfall is located at Ban Wang Nam Mog, Thambon Phra Phutthabat, and is about 26 kilometers from the district township area, and about 88 kilometers from the provincial capital township. The waterfall cascades from a high cliff. There are several caves around the cliff which are open for sightseeing. The road from Wat Hin Mak Peng to Amphoe Sangkhom passes through much picturesque scenery.

Amphoe Sangkhom

Than Thong Waterfall

This fall is situated in the vicinity of Ban Pha Tang, Mu 1, Tambon Pha Tang, Amphoe Sangkhom, Changwat Nong Khai. It is accessible by Nong Khai-Si Chiang Mai-Sangkhom Rood (Highway No.211). Continue from Amphoe Sangkhom to Dan Pha Tang via Highway No.2186, which is 11 kilometers from the district township. The waterfall is about 110 kilometers from the province township area.

Than Thong Waterfall cascades from a cliff approximately 30 meters high. There are several levels. At the bottom is a large reservoir and a stone platform. One can swim and enjoy bathing in the reservoir which then flows on words to the Mekhong River. There is abundant water from June to October.

Than Thip Waterfall

Another name of this fall is Tat Soem Waterfall. It is situated in the vicinity of Ban Tat Soem, Mu 1, Tambon Ban Muang, Amphoe Sangkhom. It is accessible by the some route as to Than Thong Waterfall, but the trip must be continued from Ban Pha Tang to Ban Pak Som, Ban Kaeng Kai, Ban Muang. There, make a left turn via a 2 kilometer laterite road to the fall. The total distance from the district township is 16 kilometers and about 111 kilometers from the provincial Capitol.

Than Thip Waterfall falls from a three level cliff, having a height of 70 meters for the first level, 100 meters for the second level, and 70 meters for the third level. Water flows all year round. There is more water during the rainy season. It can be counted a beautiful waterfall where visitors often go.

Amphoe Pak Khat

Wat Sawang Arom (Wat Sichod)

This monastery is located at Pak Khat , Tambon Pak Khat, approximately 500 meters from Amphoe Pak Khat township. From Amphoe Muang one can use Highway No.212 for 90 kilometers to Don Pak Khat. Wat Sawang Arom is located on a hilly area featuring rock formations, cliffs, and stone platforms with shade trees providing a peaceful atmosphere. There is also a small stream flowing by the main shrine hall. The hall is built in the shape of a bell and houses a sacred Buddha image. From the area of the main shrine hall, one may enjoy a beautiful bird’s eye view of both Thailand and the Lao PDR.

Amphoe Bung Kan

Phu Tog

This word literally means, in the northeastern dialect, a single mountain. The mountain is the location of Wat Chetirya Khiri Wihan (Wat Phu Tog). It is located in the vicinity of Ban Kham Khaen, Tambon Na Sabaeng, Amphoe Bung Kan. There are two Phu Togs: Phu Tog Yai (big) and Phu Tog Noi (small). The area was formerly an evergreen jungle containing many wild animals. Phra Achan Chuan Kulachettho established a meditation center for Buddhists.

The construction of o staircase climbing up the Phu Tog was begun during 1969. It has seven levels. It took five years to complete. The seven levels of staircase have different features. Levels 1 and 2 are the steps climbing to the 3rd level, forming a spiral bridge around the mountain. It features shady forests, with rock formations and stone platforms. When one comes to the end of the path on the 3rd level, there are two ways. The left side comprises a short cut to level 5, but it is very steep. The right side leads to level 4.

Level 4 Comprises another spiral bridge around the mountain to level 5. Looking down from the bridge one can see a short hilly area called ’Dong Chomphu’ which is bounded on the east by Phu Langka. It is located in the area of Amphoe Seka which is an evergreen forest having several flowing streams and many animals. Crows live there, thus name of Phu Pong Ka (Crows’ Nest Hill), when was later changed to Phu Langka.

This level contains residential cells for nuns. There are shady areas to protect one from sunlight and rain.
Level 5, or the middle level, is the location of the central pavilion, the monks’ cells, and the storage of Phra Achon Chuan’s body. There are several coves, such as, Tham Lek Lai, Tham Kaew, and Tham Rusi. There are also several rest areas which are large platforms.

To the north, one can see a natural stone bridge leading to the Vihara housing Lord Buddha’s relies inside. When looking outside one can see the range of Phu Tog Yai clearly.

A spiral staircase on level 6 comprises the lost stage of the spiral staircase and is 400 meters long and leads to level 7 which is a shady forest area.

Travelling to Phu Tog

Phu Tog Is situated in the area of Amphoe Bung Kan, approximately 185 kilometers from Nong Khai township along Highway No.212 or 27 kilometers from Amphoe Bung Kan via Highway No.222: this branches off from the ban Na Saeng-San Sai Ngam-Siwilai Road passing Phu Tog to Na Tong, another 20 kilometers. One can hire a small local bus going from Amphoe Bung Kan to Siwilai, and then continue the trip by a small public bus service to Phu Tog: or one can travel along High way No.212, Bung Kan-Ban Chaiyaphon, for 24 kilometers and then complete the trip to Phu Tog from Ban Chaiyaphon for the last 22 kilometers

Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve Area

Location and Boundary

The Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve Area occupies an area of 186.5 square kilometers, or 116,562 rai, covering areas of Amphoe Bung Kan, Amphoe Seka, Amphoe Phon Charoen, and King Amphoe Bung Khong Long, all within Nong Khai Province.

Geographic Characteristics

The Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve Area is located on the northernmost part of the region, almost adjacent to the Laotian border where the two borders run parallel to the Mekhong River. The area is about 150-300 meters above sea level. Natural jungles include Teng Rang Forest, dry evergreen forest, and wet evergreen forest.

Wild Animals

The area is the habitat for many kinds of wild animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, palm civet, pheasants, wild fowl, monkeys, gibbons, and several species of birds.

Traveling to Phu Wua Wild Life reserve Area

It is accessible from Nong Khai township by Highway No.212 to Amphoe Bung Kan, a distance of 135 kilometers. There are two routes of daily bus service operated by the Transport Company Limited, i.e.Route No.4193 leaving Nong Khai for Bung Kan every hour, and Route No.244 leaving Udon Thani for Nakhon Phanom every 45 minutes.

There ore two sightseeing routes in Phu Wua Area:

1. The Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve Area Office Route: Leave Bunq Kan for Ban Chaiyaphon (24 kilometers); then from Ban Chaiyaphon to Ban Put Sawat (5 kilometers); turn right (for 2,5 kilometers) to arrive or the Area Office. From here one can walk for 3 kilometers to Tham Fun and to Huo Phu, a distance of 1.9 kilometers more.

2. Chanaen. Waterfall Check Point Route: Leaving Ban Bung Kan for Ban Chaiyaphon (24 kilometers), continue to Bung Thung Sai Jok (Ban Chaiyaphon-Seka Rood) for another distance of 15 kilometers. Then make a left turn at Ban Thung Sai Jok and go 7 kilometers to Chanaen Waterfall, One can walk from the Check Point to Chanaen Waterfall, 1.6 kilometers, or walk to Tham Chan Pha, only 500 meters.
Another route is from Bang Chaiyaphon-Thung Sai Jok-Don Siat, a distance of 22 kilometers; then make a left turn to the Fall through a 6 kilometer road.

Areas of Interest

On top of the eastern region of Phu Tog is a wide stone platform having a very beautiful design caused by rain erosion. The altitude of this spot is about 330 meters, thus providing clear views for a considerable distance-even locations such as Phu Kwai, Phu Ngu. and Phu Mo Kao in the Lao PDR.

Tham Fun Waterfall

This fall is located in the vicinity of Ban Phu Sawar, Tambon Nong Doen, Amphoe Bung Kan, 33 kilometers from the district township, and 169 kilometers from the provincial capital. The general area beautiful deciduous forest. Thorn Fun, a peaceful cave, is located nearby.

Tham Phra Waterfall

This beautiful two-level waterfall in the Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve Area originates from a stream called Huai Bang Bat. The height between levels is approximately 50 meters. A stone platform under the fall becomes a large reservoir where one can enjoy swimming during the rainy season. Thorn Phra Waterfall is about 34 kilometers from Amphoe Seka township, and about 256 kilometers from the provincial capital.

Chet Si Waterfall

Formerly this waterfall was called Huai Ka-am Waterfall. It is fed by Huai Ka-am Stream which cascades from the high cliff and reflects afternoon sunlight causing several colours, thus the name of Cher Si Waterfall (seven colours, or Rainbow Waterfall). There are three levels located in the area of Ban Don Siat, Mu 3, Tambon Ban Tong. Amphoe Seko. From there one can gain access through the Seka-Bang Dong Bang Road which is about 264 kilometers from the province township.

Chanaen Waterfall

The former name of this fall was Tat Sanaen Waterfall. Tat means ’a place having running water’ and Sanaen means ’top of the height’ or ’splendid’. Chanaen Waterfall comes from a two-level stream called Huai Sanaen and is 100 meters wide. The distance between level 1 and level 2 is about 300 meters.
A footpath leading to Chanaen Waterfall passes Khua Hin (a stone bridge) which is a natural phenomenon where the water disappears beneath the 100 meter-long bridge.

A big reservoir called Bung Chanaen (or Huai Chanaen) is cooled by shade trees. It is believed that crocodiles live in this Huai Chanaen. Above the bank or a part of Huai Chonaen there is a waterfall cascading from a large stone platform during the rainy season. Walking on the left bank to the second level of this fall, one posses an area of the stream where there many rock formations decorate the stream bed; then one reaches a large platform near a big reservoir. The whole area near the reservoir is a unusual powdery beach. Above the reservoir there are small streams flowing to this reservoir forming short-lived waterfalls named Crocodile Lagoon Fall and Chanaen Fall. Chanaen Waterfall is 43 kilometers from Amphoe Seko township, and 267 kilometers from the provincial capital.

Tham Chan Pha

This cave is located 500 meters from the stone bridge.