Advice on North East Thailand

Will visit Thailand in December and need advice regarding traveling in the Isaan area. Would love to take a longer boat trip on the Mekong River. I was thinking about going to Ubon Ratchathani by bus or train (perhaps a stop in Nakhon Ratchasima) and then to Pakse in Laos (or fly directly Bangkok-Pakse). Then take a boat from Pakse, perhaps to Stung Treng in Cambodia. Anyone who knows if that is possible? And how to get from Stung Treng back to Thailand? Unfortunately I have only 7-10 days to spend before I have to return to Bangkok but still would like to travel as much as possible during daytime, by train or bus, in order to see as much as possible of this part of the country (countries). Historic monuments etc. not the highest priority, and real people and everyday life appeal more to me. Any advice would be appreciated.

Advice on North East Thailand

Tetty

Issan is a vast area of thailand and as such different parts offer diiferent things to do and see. over the years i%26#39;ve been living here i%26#39;ve travelled extensively throughout this region. many trips have coincided with various festivals and and other times i%26#39;ve just done it for R%26amp;R. Most of my R%26amp;R trips involve trekking in national parks and camping.

you said you are not that interested in historical sites. well this region is famous for them. there are many Khmer ruin sites and prehistoric archaeological sites as well. it is also noted for it%26#39;s cotton and silk textile goods.

Most people who travel thru this region are heading for Laos. they don%26#39;t explore this region because they usually take the overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai. Here you can cross into Laos via the Friendship Bridge and within 10 minutes you can reach Vientienne. from here you can travel to Pakse (plane) or luang prabang (plane or river boat or car/bus).

for travel to/from and within cambodia you need to try the Cambodian forum.

an excellent book to get about this region is called Thailand Eyewitness travel guide published by DK.

bkk3

Advice on North East Thailand

Hi bkk

We are planning to spend a large part of our 5 weeks in Thailand in the NE from Korat to Nong Khai. As well as golfing, we are very interested in ruins and archaeological sites. Any recommendations?

Thanks

Thanks Bkk3,

I know it%26#39;s a large area and that I will not cover it in a week%26#39;s time, that%26#39;s why I would prefere to stay in the southern part, not going all the way up to Vientiane and Luang Prabang. But if I want to go on a bout trip on the Mekong river it seems that there is no other opportunities so I might have to change my mind.

I%26#39;m going to stay with friends in Hua Hin for about a week and the rest of my time I would like to see something else than beaches. I%26#39;m just learning a bit about Thailand and it%26#39;s history through Lonely Planet and web forums so I need all advice I can get in order to make to most out of my trip. But I don%26#39;t feel like chasing around just to be able to see everything you ';should'; see. Of course I hope to see some interesting sites, but most of all I would like to get a feeling of the genuine Thai atmosphere - if possible.

Do you know anything about the Dolphin Conservation Center at Don Khong Island and the Phu Chong Nayoi National Park? How to get there? Too time consuming?

Any advice is welcome!

Tetty

IslandWest

There are a number of ancient khmer ruin sites and pre-historic sites. the most extensively restored Khmer site is called Prasat Hin Phimai. It is located about 50 km NE of Korat near the village of Phimai, so easily accessible. Another major site is called Prasat Hin Khao Phnom Rung. it is located SE of Korat about 90 minute drive. this is an ancient hindu temple which sits upon an extinct volcano. Two other smaller sutes are Prasat Ta Muen (near Surin) and Prasat Hin Muang Tam (near Buri Ram).

As for the pre-historic site, this is located at Ban Chiang which is near Udon Thani, about 45 minute drive.

bkk3

Tetty

Unfortunately i can%26#39;t help you about the dolphins. but a note of caution - be wary about anywhere that calls itself an animal conservation place, more often than not they are aren%26#39;t.

as for your national park. national parks of thailand have an excellent website:

www.dnp.go.th

you should find information there.

bkk3

We make a yearly trip to Buriram to visit parents/grandparents. Khao Yai National Park is one place I have always wanted to stop. but never have. There are several historic sights in Buriram Province, and several other places between Buriram and Ubon Ratchatanni. Traveling in Isan is challenging, but doable. Even the smaller towns, such as Prakhon Chai, have hotels/motels that will be adequate for most tourists, at a reasonable price.

I would like advice on a decision I need to make. I had wanted to see the Amphawa floating market south of bangkok (felt it was less touristy) but also want very much to go to Isaan on a homestay and attend the phimai boat races and light show.

Unfortunately, the availability of the homestay is the same days as the Amphawa market.

Any alternatives other than Damoen floating market??

Also, I hear that the airport in Nakhon Ratchasima is closed. Can someone confirm?

In addition I may need accomodations in Phimai for one night. Any suggestions for nice accomodations. I am too old for a hostel!

thanks.

I have only driven from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima area and beyond. Even if the airport is closed, there are plenty of other options to get to the area. You could hire a car and driver (or rent a car) and get there in roughly 3 1/2 hours. I believe the train is available, and of course busses. It is not an unreasonable distance for ground transportation at all, and it would probably take only slightly longer than flying, maybe even the same time if you count the time spent waiting at the airport.

sebum