Nong Bua Lamphu is one of Thailand's seventy-six provinces (changwat). It lies in upper northeastern Thailand, a region also known as Isan or Isaan. Neighbouring provinces are Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Loei. Nong Bua Lamphu is one of the eight quadruply-landlocked Thai provinces, as its neighboring provinces are triply-landlocked.

The provinces of Thailand are administrative divisions of the government of Thailand. The country is divided into 76 provinces proper, with one additional special administrative area. They are the primary local government units and act as juristic persons. They are divided into amphoe (districts) which are further divided into tambon, the next lower level of local government.