Things To Do
in Nong Khai

Sunrise and sunset shots of the Mekong, Naga statues, and the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge; lively local scenes and market life make for great candid photography.

Striking, oversized and surreal Buddhist-Hindu sculptures in bright colors and unusual forms — excellent for dramatic wide-angle photos and details.

Traditional temple architecture and the revered gold Buddha image; atmospheric interior shots and exterior rooflines are photogenic.

The long serpent sculptures and riverside statues that line the promenade are iconic and especially photogenic at golden hour.

A spicy, sour salad made from shredded green papaya — try versions with crab (som tam pu) or fermented fish; available at markets and street stalls.

Must-Try!

Seasoned minced meat (pork, chicken or fish) with lime, toasted rice powder and herbs — commonly eaten with sticky rice and found in local eateries.

Whole freshwater fish stuffed with lemongrass, salted and grilled over charcoal — a regional specialty served at riverside restaurants.

Staple carbohydrate in Isan; eaten by hand and paired with almost every savory dish or with mango for dessert.

Bustling evening market along the river with dozens of stalls selling grilled fish, som tam, pad krapow, desserts and local snacks — great for sampling many dishes in one place.

Local daytime market offering fresh produce, grilled meats, rice dishes and sweets — ideal for an authentic breakfast or lunch among locals.

The traditional Thai greeting (wai) — palms pressed together with a slight bow — is common; return it or smile if offered. Use 'Sawasdee' for hello and 'Khop Khun' for thank you.

Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered). Remove shoes before entering buildings, keep quiet and do not point your feet at images of the Buddha.

Women should not touch monks; hand objects to a monk via a male intermediary if necessary. Avoid public displays of anger or confrontation — maintaining a calm face is valued.

When interacting with Laotian visitors or crossing to Vientiane, carry your passport and be polite regarding border formalities; respect local Lao customs which closely resemble Thai Isan norms.

Tipping is not mandatory in Nong Khai but is appreciated. Round up small bills at markets, leave 20–50 THB for good restaurant service, and tip drivers or guides a small amount for helpful service.

Thai baht (THB) is the local currency. Cash is king for street food, markets and small shops; ATMs are widely available in town. Credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and some shops; mobile payment apps are growing but less universal than in major cities.

Vegetarian options exist but are less prevalent; seek restaurants that will prepare vegetable stir-fries, fried rice or pad thai without fish sauce. Temple-style vegetarian dishes (jay) appear occasionally, especially during Buddhist observances.

Vegan options require confirming no fish sauce or shrimp paste; gluten-free requests are possible but cross-contamination with soy sauce or fried foods can occur. Bring a pocket Thai translation card explaining restrictions if unsure.