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.

[jacnl2000]

16 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

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.

 

+1

 

🛕 Wat Phra That Phanom (Nakhon Phanom) is said to be the spiritual heart of Isaan. Visiting once in a lifetime is believed to bring blessings of peace and good health. It's not just a temple — it's a moment of stillness on your road trip. Time your visit for sunset, when golden light touches the stupa and incense trails drift in the breeze.

 

🌿 Behind the temple lies a kind of living pharmacy — over 1,000 species of Thai medicinal herbs, including rare and endangered varieties. Each plant is labeled with its name and traditional uses, from fever relief to digestion to spiritual cleansing. The garden also serves as a learning center for monks and students of Thai traditional medicine.

 

🧘‍♂️ But it’s more than a classroom. It’s designed for quiet walks and reflection — shaded paths, butterflies, and the scent of lemongrass, turmeric, and holy basil rising through the air. If only there were more time to linger.

 

🍽️ For a peaceful lunch nearby, head to Lomyen Garden Restaurant (ลมเย็น การ์เด้น) — just 3–5 minutes from the temple, offering gentle Thai-Isaan flavors and garden seating. Or wander a little farther south to The Moon Café, a riverside spot perfect for a slow sandwich, local dessert, and a view across the Mekong.

 

🔍 Since true philosophers of science do not tend to trust their own writings, please check reviews on major platforms before believing what I’ve written here above. It could be more than poetry — or it could just be good business talk.

[radiochaser]

On 6/12/2025 at 6:14 AM, 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.

😨

[fredwiggy]

There is a big Wat near Bueng Kan that requires a long uphill steps climb. Wat Phu Tok. I went there when I first visited Thailand. .......https://www.migrationology.com/wat-phu-tok-bueng-kan/

[alien365]

As you are going past Kalasin, I would recommend stopping by Wat Phuttha Nimit (Wat Phu Khao). It's one of my favourite temples in the country. 

[ujayujay]

On 6/12/2025 at 6:43 PM, Harrisfan said:

This route is better

 

 

Definitively not

[Grumpy one]

On 6/12/2025 at 5:14 PM, 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.

The scenery looks great, alas if I were to venture onto that dodgy looking pile of firewood, there would be a mountainous amount of crap left behind me

[Harrisfan]

24 minutes ago, ujayujay said:

Definitively not

Ive been everywhere in Isaan. Nan roads are better than most. Most of Isaan is lifeless. Look at Paddy Doyle videos.

[Harrisfan]

13 minutes ago, Grumpy one said:

The scenery looks great, alas if I were to venture onto that dodgy looking pile of firewood, there would be a mountainous amount of crap left behind me

Its very steep. 3 whale rock plus a waterfall is better for most.

 

The best part of Isaan though is the loop between Phetchabun, Chiang Khan, Nong Khai and Khon Kaen.

 

The best roads are in Loei.

 

That Phanom temple looks good at night but Chiang Mai has 300 temples as good.

 

Phanom Rung is good but no better than Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet.

 

Nakon Phanom has nice river views but one of the most boring towns in Thailand. Mukdahan is a dump.

 

Between the northern border and Bangkok the best towns are Chiang Mai, Rai, Nan, Chiang Khan, Nong Khai, Udon, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Ayuthaya and Khon Kaen.

 

 

 

 

[Blueman1]

On 6/12/2025 at 10:04 PM, biervoormij said:

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.

If the OP goes to Nong Khai city I enjoyed Sala Keo Kou a Buddhist sculpture garden.It's Only a Load of Old Rocks,One time visit is O.K. But You won't go Twice....It's just Boring !!

[norsurin]

Wish u a safe trip.I been around isaan because i lived in surin before.I dont remember all places i been to but alot.

Im sick and tired of temple's.One of my exgf wanted to go to every temple she saw.I let her go alone and sat in a restaurant with a cold beer.

[IsaanT]

Does the Roi Et tower appeal?
 

[Bredbury Blue]

On 6/12/2025 at 2:58 PM, BKKKevin said:

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
 

On your route in Non Bua ...

Wat Tham Erawan is a must. Steps up to massive cave. Walk through cave (easy), up steps at back of cave to amazing view.

 

On leaving Udon...

Red Lotus Lake Kumphawapi

ทะเลบัวแดง กุมภวาปี

Get up early to be there by 9am latest. Then continue travel on to Sakon Nakhon.

 

Slight detour off Udon to Sakon Nakhon road, but Wat Phu Tok in Bueng Kan province is well worth it.

 

Don't believe the numpties saying there's nothing in Isaan, simply not true, and as place to visit or live as a farlang, it's definitely improved. +30 years ago visiting the wife's village near Sakon Nakhon was a bit of a chore, but the past 10 years has seen big supermarkets open, coffe shops, more decent places to stay, so now I love going.

 

Enjoy your trip, looks a great route.

 

 

 

 

[Burma Bill]

On your journey from Khon Kaen on route 12 westwards to Chumphae, you will pass through Nong Rue. Just off to the right on route 2038 to Phu Wiang you will find Wat Pa Kittiyanusorn  with its ornate temple and huge reclining Buddha, out in the rural countryside to the south of the town on the road to Chumphae. This makes an interesting detour bringing you back onto route 12 nearer to Chumphae. 

 

[youreavinalaff]

5 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Ive been everywhere in Isaan. Nan roads are better than most. Most of Isaan is lifeless. Look at Paddy Doyle videos.

You clearly haven't been everywhere in Isaan.

 

Stick to under bridges.

[Magictoad]

On 6/12/2025 at 2:58 PM, BKKKevin said:

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
 

Udon Thani has some fantastic Naga structures including one very, very long path way and a temple/ wat dedicated to Nagas

[NoshowJones]

On 6/12/2025 at 3:12 PM, Hummin said:

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. 

 

 

Then you hit a queue at the traffic lights and wish you were on a motorbike.

[Harrisfan]

1 hour ago, youreavinalaff said:

You clearly haven't been everywhere in Isaan.

 

Stick to under bridges.

Most Thais say Isaan is boring. Paddy Doyle has been to every province and he says Isaan is boring.

 

Stick to languages fool.

[Hummin]

29 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

Then you hit a queue at the traffic lights and wish you were on a motorbike.

Still the highways between North and down to Petchabun,  Loei and Chaiyaphum is quite good and have nice scenery. I prefer this more rural district roads on my motorbikes, and lately dirt roads after I sold my adventure bikes.

 

I stay away trafficked roads on our crf's 250 and 300cc. Not worth the risk anymore. Easier to load up the truck for the transport distances, but to be honest, I havent done a trip for over a year. Just serviced the bike, and maintained the batteries. 

 

We will see in desember, maybe,