Nong Khai, the most northeastern
province in Thailand, is the last stop on the northeastern
(Isaan) railway line and the terminus of Highway 2. The Friendship
Bridge which crosses the Mekong into Laos (the Lao People's
Democratic Republic) was completed in 1994, making Nong Khai
the entry point for access to that isolated and landlocked
country.
Archaeologists
have explored sites more than 3,000 years old where bronze
age residents of Nong Khai were engaged in mining and processing
copper ore. In recent centuries the area was part of an empire
centered on Vientiane.
More
Primarily
Buddhist, the culture of Nong Khai reflects the strong influence
of the Lan Chang (Vientiane) empire of which it was once a
part. To a lesser extent the influence of the French, who
colonized neighboring Laos, can be seen in the architecture.
More
The Mekong river divides Nong Khai province from Laos immediately
to the north. Located on the Khorat plateau, which is called
Isaan in Thai, 615 km northeast of Bangkok, it was once called
"the Walking Dragon of North Isaan" because its long, narrow
shape follows the bends and turns of the mighty Mekong.
More
The
native Thai population of the province has been supplemented
by a number of refugees from Laos. Both the Thai and Lao languages,
which have many similarities, are widely understood.
More
Trade
and tourism have increased less than anticipated following
the completion of the Friendship Bridge connecting the province
to Laos.
More
Back to Top
|
