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A few years ago the US magazine Modern Maturity sent teams of researchers out in search of exotic locales around the globe to determine the absolute best places for a home away from home or as a retirement haven for North Americans. The magazine graded each destination using 12 categories, ranging from weather, the cost of living, cultural programs, housing, public utility, communication, public health, medical facilities, environment, safety and security, and political stability.

The top 15:

1. Costa Del Sol, Spain;
2. Cinque Terra, Italy;
3. Provence, France;
4. Bouguete, Panama;
5. St Vincent & the Grenadines, Carribean;
6. County Lare, Ireland;
7. NONG KHAI, Thailand;
8. Crete, Greece;
9. Ambergris Caye, Belize;
10. Tunis, Tunesia;
11. Algarve, Portugal;
12. Caymen Islands, Carribean;
13. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico;
14. Patos, Cyprus;
15. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

(Why they didn’t choose my paradise town of Hua Hin – I don’t understand).

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Nong Khai is the capital of Nong Khai province; 615 km north east of Bangkok. Nong Khai province runs alongside the Mekong River on the border with Laos for 330 km. The people of Laos and the North Eastern Thai people have many things in common including their language, their history, religion, and culture.

Nong Khai is a market town on the banks of the Mekong River across from Laos. Tha Sadet Market is known as the Indochina Market. This unique market was created in the 1990’s and it carries a variety of imported goods from Laos and China that cannot be found elsewhere. Prices are ‘negotiable’ and certainly very affordable. This Market is a lane with shops at either side only feet away from the river. The vendors are very friendly although communication can be difficult; not many speak English and their own language is Isan – a Thai dialect comparable to the Newfie dialect in Canada.

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As usual I was considered crazy walking everywhere in the morning and afternoon heat. I like walking, it’s the best way to see things and say hello to people. I had no problems finding the ‘Danish Baker’ restaurant and bar, a well known and advertised hangout for expats and tourists.

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5.30 pm – I am standing at the Mekong River looking to my left at the Friendship Bridge in the distance. Above the bridge I see the blood red fireball of the sun, low in height and sinking slowly to mark the beginning of darkness. It’s an incredible view most of you will never experience.

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Over the years I have stood at the Mekong River at various locations in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. I have seen the Mekong River in all its glory and power during the rainy season; in its meek, low-water level at the end of the dry season. At this moment in time the river is full, flowing strongly but very calmly. The water is brown.

There’s something in the human spirit that longs to look at water; that certainly applies to me. I feel calm yet excited to be here – a place I’ve wanted to see for some years. I am not disappointed. I find a tiny café serving the best Cappuccino at the incredibly low price of Baht 25. I stop here frequently for my favorite drink.

I had hoped to be able to describe the daily town life.

Unfortunately I have come at the wrong time of year for that. The town is filling rapidly with tourists, 99% Thai, from all over for The Naga Fireball Festival. Although the Fireball Phenomena occurs at various hotspots 40 to 80km away, Nong Khai has turned into festival town with concerts and Dragon Boat races on the river.

I overheard there isn’t an empty room to be found in Nong Khai.

Pebo