Udon Thani - Nong Khai - Ban Chiang - Sakon Nakhon - Korat

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Isaan - a special place in Thailand

Dec 9 to Jan 23

I spent most of my time again in Pattaya and Bangkok but made sure that I planned a trip to Udon Thani, a major city in the North east of Thailand. I would also visit a friend in Sakhon Nakhon to the east and on the way there look at the world heritage sight of Ban Chiang. I booked a flight and rental car only to find on the night before leaving for Udon that I had food poisoning. I decided to catch the bus from Jomtiem to the airport in Bangkok and I am still not sure how I made it to Udon without a side trip to the hospital. It took me five days to recover but I still enjoyed my country visit even though my night time activities were limited to staying in my room or going for short drives because I felt so bad.

Udon and Sakon are typically quiet country cities with large lakes standing out as landmarks. I drove north to Nong Khai to see the Australian funded Friendship Bridge which borders Thailand and Lao. The nearby Sala Kaew Sculpture Park
is a must see if you are in that area.

I like going to Isaan and the people of the north-east because they are polite, welcoming and they drive much slower than their relatives in the big cities. I was actually getting a bit impatient when driving in Udon and Sakon because everyone was so caerful and polite, a big change from driving in Pattaya.

I dropped in to Khon Kaen on my way from Sakon to Korat where I would visit a Thai family near Chock Chai. Khon Kaen is not the most appealing city but it is a huge regional centre and there will be more to discover on future visits when I am feeling better.

My day in Korat was the most enjoyable time for me on this visit to Thailand. I have stayed with the family many times and it is so nice when people of all ages welcome me back to their home. It was a beautiful, relatively cool day and we just sat around talking, eating and drinking and I met some new additions to the extended family. I always have a good feeling about this place and the warmth of the Thai people to each other and this foreigner is on full display.


Isaan is my favorite part of Thailand. I have never missed Thailand so much since I have returned from my last visit.


Kop khun khrap - Thank you

Sawatdee khrap - Goodbye

Pob gan mai - See you again soon

Click on the pics if you want a larger view of the photos

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Photos

Bangkok
Near Central World

Pattaya Isaan Concert
The "Pong Lang Sa On" group were playing at this show.

Pattaya Bali Hai Pier
New Years Eve

Udon Thani - Nong Prajak Park and Lake
A highlight of most Isaan cities are their beautiful lakes and parks

Nong Khai - Friendship Bridge
I walked to the middle of the bridge, it is the border between Thailand and Laos. It is a long walk in the hot sun from the car park.

Nong Khai - Sala Kaew Sculpture Park
The sculptures are huge and amazing, a must see if you go to Nong Khai

Nong Khai - Sala Kaew Sculpture Park
I was befriended by some elderly ladies and I walked with their family and some monks. They stopped to feed the huge carp in the lake.

Udon Thani - Top Mansion
Good, modern and clean room for 400 baht per night. Get a room on the side away from the girlie bar complex if you want a quiet night before 2am when the bars close.

Ban Chiang
A World Heritage site with pottery and human skeletons between 4000 and 7000 years old.

Comments

[Brandon]

Car rental recommendation in Udon Thani?
Hey. Thanks for the post. Where would you suggest to rent a car in udon thani? i'm sorting out car rentals now and i found www.ud-carrent.com anyone tried them? Thanks.

[leon oz]

Car rental
I drove from Pattaya. Used Budget car rental. Good service. Had a flat battery and they sent a driver with a replacement vehicle.