The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in partnership with Nong Khai provincial authorities, Nong Khai municipality, and the Triathlon Association of Thailand are jointly hosting the 2010 Mekong River International Multi-Sports ITU Asian Cup competition to promote sports tourism and foster closer relations among the six member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion namely Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and Southern China.

With the consecutive success of the past regional triathlons held in each of Thailand’s gateway cities bordering the Mekong River, the Mekong River Triathlon is attracting participants from countries around Asia and has been designated an annual international sports event and receives recognition and support from both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) as well as the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC).

To offer participants and spectators a change of scenery and an opportunity to see more of the Thai kingdom, the Triathlon Association of Thailand and the organizers believe that it is beneficial for the gateway cities along the length of the Mekong River in Thailand to take turns in hosting the event in rotation. The Mekong River International Triathlon Asian Cup Series and multi-sports Asian Cup Championships were held in Nakhon Phanom in 2005, in Mukdahan in 2006 and 2007, and in the northern city of Chiang Rai in 2008.

The town of Nong Khai, situated on the stretch of the Mekong River where the borders of Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic meet, is the host venue of the Mekong River International Multi-Sport ITU Asian Cup 2010 competition.

With the Mekong River being the twelfth longest river in the world flowing through the six countries of Southeast Asia as it makes its way to the sea, increasing tourism investment is being made in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). The region as a whole is experiencing rapid growth and the regional gateways continue to grow in significance. The hosting of the annual international triathlon and multi-sports event reflects an attempt to develop provincial tourism capabilities so Thailand’s gateway cities bordering the Mekong River can effectively serve as a regional tourism hub and gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Additionally, with the growing trend in a healthy lifestyle and the increasing popularity of international sports events, an added benefit of which is the opportunity to travel to and experience new destinations and cultures in the process, the organizers are confident that sports for health as a theme will extend the scope of the tourism promotion efforts.

Through the Triathlon, Thailand’s gateway cities along the Mekong River hope to attract new audiences such as sports enthusiasts and their families, the media, spectators and tourists.

The town of Nong Khai offers a panoramic view of the Mekong River and Laos on the opposite shore, and serves as the gateway to Vientianne, the capital of Laos.

With the opening of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the first to be opened across the Mekong River in 1994, a major overland link connecting Nong Khai on the Thai side to Tha Na Laeng in Laos was established. Once across the bridge, the onward journey to Vientianne is only 20 kms away. Hence although the traditional ferry crossing remains in operation, much of the trade and travel between the two countries is now overland via the bridge. Nong Khai is also the only checkpoint where visas-on-arrival are issued to overseas tourists.

Additionally, the first rail service between Thailand and Lao PDR on the Nong Khai - Tha Na Laeng route began operation on 27 March 2009.

Stalls and shops along the river banks offer a vast selection of local products and souvenirs such as hand-woven clothes, basketry, silverware, food-stuffs and imports from Laos.

Domestically, it is hoped that the international sports event will generate increased interest in sports among the general public, particularly youth, and also establish spectator sport as a leisure activity.

NONG KHAI DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
PLACES OF INTEREST

Tha Sadet
A port for crossing the Mekong River to Tha Dua in Laos is also known for its market for local products and products from the countries of Indochina and Eastern European countries.

Chom Mani Beach
As the level of the Mekong falls during the dry season (in April), Chom Mani Beach, a raised islet in the middle of the Mekong River re-appears.

Sala Kaeo Ku
A pavilion full of unusual statues depicting scenes and characters from Buddhist and Hindu tales.

Wat Pho Chai Temple
The temple houses a beautiful gold Buddha image that is the most sacred in the province.

Phra That Bang Phuan at Ban Don Mu on the Nong Khai -Udon Thani Highway
This is an old 34-metre high pagoda that houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Relics of the original brick pagoda, temple boundary markers, ancient stone inscriptions and an ancient pool from which water was once used in rituals to bless former city lords can still be seen within the temple grounds.

Than Thong Waterfall
The waterfall is 30-metres high and plunges into a pool as it descends into the Mekong, during the rainy season.

Than Thip Waterfall
This is a 3-tier waterfall at 30-metres, 100-metres and 70-metres high respectively.
The waterfall reveals its full splendour during the rainy season.

Phu Thok
This is an isolated sandstone outcrop 200-metres high that rises abruptly from a plain in Bung Kan district.

Wat Chetiya Khiri Viharn is a Buddhist meditation centre that has been established at the summit of this rocky outcrop. For the ascent, there is a wooden staircase that winds its way along the cliff face revealing unusual rock formations, tunnels, caves and vertical cliff faces.

Wat Hin Mak Peng is another temple with a well-established Buddhist meditation centre that attracts a large following of local worshippers.

Phu Wua Wildlife Preserve
Covering an area of 180 sq kms., the Chet Si Waterfall, Chanaen Waterfall, Tham Phra and Tham Fun Waterfalls are some of the places of interest in the wildlife preserve.

THE TRADITIONAL BOAT RACES & BANG FAI PHAYA NAK FESTIVAL
Traditional boat races are held at the end of the Buddhist Lent or rains retreat in October and the province of Nong Khai hosts Thai-Laos friendship boat races. The event is accompanied by the Bang Fai Phaya Nak Festival at nightfall.

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani Office
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408
E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th