Amazing Thailand Travel

The province of Nong Khai is a long and narrow province skirting the south bank of the Mekong for some 300km separating Thailand from Laos. The region has had a long history of contact with French and Laos and this is often reflected in the cuisine and local temples found in the province of Nong Khai. The town of Nong Khai, occupies a strategic position at the end of Highway 2 and the north-eastern Railway just 24km away. This border town, once a backwater town, now acts as a conduit for goods bought and sold by Thais and Loatians although plenty of trade went on quite happily, even if illegally, before it became a bit of a tourist town.

Like most of the towns in the north east Thailand travel to these areas is best when you understand the thing to do in Nong Khai is just to take it easy, enjoy the riverside atmosphere and peaceful settings and good value of guesthouse and hotels in the area. Before lapsing into relaxation coma however you should try joining an evening river trip or even make a day trip out to see the sculpture’s crop formations in the surrounding countryside. Nong Khai makes a pleasant place to spend a few hours sitting in one of the numerous restaurants along the main street of town, sipping a cold beer and watching the river.

Things to do in Nong Khai

Generally speaking the main purpose for visiting Nong Khai is for a trip across the board into Laos. Nong Khai is only one of six crossings open to non-Thai foreigners along the borders and although you will generally have sorted your visas in Bangkok it is possible to still arrange one in Nong Khai.

Getting to Nong Khai

From Bangkok you will mostly likely be coming by train arriving just after dawn at the station some 2 km west of the city centre. Day buses from all points around Isarn reaching connect Nong Khai to all other major towns and buses from a little further afield will arrive at the terminal on the east side of the town.

Filed under : North East Thailand Travel, Thailand Travel

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Only 22km south-east of Chiang Mai on route 106, often called the Old Chiang Mai Road, Lamphun is famed for hand-woven silk, two ancient temples, its beautiful women and its production of the sweetest logan fruit (lam yai). This is the smallest province in the north of Amazing Thailand and being situated inland away from the sea, it has the longest drought or dry season usually about 6 months. The climate is typical for this area with 3 seasons dividing the year. The hot seasonof any Thailand travel is usually between March and April, the rainy season from May to October and the cool season from November to February.

Things to do in Lamphun

Over shadowed by the tourists in Chiang Mai, Lamphun is usually visited as a half day tour or as part of a full day tour of their Thailand travels, taking in other sights south of Chinag Mai. Lamphun does however come alive during the Longan festival, which takes place each August. During this time floats are paraded along the streets, drum beating competitions and the local beauty competitions take place.

During your half day Lamphun trips you should try and get to see Wat Phra That Haripunchai and the bell-shaped, 51 m high golden Chedi, an enormous bronze gong (said to be the largest in the world, but this has been disputed) and the beautiful ordination hall, or Bot, although this is often closed. Wat Kukut is a second Wat you should consider visiting if you have time. It’s on the opposite side of town to the previous Wat and should take about 30mins walk. It gives you a chance to view the rest of the town as you wander there.

Getting To Lamphun

Situated so close to Chiang Mai, Lamphun doesn’t have much in the way of accommodation for the Thailand traveller. Travel usually involves a trip along route 106 and back to Chiang Mai.

Filed under : Northern Thailand Travel, Thailand Travel

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