Nong Khai province
The long and narrow province of Nong Khai caps the top of Isan serving as a buffer between the central isan provinces and Laos to the north. Lined by the Mekong along its entire northern side, the province has some stunning scenery, along with a selection of seeming neverending villages and small towns running along the river's edge.
The province deserves more than just a day or two as it is packed with a load of attractions, small villages, hill-top temples, national parks and of course Nong Khai town which itself cotains a bounty of attractions, some great guesthouses and a good range of places to eat.
It was through Nong Khai that the first land crossing to Laos was opened for foreigners via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that was completed in 1994 (previously you could enter Laos, but you needed to take the boat) and although today, a decade later, there are a range of options available to enter Laos, many still choose to go via Nong Khai.
Even if you're not planning on crossing to Laos, Nong Khai province is still worth visiting and the area around Sangkhom in the west is a particularly relaxing spot.
Give it a try you may find yourself staying here longer than you planned.
