Planning Isaan Roadtrip…

[BKKKevin]

Planning a weeklong roadtrip from our house in Chiang Mai to Isaac. the attached map shows where we plan on staying overnight along our journey.

 

I’m looking for recommendations of things to stop and see along the way?…

 

We are interested in historical places, Wats and ancient ruins as well as parks, caves and vista points.

 

Also eclectic/good restaurants ((Thai & Farrang) at our city stops… 

 

all your recommendations will be greatly appreciated!… Thanks
 

[Hummin]

Car trip?

 

Should spend a night at Chiang Khan, go bunkan look at the whale rock formation.

 

And stop at KS resort on the way back.

 

KS Resort

 

https://g.co/kgs/Fyr2cqe

 

I have been on motorbike all over, but with a car, easier just going Highways. 

 

 

[BKKKevin]

38 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Car trip?

I have been on motorbike all over, but with a car, easier just going Highways. 

 

Yes we will be taking the car 😉

[farang51]

Chiang Khan, as Hummin suggest, you will find a skywalk there with a great view of Mekong. If you are not afraid of heights, then I will suggest a slight different route, going up to Wat Phu Tok in the north eastern corner of Thailand.

[BKKKevin]

50 minutes ago, farang51 said:

Chiang Khan, as Hummin suggest, you will find a skywalk there with a great view of Mekong. If you are not afraid of heights, then I will suggest a slight different route, going up to Wat Phu Tok in the north eastern corner of Thailand.

Yes Chiang Khan is our first stop (been there before and liked it)... and yes our route will most likely go more north than my map shows... But hugging the Mekong doesn't look to exciting...

[farang51]

28 minutes ago, BKKKevin said:

Yes Chiang Khan is our first stop (been there before and liked it)... and yes our route will most likely go more north than my map shows... But hugging the Mekong doesn't look to exciting...

 

I have been riding along Mekong from Chiang Khan twice on scooter, I liked it. There is another (much smaller) skywalk in Nong Khai:

 

Besides, in Nong Khai you will find som very big statues. I guess you are going soon; however, if you are going in October, the Naga Festival with the fireballs in Nong Khai is fun.

[unblocktheplanet]

I think Nakhon Phanom is one of the prettiest provinces in Thailand. Mountain & river views. Wat That Phanom has the largest garden of medicinal herbs.

[Harrisfan]

31 minutes ago, BKKKevin said:

Yes Chiang Khan is our first stop (been there before and liked it)... and yes our route will most likely go more north than my map shows... But hugging the Mekong doesn't look to exciting...

Hugging the Mekong is way better. Chiang Khan to Nong Khai is the best road in Thailand. Most of Isaan is boring.

[Harrisfan]

This route is better

 

 

[Nicco]

Phnom Rung, Prasat Phi Mai. Khmer temples. Not nearly as good as the temple cluster in Siem Reap, but especially if you've never been to SRP I'd say worthwhile.

 

Variety shows. Not necessarily native only to Issarn. They are tacky, often drunken good fun.

 

If dry - dinner on mekhong. Nakon Phnom, Mukdahan, Nong Khai.

[Harrisfan]

Phanom Rung is good but no better than Sukhothai. PR is a long drive from Chiang Mai.

[biervoormij]

3 hours ago, farang51 said:

 

I have been riding along Mekong from Chiang Khan twice on scooter, I liked it. There is another (much smaller) skywalk in Nong Khai:

 

Besides, in Nong Khai you will find som very big statues. I guess you are going soon; however, if you are going in October, the Naga Festival with the fireballs in Nong Khai is fun.

I agree the ride along the Mekong from Chiang Khan was really nice. I was not impressed with the glass walkway in Nong Khai at Wat Pha Tak Suea but like in your picture the views there were outstanding. Well worth the stop even if you don't pay to walk on the glass.

 

If the OP is in this area he way want to also visit Thailand's newest UNESCO World Heritage site Phu Phra Bat Historical Park.  It is mostly rock formation . 

 

If the OP goes to Nong Khai city I enjoyed Sala Keo Kou a Buddhist sculpture garden.

 

Seems like the planned route will also go by Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun. One site that seems everyone posts on Instagram and was one of the more crowded sites I have been to in Isan.