Luang Pho Phra Chao Ong Tue is at Ban Nam Mong at Km. 31 of Highway No. 211, 43 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang. This Buddha image is 4 metres high and is made of gold, bronze and silver. It is the work of craftsmen from northern Thailand and Lan Chang. Built by Phra Chaiyachettha of Vientiane in 1562, the image is revered by Thais and Laos.
 

Namtok Than Thip is at Ban Tat Som in Tambon Ban Muang at Km. 97 on Highway No. 211, then take a left for 2 kilometres. This three-level waterfall is 30 metre-high, 100 metre-high and 70 metre-high, respectively. It is at its most beautiful in the rainy season.

Namtok Than Thong is in Ban Pha Tang at Km. 74 of Highway No. 211, 11 kilometres before arriving in Sangkhom district office and 83 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang. The waterfall is 30 metres high and falls down to the Mekong. Below is a large pool suitable for swimming. There is water only in the rainy season.
 

Phu Thok is a sandstone mountain 200 metres high standing all alone in Ban Kham Khaen in Tambon Na Sabaeng. The monk Phra Achan Chuan Kunchettho established a meditation centre here by constructing wooden stairs from the foot of the mountain winding along the cliff face to the summit. It took more than 5 years to build. Along the way, visitors can see many interesting spots, like the rock formation that is like a tunnel, a cave and the cliff. In addition, they can enjoy the magnificent view from high up. To get to Phu Thok from Nong Khai, take Highway No. 212 past Pho Chai, Pak Khat and Bueng Kan, then take a right onto Highway No. 222 to Si Wilai and to Phu Thok, totaling 185 kilometres. A distance from Bueng Kan to Phu Thok is 46 kilometres.
 

Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve covers an area of over 180 square kilometres near the Mekong and the Thai-Lao border. Most of attractions in the area are waterfalls which are best visited during late rainy season (from August to November).

Namtok Tham Fun can be reached by taking Highway No. 212. Turn right at the sign, 7 kilometres before Bung Khla district and go along an access road for 4 kilometres.

Namtok Chet Si is a beautiful waterfall which can be reached by road via Phu Thok. If travelling along Highway 212, turn right at the sign, 12 kilometres before Bung Khla district and continue for 28 kilometres.

Other waterfalls including Namtok Phu Tham Phra and Namtok Chanaen which are difficult to be reached by road during the rainy season.

Visa

Foreign tourists wishing to visit Laos from Nong Khai must apply for visas at least 3 working days in advance at

-          Lao Embassy, 520/1-3 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39, Bang Kapi, Bangkok, Tel: 0 2539 6667 or

-          Lao Consulate General, 171/102-3 Prachasamoson Road, Amphoe Mueang, Khon Kaen, Tel: 0 4324 2856-8 Fax: 0 4224 4918

They can use the services of a number of tour operators in Nong Khai. The visa is valid for 1 month and visitors can extend for additional 2 months.
Visitors to Laos may obtain visas on arrival at the Immigration Office in Laos and are permitted to remain in Laos for 15 days.

Transportation

Shuttle bus services crossing the bridge cost 20 baht per person. From the checkpoint in Laos visitors can hire a taxi to Vientiane which is 20 kilometres away and costs 500 baht. The checkpoint is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Major attractions in Vientiane are temples, museums, monuments and a morning market. Package tours cost approximately 800-1,500 baht for one-day trip and 2,000-2,600 baht for two-day trip. The prices vary according to the number of people in a group. Details can be obtained from tour operators in Nong Khai.
 

Wat Hin Mak Peng on the bank of the Mekong is at Ban Thai Charoen at Km. 64 of Highway No. 211, around 75 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang. The temple used to be the residence of Luang Pu Thet Thetrangsi, a monk with followers nationwide. Many Buddhists come here to meditate.