Northeastern Thailand - Thailand - page 931

( 09 0452 3620; www.nongkhaitours.com ; Th Rimkhong) Offers tours around Nong Khai and beyond
and is a good source of local info and advice. Intends to offer cooking classes in the near
future. There's a desk inside Smile Bar.
THE MEKONG EXPLORER
Mekong River Cruises ( www.cruisemekong.com ) and its gorgeous boat, the Mekong Explorer , offer a new way
to explore the Mekong River in Isan. Its weeklong voyages starting in Nong Khai sail November to March, and
sightseeing while lounging on the deck can be as rewarding as the onshore excursions.
Festivals & Events
During Songkran the priceless image of Luang Po Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai ( Click
here ) is paraded around town.
Like many other cities in the northeast, Nong Khai has a Rocket Festival , which begins on
Visakha Bucha day in late May/early June.
At the end of Buddhist Lent (Ork Phansaa) in late October/early November, there are
long-boat races on the Mekong. These correspond with the October full moon, which is when
naga fireballs can be seen.
One particularly fun event is Nong Khai's version of the Chinese Dragon Festival , held over
10 days usually in November, with dragon dancing, acrobatics, Chinese opera and lots of
firecrackers.
The Anu Sahwaree Prap Haw Festival (5 to 15 March) boasts the city's biggest street fair.