Thailand Festivals and Events 2010

March 27 – 28, 2010
Along the Mekong River in the provincial centre (Amphoe Mueang) of Nong Khai
Nong Khai province, Thailand

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.

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani Office
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it