Expat68

Great news. Would no doubt do some of these moaners on this site a power of good, 6 hours hike up a mountain????

21 hours ago, Crossy said:

 

Well the dams appear to be OK at present so barring more major rain up north ...

 

The village office have not announced the availability of sand and bags yet, that's my usual signal to get ready for wetness. Madam loves the sand to put on the garden once the water level goes down ????  

There as been no significant rain in the last 4 days in North Eastern Issaan, the river level is subsiding

Bound to happen with all the rain that as fallen in the past month in North East Issaan

Nothing new. Loei province has had torrential thunderstorms for the past 2-3 weeks

Two things to say.                                     Drink it while it is fizzing (life)

 My friend told me once about coming   to Thailand (who has unfortunately   died now) do not come too early (run   out of money) and do not come too   late (too old to enjoy yourself)

Try Pacific Cross Insurance. Thai Visa Friendly Insurance Plan. $100.000, covid 19 protected. They are recognised by Thai Immigration. I have a friend who is a 76 year old Canadian, they insure him no problem

I would not be too sure of that, Loei province has seen nothing but rain for about two weeks (river has burst its banks) which eventually will make its way down to Bangkok

This week I had my first Pfizer jab, after I successfully registered on the 2nd August I did not hear anything more until the hospital telephoned me directly

8 hours ago, Scott said:

At this point in time, the US CDC is not recommending a booster -- at least not yet.   For people with immunocompromised conditions should get a booster.  

With Thailand just getting a good start, I think the need for or against will be much clearer by the time a booster is recommended.  

 

https://www.npr.org/2021/09/13/1036600360/covid-19-vaccine-booster-shot

The UK are planning Pfizer booster 6 months after the 2nd jab

17 hours ago, Ryan754326 said:

Israel is already discussing a fourth round of jabs, so we can probably look forward to a future where we’re all required to have two or three boosters a year if we want to be allowed out in public, and an extra one thrown in for good luck every time we want to cross a border. 
 

I said from the beginning that it would play out like this, and everyone called me an idiot. 
 

These vaccines are like a flu shot; They will most likely keep you from getting sick, but they’re not going to make covid go away. 

Looking ahead I believe it will just become the same as a flu jab, once a year, pre winter

15 hours ago, mommysboy said:

A lot of bods who are over 60 haven't got their appointment yet either. I think it depends on your locality.

Just received my first appointment date for next week through expatvac, I am 68 year old, living in Loei province

Pointless, In Muang Loei more motor bikes along with three wheelers, cars, pickups and even, yes  trucks use the bicycle lanes more than bicycles, what do the police do nothing

5 hours ago, wakeupplease said:

I will believe it when those who live here say so, not the J boys or liars, the real guys who have nothing to loose by telling the truth.

 

The sad thing is its 17 days to the Christmas Holidays in Europe right now, so no one leaves early at this time of year, The Christmas rush has not started yet so the 10% up on European arrivals is a bloody lie sunshine.

Actually before I retired this was exactly the time I came to Thailand for my holidays. Factories close over the Christmas break, people save their holidays and add two or three weeks on, cheap flights also. My long time friend has just arrived in Thailand will be meeting up with him in 10 days time.

2 hours ago, H508 said:

Ended up picking 2 nights in Phetchabun. I'll drive up to Phu Ruea in the morning and stay for a bit, then over to Loei city to spend the night. I'll go to Erawan the next morning, then back to Huai Karthing in the afternoon, then up to Chiang Khan at night to spend 2 nights there... 

 

So, crisis averted; no speeding cars or packing too much in those days :)

There are many hotels in Loei, if you want one with a swimming pool, the hotel is called Loei Palace, if you want just somewhere to stay there is Puttawan 350 baht and one next door, which I forget the name, (off the large roundabout next to the PTT  in the city center) all 3 are in the center of Loei. If you like rocks, you will like Loei province, it 's nickname is the sea of mountains, there is also a place called Pha Ngam rock garden, between Phu Kradung and Wangsaphun, off the 201

18 hours ago, EcigAmateur said:

Not too many tourists ? Maybe during low season...

Because in high season I have never seen  a so much crowded island, except if you stay on the east coast.

 

 

I must confess, it is a while since I have been down there

12 hours ago, H508 said:

So, getting much closer to finalizing the February Isaan trip plans. I'm a stickler for having a rough itinerary and booking hotels before I go so this is to help me plan the big visits/days needed/driving distances. After I lock down what days I'll be where, then it's booking hotel time and I'm pretty much done with the planning as I can find short excursions/bars/whatever is close by to fill out any down-time.

 

Route I'm taking in my trusty Avis rental... (underpowered Toyota Vios):

https://imgur.com/a/yVekh

 

Day 1: Arrive Khon Kaen Feb 7, 6pm; Hotel - ?

Day 2-3 (Feb 8-10) Things to do:

1a. Khon Kaen City – Wat Nong Wang, Ton Tann & Fairy night market, Zoo

1b. Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan (temple, walkway; feed you free breakfast or lunch) (20 minute drive from Khon Kaen)

1c. Ubolratana Dam (sit on boat to eat/drink, Wat Phra Bat Phu Pan Kham (can take car up)) (1 hour drive from Khon Kaen)

 

Day 4 (Feb 10-11): Hotel -  ? (stay close to Phu Kradueng for early start up hill)

2. Suan Hin Pha Ngam (walk through rocks; definitely get a guide) & Phu Pa Poh (2 hr 30 min from Khon Kaen)

 

Day 5 (Feb 11-12): Hotel – Rent cabin on top of Phu Kradueng

3. Phu Kradueng (walk up morning, see some stuff, spend the night, look at sunrise then back down hill)

 

Day 6 (Feb 12-13): Hotel - ? somewhere between Wat and Phu Thap Buek

4a. Wat Phathat Phasomkaew (sometimes spelled Wat Pha Sorn Kaew) (2 hr 40 min from Phu Kradueng)

(relax day after Phu Kradueng)

 

Day 7 (Feb 13-14): Hotel - ?

4b. Phu Thap Buek (viewpoint to see clouds in morning) (53 min from Wat)

5a. Phu Ruea?? (maybe, not sure it's worth it, but on the way to Huai Krathing Lake) (2 hr 10 min from Phu Thap Buek)

5b. Huai Krathing Reservoir (raft on lake to eat/drink) (1 hr from Phu Ruea/2 hr 30 from Phu Thap Buek)

5c. Erawan Cave (1 hour from Huai Krathing Reservoir)

 

Day 8-9 (Feb 14-16): Hotel - Chiangkhan River Green Hill (some dumb, overpriced Tent camp the lady wants to do)

6. Chiang Khan -  Kaeng Khut Khu (1 hr 30 min from Erawan)

 

Day 10 (Feb 16-17): Hotel -

7a. Sangkhom - Wat Pa Tak Suea (glass floor on lookout point) (2hr drive with river view from Chiang Khan)

 

Day 11 (Feb 17-18): Hotel -

7b. Wat Pa Phu Kon (blue roof wat and a 2nd wat nearby) (50 min drive from Sangkhom)

7c. Phu Phra Bat (rocks and stuff) (1 hr 10 min from Wat)

8. Nong Khai City - Aquarium (1 hr 10 min from Phu Phra Bat)

 

Day 12-14 (Feb 18-20): Hotel -

8. Sala Kaeo Ku Temple (crazy temple/statues)

9a. Ban Na Kha Silk Market (30 min from Nong Khai)

9b. Udon Thani City (20 min from Ban Na Kha)

9c. Phu Foi Lom (nature area) (1 hour from Udon)

9d. Red Lotus Lake (nature area, could be pretty with flowers on lake, best to go between 6am-10am as the flowers are open; have to take boat) (45min from Udon)

 

Leave Udon Thani Feb 22 12:15pm

 

So, I have 2 nights still to add anywhere between Khon Kaen and Udon. Maybe stay a night in Phetchabun city to do more things around there, or maybe get a place to wake up early to see Phu Thap Buek sunrise in Phetchabun. Maybe stay a night around Phu Ruea or by Reservoir because that looks like too long of a day (but Phu Reau is getting close to getting scratched off the list to even visit so the drive to lake and cave seems reasonable then)...

 

 

Any thoughts? Things I missed?

Have I got this right? Your driving all the way from Huai Krathing Lake to Erawan cave, then driving all the way back again to Chiang Khan? Sorry, but that is crazy and you have got your driving times all wrong, please check, there are too many accidents in Issan due to speed every day

11 hours ago, H508 said:

So, getting much closer to finalizing the February Isaan trip plans. I'm a stickler for having a rough itinerary and booking hotels before I go so this is to help me plan the big visits/days needed/driving distances. After I lock down what days I'll be where, then it's booking hotel time and I'm pretty much done with the planning as I can find short excursions/bars/whatever is close by to fill out any down-time.

 

Route I'm taking in my trusty Avis rental... (underpowered Toyota Vios):

https://imgur.com/a/yVekh

 

Day 1: Arrive Khon Kaen Feb 7, 6pm; Hotel - ?

Day 2-3 (Feb 8-10) Things to do:

1a. Khon Kaen City – Wat Nong Wang, Ton Tann & Fairy night market, Zoo

1b. Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan (temple, walkway; feed you free breakfast or lunch) (20 minute drive from Khon Kaen)

1c. Ubolratana Dam (sit on boat to eat/drink, Wat Phra Bat Phu Pan Kham (can take car up)) (1 hour drive from Khon Kaen)

 

Day 4 (Feb 10-11): Hotel -  ? (stay close to Phu Kradueng for early start up hill)

2. Suan Hin Pha Ngam (walk through rocks; definitely get a guide) & Phu Pa Poh (2 hr 30 min from Khon Kaen)

 

Day 5 (Feb 11-12): Hotel – Rent cabin on top of Phu Kradueng

3. Phu Kradueng (walk up morning, see some stuff, spend the night, look at sunrise then back down hill)

 

Day 6 (Feb 12-13): Hotel - ? somewhere between Wat and Phu Thap Buek

4a. Wat Phathat Phasomkaew (sometimes spelled Wat Pha Sorn Kaew) (2 hr 40 min from Phu Kradueng)

(relax day after Phu Kradueng)

 

Day 7 (Feb 13-14): Hotel - ?

4b. Phu Thap Buek (viewpoint to see clouds in morning) (53 min from Wat)

5a. Phu Ruea?? (maybe, not sure it's worth it, but on the way to Huai Krathing Lake) (2 hr 10 min from Phu Thap Buek)

5b. Huai Krathing Reservoir (raft on lake to eat/drink) (1 hr from Phu Ruea/2 hr 30 from Phu Thap Buek)

5c. Erawan Cave (1 hour from Huai Krathing Reservoir)

 

Day 8-9 (Feb 14-16): Hotel - Chiangkhan River Green Hill (some dumb, overpriced Tent camp the lady wants to do)

6. Chiang Khan -  Kaeng Khut Khu (1 hr 30 min from Erawan)

 

Day 10 (Feb 16-17): Hotel -

7a. Sangkhom - Wat Pa Tak Suea (glass floor on lookout point) (2hr drive with river view from Chiang Khan)

 

Day 11 (Feb 17-18): Hotel -

7b. Wat Pa Phu Kon (blue roof wat and a 2nd wat nearby) (50 min drive from Sangkhom)

7c. Phu Phra Bat (rocks and stuff) (1 hr 10 min from Wat)

8. Nong Khai City - Aquarium (1 hr 10 min from Phu Phra Bat)

 

Day 12-14 (Feb 18-20): Hotel -

8. Sala Kaeo Ku Temple (crazy temple/statues)

9a. Ban Na Kha Silk Market (30 min from Nong Khai)

9b. Udon Thani City (20 min from Ban Na Kha)

9c. Phu Foi Lom (nature area) (1 hour from Udon)

9d. Red Lotus Lake (nature area, could be pretty with flowers on lake, best to go between 6am-10am as the flowers are open; have to take boat) (45min from Udon)

 

Leave Udon Thani Feb 22 12:15pm

 

So, I have 2 nights still to add anywhere between Khon Kaen and Udon. Maybe stay a night in Phetchabun city to do more things around there, or maybe get a place to wake up early to see Phu Thap Buek sunrise in Phetchabun. Maybe stay a night around Phu Ruea or by Reservoir because that looks like too long of a day (but Phu Reau is getting close to getting scratched off the list to even visit so the drive to lake and cave seems reasonable then)...

 

 

Any thoughts? Things I missed?

You obviously like Temples and driving,! You will be pushed to do Huai Krathing to Erawan cave in 1 hour. Seems like hard work to me but it is your Holiday. Good luck and enjoy

Ye of little faith!! Yes I agree, there are some things that do make you cringe. But I will also give them credit, somethings they do better than in my home country. That is England if your wondering

Hi 

Koh Chiang is one of my favourite islands, not too tourist and can visit other islands. Nice beaches

17 hours ago, H508 said:

CGW - thanks for the suggestion. Erawan cave looks great. Added.

Expat68 - thanks for the additional excursion points. I'll check those out.

One thing I forgot to mention, if you do follow the mekong from Chiang Khan to Nongkhai, well worth a stop about 2k after Sangkom there is a right turn which takes you up to a Temple, on a clear day fantastic views, east and west overlooking the mekong and Laos

Hi there

I live in loei, have done for 7 years, been coming 19 years, know the area well. I personally prefer Khon Kaen to Udon Thani (though staying around Nong Prajak is quite nice). I have climbed Phu Kradeung, takes about 6 hours to the campsite (would stay 2 nights on top) it is totally flat and you can hire a bicycle up there.

I would recommend  staying in Loei, cheap hotels (many place to visit) Phu Rua, Rock Garden, Phu Luang. Then head up to Chiang Khan (very popular with Thais) then follow the Mekong all the way to Nong Khai (nice place, on the Mekong again) then fly Udon to Bangkok (think only Thai flies into swampy) Enjoy whatever you decide to do.

On 3/11/2560 at 11:50 AM, Thaiwrath said:

At these checkpoints, have boxes of crash helmets. Anyone stopped for not wearing a helmet gets fined (as per the law), which pays for the purchase of one of the helmets, which is then given to them, job done.

If they are in a crash after getting the helmet, if wearing it, they can avoid serious injury.

Push ups are no deterrent, and means they will carry on riding, without helmet. 

Same Same. How many motorcyclists do you see riding with helmets in the basket, or ask them where is your helmet, answer at home.

Long time since I have been, there was more Thais than westerners last time I was there, which for me was a plus, not many Bars.

Would be interested what it is like now

Specs are more important than brand name ie shimano I would not go less than Deore, it will last for years. The roads in Thailand are so s**t I prefer Mountain Bikes, with hard tail and put thinner road tires on. I have just bought a Merida Big 7, 300 Mountain Bike for 19900 baht and a Australian guy who has ridden bikes all his life more expert than me, told me the specs on the bike were excellent.