Your stay — Big Bell
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Nong Khai.
The Property — Big Bell
Big Bell Hotel is a no-frills, 3-star property in the heart of Nong Khai. Its unassuming façade gives way to a bright and airy lobby, where worn wooden accents and neutral tones evoke a sense of laid-back Thai hospitality. The hotel's USP lies in its proximity to the Mekong River, making it a great base for those seeking to explore the town's scenic waterfront and vibrant night markets. Big Bell Hotel is suited to budget-conscious travellers and those prioritizing location over luxury amenities.
Chronicles of Nong Khai
Nong Khai was founded in the 13th century as a small trading post along the Mekong River. The city's strategic location made it an important hub for trade and commerce, with the iconic Wat Phra That Phanom temple being built in the 13th century. Nong Khai's architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of traditional Thai and colonial-era buildings, including the 19th-century Wat Phra That Phanom. Today, the city is a cultural melting pot, with a thriving arts scene and a strong sense of community. Visitors can experience the city's unique identity through its bustling night markets, where local artisans and vendors sell handmade crafts and street food.
Best Time to Visit
Full Nong Khai guide →Best months
The best months to visit Nong Khai are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 34°C (93°F), and the crowds are manageable. July and August can be hot and humid, but the town's festivals and waterfalls make it a great time to experience the local culture.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month in Nong Khai, as it's the time of the annual Songkran Water Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this period, but the festivities are worth it, as the town's riverside becomes a giant water park. The festival's water fights and parades are a highlight of the city's calendar.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to May, offers the best value for money, with milder weather and lower prices. The crowds are smaller, and the sunsets are still warm and golden, making it an ideal time to explore the town's lesser-known attractions.
Weather & packing
Nong Khai's climate is characterised by its intense heat and humidity, with temperatures often soaring above 35°C (95°F) in the summer. Pack light, breathable clothing and a good sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect yourself from the sun.
Live City Briefing — Nong Khai
- The new Nong Khai Bus Terminal has opened, offering improved transportation links to Udon Thani and other nearby cities.
- The Nong Khai Night Market has expanded its vendors, now offering a wider range of local handicrafts and street food options.
- The Mekong River Waterfront has been renovated, providing a scenic promenade and improved access to the river for pedestrians and cyclists.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Big Bell, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above floor 5) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may experience street noise from the main road running alongside Nong Khai. Given the lack of specific details about the hotel's layout, it's likely that the rooms on the higher floors are farther from the street and potential noise sources.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-3) due to potential street noise from the main road. As the hotel is located in a city, the lower floors may be more prone to noise from the street and surrounding areas.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Nong Khai, the best views are likely to be from the higher floors (above floor 5), which may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby Mekong River.
Quietest floors
Floors 5 and above are likely to be quieter, given their distance from the street and potential noise sources.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the main road running alongside Nong Khai may be a concern for lower-floor rooms.
Insider tips
1. For a smoother check-in process, it's a good idea to arrive early to ensure you get your preferred room on a higher floor. 2. If you're planning to use the hotel's lift, be prepared for potential delays or congestion during peak hours, as the lift may be shared with other guests and staff.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Big Bell
free tier available, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, but unfortunately, some historic wings have stairs-only access
complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader; no physical papers available
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 18:00 with ฿500 fee
available 24/7 at ฿50 per bag per night
step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair-accessible rooms available, some structural limitations in older sections
on-site parking available for ฿100 per night; nearest public car park at Talad Nong Khai, ฿80 per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: ฿500 advance deposit + ฿2,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: พระธาตุหล้าหนอง (จำลอง) (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
- Place of worship: ศาลหลวงพ่อพระธาตุกลางน้ำ (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
You can exchange money at the airport or in the city, but rates may be poor. It's better to use an ATM for a more favourable exchange rate.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's a good idea to have some cash for smaller vendors. Mobile payments like Grab Pay and Line Pay are also popular.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 THB is considered polite for restaurant and taxi services.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a typical cup of coffee for around 30-50 THB at a local café.
Street food stalls and markets offer affordable lunch options for around 100-150 THB.
A budget-friendly dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 150-250 THB for a main course.
The Walking Street Market is a popular spot for cheap eats and street food.
Big C and Tesco Lotus are common supermarket chains in the area.
The local market offers affordable clothing options, especially for casual wear.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 60 THB, and you can take a songthaew (red truck) from the airport for 50 THB.
Use songthaews instead of taxis for shorter distances.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as rates may be poor.
Good to know — Nong Khai
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.7 · THB
Emergency Contacts
Nong Khai+66 42 411 111 or 1155 (Tourist Police)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Nong Khai, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Big Bell
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Udon Thani Train Station → Nong Khai Train Station
💡 Book tickets in advance for seat reservations.
Nong Khai Bus Station → Wixky Hotel
💡 Flag down the songthaew on the main road and show the driver your destination.
Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) → Wixky Hotel, 108/1 Moo 5, Khao Noi Subdistrict
💡 Negotiate the fare with the driver before you start your journey.
Udon Thani Bus Terminal → Nong Khai Bus Station
💡 Buy tickets in advance during peak travel seasons.
About Nong Khai
Wikipedia ↗
Nong Khai (Thai: เทศบาลเมืองหนองคาย, RTGS: Thetsaban Mueang Nong Khai; Lao: ໜອງຄາຍ) is a city in northeast Thailand. It is the capital of Nong Khai province. Nong Khai city is located in Mueang Nong Khai district. Nong Khai lies on the Mekong River, near the site of the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bri...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Big Bell?
Request a room on the higher floors (above floor 5) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may experience street noise from the main road running alongside Nong Khai. Given the lack of specific details about the hotel's layout, it's likely that the rooms on the higher floors are farther from the street and potential noise sources.
Which rooms should I avoid at Big Bell?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-3) due to potential street noise from the main road. As the hotel is located in a city, the lower floors may be more prone to noise from the street and surrounding areas.
Is Big Bell noisy?
Street noise from the main road running alongside Nong Khai may be a concern for lower-floor rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Big Bell?
Given the hotel's address in Nong Khai, the best views are likely to be from the higher floors (above floor 5), which may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby Mekong River.
What are insider tips for staying at Big Bell?
1. For a smoother check-in process, it's a good idea to arrive early to ensure you get your preferred room on a higher floor. 2. If you're planning to use the hotel's lift, be prepared for potential delays or congestion during peak hours, as the lift may be shared with other guests and staff.
What time is check-in at Big Bell?
Check-in at Big Bell is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Big Bell have Wi-Fi?
free tier available, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Big Bell?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Big Bell?
Street food stalls and markets offer affordable lunch options for around 100-150 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Big Bell?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 60 THB, and you can take a songthaew (red truck) from the airport for 50 THB.
When is the best time to visit Nong Khai?
The best months to visit Nong Khai are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 34°C (93°F), and the crowds are manageable. July and August can be hot and humid, but the town's festivals and waterfalls make it a great time to experience the local culture.
Top Attractions in Nong Khai
💡 Read the poem inscribed on the monument for a glimpse into Thai culture.
💡 Watch the sunset from the temple grounds for a truly unforgettable experience.
💡 Try some of the local street food, such as grilled pork skewers or fried insects.