Ruan Thai Guest House

I came to Nong Khai planning to stay just one night before heading to other Thai cities, but the clean, quiet room convinced me to stay for more than 20 days. The guest house is right in the city center, and the owner is friendly, kind, professional, and speaks good English. I usually spend only a night or two in Nong Khai before going to Laos, but this time I explored the city more and was happy with my stay. It's a small border town, without the crazy noise of Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The local people are polite, easygoing, and laidback. I'll come back.

This local guesthouse is very close to the Mae- Khong river. Rooms are simple and a normal size, with the basics: air conditioning, hot water, TV, and a refrigerator. Prices run from 400-600 bath depending on the room type.

I turned up at Nongkhai around 9pm, exactly 10 years ago, and most guest houses were full. This place was full too, but they kindly let me use a small room behind reception. It seemed to be their staff break room rather than a guest room. I just wanted to say thank you for their kindness.

For 300 baht, you can get a room with two twin beds or a queen bed if you don't mind having only a fan. The other places at that price looked much uglier. This charming, beautiful hotel is by the river and close to everything, in a rustic historic building with a garden around it. I don't think you'll find better for 300 baht.