For most people, Nong Khai is a stopping-off point before venturing into Laos, accessible via the Friendship Bridge 2km down the road. But if you have the time its well worth spending a day or two here (especially if you've come from the bustle of Bangkok). The biggest downer is the suprisingly ... Read review
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Advantages: Quiet, friendly, good food Disadvantages: Out of the way if you're not heading to Laos
For most people, Nong Khai is a stopping-off point before venturing into Laos, accessible via the Friendship Bridge 2km down the road. But if you have the time its well worth spending a day or two here (especially if you've come from the bustle of Bangkok). The biggest downer is the suprisingly persistent tuk-tuk hassle at the train station - pay no more than 40baht to get into town. Once there, head to Mut-Mee guesthouse by the river (ask the tuk-tuk ... ...(not bad).
Around Nong Khai are some great little eating places, bike hire, the most amazing sculpture park (think Jason and the Argonauts), a snooker hall, good street market, Mekong river cruise and Wats aplenty. But if you don't venture out the garden at Mut-Mee backs on to the Mekong and you can watch the sun set over the river Lotus-eater style. ... more
For most people, Nong Khai is a stopping-off point before venturing into Laos, accessible via the Friendship Bridge 2km down the road. But if you have the time its well worth spending a day or two here (especially if you've come from the bustle of Bangkok). The biggest downer is the suprisingly persistent tuk-tuk hassle at the train station - pay no more than 40baht to get into town. Once there, head to Mut-Mee guesthouse by the river (ask the tuk-tuk drivers - they'll take you to the door). Rates range from about 200 baht to 350 baht depending on whether you want en suite facilities or a balcony. At this money you get hot water (not scalding but not tepid either) and comfortable mozzy-screened rooms. The guesthouse operates an honour system for food and drink - fill in what you want in a book and either help yourself or hand it to the excellent kitchen staff to prepare it - great thai food plus farang favourites and even a jug of mut-mee margharita (not bad). Around Nong Khai are some great little eating places, bike hire, the most amazing sculpture park (think Jason and the Argonauts), a snooker hall, good street market, Mekong river cruise and Wats aplenty. But if you don't venture out the garden at Mut-Mee backs on to the Mekong and you can watch the sun set over the river Lotus-eater style.
Advantages: Cheap, unspolit, friendly people Disadvantages: None
We visited Laos as a detour from Thailand and wished we had longer to explore more of this wonderful, unspoilt part of Asia.
We came from NongKhai across the Friendship Bridge and this couldn't of been easier. You catch a bus to the bridge, go to the check point to show your passport, the bus then takes you across to the Laos side and here you fill in a simple form, hand over you $30 (cheaper than getting it in Thailand) and 10 minutes later you are through. Here you can catch one of the waiting three-wheeled motorcycles into the center of Vientiane.
This is a busy city and we visited the morning market, which is full of wondeful fabrics, clothes, and souveniers, always barter with the vendors they expect it and it is part of the fun. There are also some interesting wats to visit, we only spent 1 day here before going on.
We ...
pintaspilot 09.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of General: Laos
