population: 0.52 million

extension: 7,739 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Nong Khai and want to visit museums, a great place to start would be the Sala Keoku Sculpture Park. It is home to many impressive sculptures and carvings that depict Buddhist and Hindu deities, as well as other religious figures.

Other museums in the area include the Nong Khai Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the province, and the Pho Chai Museum, which highlights the area's agricultural heritage. If you're willing to travel a bit further, the Udon Thani National Museum, about an hour away by car, has a larger collection of artifacts and exhibits covering the entire region.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Nong Khai are:

1. Som Tam: a spicy papaya salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and chili peppers.
2. Larb: a spicy minced meat salad made with pork, chicken or beef, mixed with herbs and spices, and served with sticky rice.
3. Tom Yum Goong: a sour and spicy soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime juice, chili peppers, and other herbs and spices.
4. Nam Tok: a spicy grilled meat salad made with thinly sliced beef or pork, mixed with lime juice, chili peppers, and herbs like mint and cilantro.
5. Kaeng Som: a sour and spicy fish curry made with tamarind, chili peppers, and other ingredients like bamboo shoots and vegetables.

Other popular dishes that you may want to try include fried rice (khao pad), noodle soups (kuay teow), and stir-fried dishes like pad Thai and pad kra pao.

Activities

There are a variety of fun activities that local people enjoy in Nong Khai. Here are a few:

1. Visit the Nong Thin Public Park - It's a popular spot for locals to relax, exercise, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River.

2. Attend the Naga Fireball Festival - Every year around October, this festival celebrates the mysterious phenomenon of fireballs rising from the Mekong River.

3. Explore the local night markets - The Tha Sadet Market and the Nong Khai Walking Street are great places to sample local food, buy souvenirs, and experience the lively atmosphere.

4. Take a boat ride on the Mekong River - A boat ride is a peaceful way to see the river and its scenic surroundings.

5. Participate in a traditional Thai cooking class - There are many local chefs who offer classes to teach visitors how to cook classic Thai dishes like pad Thai and green curry.