Nong Khai hotel and restaurant guide
Given its location on the Southeast Asian backpacker route that sees scores of western tourists stream across the Friendship Bridge here into Laos, Nong Khai is a place that caters mostly to budget travellers. Room rates here are very reasonably priced and usually include calming views of the river. The food here is surprisingly varied. Aside from the typical Thai/Laotian fare, Chinese is also on offer along with western backpacker favourites and even Mexican.
Accommodation and restaurants are almost all located around the centre of town and along Riverside road.
Hotels in Nong Khai
Guesthouses in Nong Khai
Amazon Guesthouse: right on the river, this small venue offers eight separate waterside huts with cable television and great views over to Laos. Jommanee Soi 7; tel: 042 422989; 250 baht with a/c.
Mutmee Guesthouse: a longstanding backpacker favourite, this place gets full quickly with good reason given its idyllic restaurant garden and Mekong views. With dorm beds with fan to doubles with a/c, the options here are varied. Kaeworawut Road; tel: 042 460717; 90 baht dorms to 700 baht with a/c.
Restaurants in Nong Khai
With it’s location besides the mighty Mekong river, Nong Khai has plenty of lovely riverside restaurants that boast fantastic views across to Laos. The biggest concentration of these are found in the market area of the town centre. You might want to stroll around and pick one that takes your fancy. Here are some suggestions around town.
Remember, Nong Khai is a small, typical Isaan town so don’t expect anything trendy or international. The town is easily navigated on foot and you’ll find some really pleasant venues on the riverfront, or even on the river. Fish, of course, is the most favoured item on the menu, but be warned that here in Isaan the food is so much spicier!
Budget rating
approximately
$ dishes b30 - b70; quart of beer b70; whiskey shot 80 baht; cocktails b100
$$ dishes b70 - b120; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot 100 baht; cocktails b120
$$$ dishes b100 - 250; quart of beer b120; whiskey shot 130 baht; cocktails b150
Daeng Naem Nueang: a well-rated Vietnamese place with a smattering of local fare right on the gateway between Thailand and Laos. Takeaway also available. Riverside road; $
Im Im Dim Sum: serving a limited selection of dim sum along with noodle and rice dishes, this is a popular Chinese hangout that comes at a very reasonable price. Soi Sook Pracha; $
Jose Ramon’s Cantina: tacos and tortillas come to Nong Khai. Very popular with Mexican food lovers that make it here expecting anything but quesadillas. Takai Road; $$
For budget Thai food head to Prajak road and Thasadej market where street vendors hawk food starting at just a few baht.
