Nong Khai hotels, guesthouses and restaurant guide
Traditional all-teak Nong Khai guesthouse
Given its strategic 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 reasonable 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.
Guesthouses in Nong Khai
Suan Sawan Resort (formerly Amazon Guesthouse): right on the river, this small venue offers eight separate waterside huts with cable television and great views over to Laos. Rooms from 900 baht with a/c. 106/2 Jommanee Soi 7, Meechai, tel: (042) 422989, mobile: 087 217 8281
Mutmee Guesthouse: a longstanding backpacker favourite, this place gets full quickly with good reason given its idyllic restaurant garden and Mekong views. Prices start at 150 baht for single rooms and the options here are varied. The Nagarina boat is available for evening dinner cruises where they serve Thai food and especially fish dishes. There is a beautiful bar at the end of the raft. Room rate from 150-1,200 baht; 1111/4 Kaeworawut Road, tel: (042) 460 717, email: mutmee@gmail.com.
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 too trendy or international. The area 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
$ 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. Open Hours: 06:00-19:30; 526-527 Riverside Road, tel: (042) 411 961, email: contact@daengnamnuang.net. $-$$
Im Im Dim Sum: serving a limited selection of dim sum along with noodle and rice dishes, this is a popular Chinese hangout that comes at a very reasonable price. Soi Sook Pracha. $
Jose Ramon’s Cantina: tacos and tortillas come to Nong Khai in this very popular Mexican restaurant serving anything but quesadillas. 1128/9 Takai Road. $$
For budget Thai food head to Prajak road and Thasadej market where street vendors hawk food starting at just a few baht.
Note! To secure a guaranteed room and find the best rates, we suggest you look online at Agoda.com. They seem to be the most competitively priced of the hotels sites.
