My family have just gone back after a chilled out trip up in Isaarn.

 

I took them a 2 1/2-hour drive from my home, and we stayed overnight in Nakhon Phanom. 

 

It was a good trip, and I am pleased that we went.

 

We visited the Mekong underwater world, which focusses on the marine life which inhabits the Mekong, featuring all types of freshwater fish, including endangered species. 

 

500 metres away was a Royal project showing the history of the Chakri dynasty and the history of the tribes and cultures of Isaarn, which was also a good experience.

 

An interesting day out.

 

In the evening we went to one of the best walking streets I have ever been to in Thailand, a real walking street.

 

On show were fire-eaters, live street musicians, many various food outlets, Vietnamese food sellers and breads etc, restaurants, a craft beer pub, a good night out, and a huge walking street.

 

We stayed at probably the best hotel there, and it was very reasonable, see link below.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1489274-d26356967-Reviews-Chewa_Khong_Hotel_Nakhonphanom-Nakhon_Phanom_Nakhon_Phanom_Province.html

 

After this we visited various sites in Isaarn, Kalasin dinosaur museum, Mukdahan and the friendship bridge, etc It was a chilled, inexpensive and friendly trip.

 

Next, we went in my car via the Chong Chom border to Siem Reap.

 

I parked in the military car park at Chong Chom, and then we had a large, comfortable private van to collect us after they had obtained visas for Cambodia. The van was $80 each way for four of us.

 

They scammed my family (slightly) as they didn't have USD and had to pay 1400 THB for the visa. The USD rate is $30 (1200 THB) I believe.

 

We stayed at Koulen central hotel, see link below. This hotel has a swimming pool on the roof, a kid's pool and another small pool, three in total. It features a great Gym, sauna and steam room, plunge pools, spotlessly clean and large rooms.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g12591811-d26790052-Reviews-Koulen_Central_Hotel-Svay_Dangkum_Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html

 

 

There wasn't much to do except enjoy the town, as we have seen all there is to see on multiple occasions down there.

 

I stocked up on good value cheeses, wines and whisky which you pay a great deal less than Thailand, for a lot more.

 

Siem Reap had the vibe and was buzzing, but tourists were thin on the ground and the locals and tuk tuk drivers told me business was tough at the moment.

 

 

Nice report.