Nong Khai

Getting Here & Around

Nong Khai is a major crossing point into Laos.

By Bus

Buses run from Udon Thani to Nong Khai every hour from the bus stand at the northern end of Udon Dutsadi Road (1 hour; B40). There are also frequent departures from Nong Khai back to Udon, and on to Khon Kaen and Bangkok (B400). But it's best to take a sleeper train if you're heading back to Bangkok. Only fan-cooled coaches are available to or from Loei (4 hours; B100). The bus station is downtown, at the Pho Chai market just off Prajak Road.

By Car

The fast, four-lane Highway 2 links Nong Khai to Udon and on to Bangkok, making driving here easy. The small but scenic 211 road follows the Mekong River route to Nong Khai from Chiang Khan and points west. The 212 road follows the Mekong east from Nong Khai, connecting to Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan.

By Samlor & Songthaew

A songthaew will ferry you around town and to the Friendship Bridge and train station for B30 to B80, depending on your destination and bargaining skills.

By Train

Three Nong Khai sleepers depart daily from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station, at 6:30 pm, 7:40 pm, and 8:45 pm. The return trip leaves Nong Khai at 6:20 pm and 7:15 pm. The trip is around B500 to B1,250, depending on type of sleeper. The train station is 2 km (1 mi) west of town, near the Friendship Bridge, on Sadet Road.