In October 2024, I decided to explore Isaan. I knew numerous people coming from the East of Thailand. However, even after visiting Thailand over 20 times, I had never made it to Isaan. Following my own rule, “what you have not seen with your own eyes, you cannot comment on,” I decided to travel for two weeks with the train through Isaan.
Today, we are looking at my second stop after Vientiane: Nong Khai. This border town lies in the very North of Isaan. After crossing the border from Laos, for example, via the Friendship Bridge, you will arrive in Nong Khai.
About the city
It was a special feeling arriving in Nong Khai. Yes, Nong Khai is a city. But it’s very quiet. I arrived on a Sunday, and the streets were empty. It did remind me of my hometown in Switzerland. Immediately, I felt much more at home than in Vientiane. I have no negative feelings towards Vientiane. But Nong Khai looked so much friendlier. It’s also much more local. Until 8 in the evening, I had not seen a single Western person. Without the Thai language, I was not able to communicate. Thankfully, that’s not a problem anymore in today’s world, where everyone has a translation app on their phone. And my Thai skills are getting better everyday.
In the late afternoon, I walked towards the waterfront. The Mekong marks the border between Thailand and Laos. The sunrise over there was breathtaking—I mean it. You can see it in my video. It was simply an outstanding evening. Songs I heard there on the beach road are still in my mind today when I look back on that place.
Places you should not miss
Nong Khai is a charming city in northeastern Thailand, and serves as a gateway to Laos via the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. Nong Khai is famous also famous for the surreal sculptures of Sala Keoku, a park filled with massive religious statues.
Sala Keo Kou
Sala Keo Kou, located just outside Nong Khai, is one of Thailand’s most fascinating and surreal attractions. This sculpture park was created by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a mystic who blended Buddhist and Hindu beliefs into his art, resulting in massive, dreamlike statues that tower up to 25 meters high.
Walking through Sala Keo Kou feels like stepping into another world, with giant depictions of gods, mythological creatures, and scenes from ancient stories. Built in the late 20th century, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Nong Khai looking for something unforgettable.
Visiting that park was a great decision. I have never seen so many statues in one single place, and some of them are really impressive. It’s fine if you go there by Grab from the city center. You can also get a Grab back. It was worth going there and visiting Sala Keo Kou. Some of the best views, you can find in my video.
