Need Info On Nang Rong

[IceShiva]

Hi evrybody! I will be staying in Nang Rong for about 2 1/2 months, December 07 - February 08. My stay is work and GF related. I know almost nothing about Nang Rong or this part of Thailand in general. I have however some experience with Pattya, Bangkok and Udon Thani, so I am not a total stranger to the ways of Thailand. Could anyone please inform me about what I should expect, concerning Nang Rong, when it comes to social life (any farangs living there, if so, where do they hang out?), night life (is there any?), where to get a good massage, cinema showing movies with English subtitles, where is a good place to invite your Thai GF for a dinner etc. In short: I know nothing about this particular place, Nang Rong, so all information would help. I have also plans to visit Buriram, Surin (The Farang Connection, for sure!), Korat and whatever else is recommended. I wish I was there already, it is ****ing cold where I am now.

[soidog2]

Sorry to break it to you , this is just a typical country town.

You can expect none of the above.

May be a few decent restaurants .

[Thaddeus]

I'm so glad that he answered before me. I really didn't want to go first.

I have however some experience with Pattya, Bangkok and Udon Thani, so I am not a total stranger to the ways of Thailand.

Sorry to break it to you...... yes you are.

Nang Rong is Thai, totally Thai.... expect no western comforts.

Cinema, closest one is in Buriram I think, it will be in spoken Thai and if there are any subtitles, they will also be in Thai.

Restaurants, Thai ..... closest may be in Prahkon Chai.... and they are good.

Night life, Ok if you speak Thai.

Basically...... it's a Thai town.

[IceShiva]

Oh my God! What have I done? Well, I am supposed to be writing a book in the guesthouse I stay, and I guess that is all what I will be doing. At least I can go to Surin and Khorat when I want some change.

[Bicko]

Oh my God! What have I done? Well, I am supposed to be writing a book in the guesthouse I stay, and I guess that is all what I will be doing. At least I can go to Surin and Khorat when I want some change.

Don't be too concerned mate. Nang Rong is a nice town but as everyone has said it is definitely upcountry Thailand and NOTHING even remotely like Bangkok or the P place. If you are writing a book then this is the perfect place to do it - you certainly won't be distracted by the social life. There is a very beautiful temple on the main road and others around the town plus you have the ancient Khmer temples at Phanom Rung and Muang Tam just a few K's away.

The weather will be nice and cool in December and the rice harvest will probably be still going as the season is late this year.

Relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of rural Thailand and as you say you can always whip up to Surin and see Martin for a good night out.

I live about 25 k's north of Nang Rong and go there often.

By the way there is also a good lake for fishing just out of town on the road to Lam Plai Mat

[kevc]

Oh my God! What have I done? Well, I am supposed to be writing a book in the guesthouse I stay, and I guess that is all what I will be doing. At least I can go to Surin and Khorat when I want some change.

My home town, cinemas no if you take a dvd player with you theres a couple of dvd rental shops in the market that sell dvds the same ones you can buy in Bangkok 80 baht each.

Resturaunts thers a couple of very nice Korean style hot pot places, at the crossroads if your heading toward the hospital turn left and their about five minutes up the road nice food and they usually have a guitarist playing with a big screen when the footballs on, meal for two with a big jug of beer 300 baht.Theres also a couple of 7 11s one in the petrol staion.

Theres a little bar just off the crossroads next to the Thai Military Bank but I try to keep out of those places being it all Thai and you tend to stick out a bit.

Sundays have a big open air market, sells everything even something that resembles a pizza.

If your staying at a guest house try The Honey Hotel across the main road from the bus station, it's owned by two teachers.

Go visit Phnom Rung Kmer style Temple about 30 minutes out of Nang Rong.

But as other people have said Nang Rong is a typical Thai town maybe a bit bigger than most but not a lot for farangs eg the only place I can buy butter is the 7 11, bear all this in mind and you'll have a good time.

[MrJay]

hi there shiva,i live down the road in nongki,and that is a poor and boring little town,i go to nangrong alot,beacause its got about 10 decent banks,where we have one,whilst im there i head to hotel california,bottom end of town its a nice and friendly place all the farang you are gonna see in nangrong are usually here,and the guy who owns the place speaks A1english,he will tell you just about everything you need to know,check it out real nice place,nice rooms and some monthly ones for 1500 baht last time i was there-or you can just chill in the garden with a beer over lookin the rice paddies western menu too...might see you down there ill be there at the same time....jay

[IceShiva]

Thanks guys. Things are already starting to brighten up. My GF recommends a guesthouse named "Rattinan apartment", mostly because of it´s location, close to the market, I think. But for 1 month they want 4.500 bath, so if the location is the only think they have going for themselves, maybe I should check some other places, like the ones already mentioned? Anyone know anything about this Rattinan apartment, place? When I get over to Nang Rong (after 12. Dec.) I hope I run into some of you "farangs". Any farang Christmas party being planned in Buriram or Surin? Which place is closer to Nang Rong, or more fun to visit, Khorat or Surin?

[Thaddeus]

Order of proximity would be...... Buriram, Surin, Khorat.

How are you planning to get around?

No idea about that guesthouse, but there is nothing to stop you booking in for a couple of nights and then having a look around for something else if it isn't suitable.

[Gerry290]

Whose that in Nong Ki Mr Jay? I lived there nong ki most of 2006.

Ice Shiva, go with a open mind, and a have fun attitude, smile and get to know the locals. buy loads of beer of the local lads, and you ll have a great time. not in the rock star way, but it will be an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.

Going to live in Nong Ki down the road, smaller that Nang Rong, in 2006 was a great thing, and I am in mid 30s so not like retired looking the quiet life.

I mean this in a good way, the less farang contact the better! no choice but to get to know the people. I have not been up to nong ki since 6 months, live in Pattaya now, but shall be back up soon for a weekend. Hire or borrow a motor bike and go exploring the back roads, get in some muay thai but I do not think there is a camp Nang Rong? I used to drink up in Nang Rong and one of the cops had a wee bar near bus station, and used to get pissed with the cops and we have a sing song them on Isan tunes and me on Irish with an out of tune guitar. Funny thing is when I left dublin just before xmas 2005, I was a 100% VIP niteclub playboy, and Bono on one table, actor Colin Farrell on the next, models, ex F1 ferrari driver eddie irving etc...2 weeks later I am living in Nong Ki... LOL!! what a head rush!!

If you need a disco party night get bus down to Korat and stay friday and sat. hit Blue Saloon for farang rock pink floyd, blues rock, thin lizzy, then down to Update disco to 6am.

Just bring about 30 books with ya if you into reading, other than that.. you ll have a blast.. if your open to it.. all begins with a smile and offer a Beer Chang.! :-)

[MrJay]

Whose that in Nong Ki Mr Jay? I lived there nong ki most of 2006.

Ice Shiva, go with a open mind, and a have fun attitude, smile and get to know the locals. buy loads of beer of the local lads, and you ll have a great time. not in the rock star way, but it will be an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.

Going to live in Nong Ki down the road, smaller that Nang Rong, in 2006 was a great thing, and I am in mid 30s so not like retired looking the quiet life.

I mean this in a good way, the less farang contact the better! no choice but to get to know the people. I have not been up to nong ki since 6 months, live in Pattaya now, but shall be back up soon for a weekend. Hire or borrow a motor bike and go exploring the back roads, get in some muay thai but I do not think there is a camp Nang Rong? I used to drink up in Nang Rong and one of the cops had a wee bar near bus station, and used to get pissed with the cops and we have a sing song them on Isan tunes and me on Irish with an out of tune guitar. Funny thing is when I left dublin just before xmas 2005, I was a 100% VIP niteclub playboy, and Bono on one table, actor Colin Farrell on the next, models, ex F1 ferrari driver eddie irving etc...2 weeks later I am living in Nong Ki... LOL!! what a head rush!!

If you need a disco party night get bus down to Korat and stay friday and sat. hit Blue Saloon for farang rock pink floyd, blues rock, thin lizzy, then down to Update disco to 6am.

Just bring about 30 books with ya if you into reading, other than that.. you ll have a blast.. if your open to it.. all begins with a smile and offer a Beer Chang.! :-)

yes mr jay is the name(to the thais)....been hear myself 5years,6 months nongki,6 months,manchester,like you say explore the place,just like you have done,i did all that 2002 2003 2004,thats why we probably havent met,did you have a beer anytime at the market in nongki,friday nites?? we may have met,farang come and go in nongki,and even though it is a nice litle town nang rong as more to offer,obviously if you want some real fun head down to korat like you say.,,,im back there myself in 3 weeks might see you around...

[MrJay]

Whose that in Nong Ki Mr Jay? I lived there nong ki most of 2006.

Ice Shiva, go with a open mind, and a have fun attitude, smile and get to know the locals. buy loads of beer of the local lads, and you ll have a great time. not in the rock star way, but it will be an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.

Going to live in Nong Ki down the road, smaller that Nang Rong, in 2006 was a great thing, and I am in mid 30s so not like retired looking the quiet life.

I mean this in a good way, the less farang contact the better! no choice but to get to know the people. I have not been up to nong ki since 6 months, live in Pattaya now, but shall be back up soon for a weekend. Hire or borrow a motor bike and go exploring the back roads, get in some muay thai but I do not think there is a camp Nang Rong? I used to drink up in Nang Rong and one of the cops had a wee bar near bus station, and used to get pissed with the cops and we have a sing song them on Isan tunes and me on Irish with an out of tune guitar. Funny thing is when I left dublin just before xmas 2005, I was a 100% VIP niteclub playboy, and Bono on one table, actor Colin Farrell on the next, models, ex F1 ferrari driver eddie irving etc...2 weeks later I am living in Nong Ki... LOL!! what a head rush!!

If you need a disco party night get bus down to Korat and stay friday and sat. hit Blue Saloon for farang rock pink floyd, blues rock, thin lizzy, then down to Update disco to 6am.

Just bring about 30 books with ya if you into reading, other than that.. you ll have a blast.. if your open to it.. all begins with a smile and offer a Beer Chang.! :-)

yes mr jay is the name(to the thais)....been hear myself 5years,6 months nongki,6 months,manchester,like you say explore the place,just like you have done,i did all that 2002 2003 2004,thats why we probably havent met,did you have a beer anytime at the market in nongki,friday nites?? we may have met,farang come and go in nongki,and even though it is a nice litle town nang rong as more to offer,obviously if you want some real fun head down to korat like you say.,,,im back there myself in 3 weeks might see you around...

are you the mate of michaels----michael bolduc----yeh for sure we have met on a few occasions..

[IceShiva]

Thaddeus asked: "How are you planning to get around?"

Well my idea was simply to take the bus, for example when I go to Buriram, Khorat or Surin. I am certainly not going to drive a car there, but might rent a motorcycle, even though I dont have a driver license, nor have I ever rode one before. It must be good place to learn to ride one.

[MrJay]

Thaddeus asked: "How are you planning to get around?"

Well my idea was simply to take the bus, for example when I go to Buriram, Khorat or Surin. I am certainly not going to drive a car there, but might rent a motorcycle, even though I dont have a driver license, nor have I ever rode one before. It must be good place to learn to ride one.

it sure is rev n go,hotel california have them for 200 baht a day last time i was there,ive rode to korat surin and buriram on one,i wouldnt recommend it.that highway 24 is lunacy,they are ok for around town,just get the bus to the cities,even though they are lunatic drivers as well...

[Gerry290]

Whose that in Nong Ki Mr Jay? I lived there nong ki most of 2006.

Ice Shiva, go with a open mind, and a have fun attitude, smile and get to know the locals. buy loads of beer of the local lads, and you ll have a great time. not in the rock star way, but it will be an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.

Going to live in Nong Ki down the road, smaller that Nang Rong, in 2006 was a great thing, and I am in mid 30s so not like retired looking the quiet life.

I mean this in a good way, the less farang contact the better! no choice but to get to know the people. I have not been up to nong ki since 6 months, live in Pattaya now, but shall be back up soon for a weekend. Hire or borrow a motor bike and go exploring the back roads, get in some muay thai but I do not think there is a camp Nang Rong? I used to drink up in Nang Rong and one of the cops had a wee bar near bus station, and used to get pissed with the cops and we have a sing song them on Isan tunes and me on Irish with an out of tune guitar. Funny thing is when I left dublin just before xmas 2005, I was a 100% VIP niteclub playboy, and Bono on one table, actor Colin Farrell on the next, models, ex F1 ferrari driver eddie irving etc...2 weeks later I am living in Nong Ki... LOL!! what a head rush!!

If you need a disco party night get bus down to Korat and stay friday and sat. hit Blue Saloon for farang rock pink floyd, blues rock, thin lizzy, then down to Update disco to 6am.

Just bring about 30 books with ya if you into reading, other than that.. you ll have a blast.. if your open to it.. all begins with a smile and offer a Beer Chang.! :-)

yes mr jay is the name(to the thais)....been hear myself 5years,6 months nongki,6 months,manchester,like you say explore the place,just like you have done,i did all that 2002 2003 2004,thats why we probably havent met,did you have a beer anytime at the market in nongki,friday nites?? we may have met,farang come and go in nongki,and even though it is a nice litle town nang rong as more to offer,obviously if you want some real fun head down to korat like you say.,,,im back there myself in 3 weeks might see you around...

are you the mate of michaels----michael bolduc----yeh for sure we have met on a few occasions..

Yes, that me, Michael set me up in Nong Ki, I live down in Pattaya now. Gerry is me! Irish

I think, we had coffee before a 7-11 coffee place....glass conservatories in bolton ish directions for a few months in the summer???? GFs mother not feeding your dog when you head home for a few months?

Yes... I getting warm on ID'ing ya??? Ja**n

I think you lived down Nong Hong way? Took a run down about 8 weeks after that time as that was about Feb 2006, and maybe last march I motor biked down that way one saturday afternoon to see would I bump into ya for session of beer!

Got to Nong Hong... jeeze man!! Nong Ki was like Las Vegas compared to how sleepy Nong Hong was. I think the fact a secondary highway runs through nong ki and on to nang rong keeps those towns busy.

There is not too many farang in Nong Ki at all to be honest.

That Friday afternoon booze up in the market or the wee restaurant place just off the market, only about 2 times did I ever see a few farang drinking there, and never really after.

I heard some village out the road about 10 km in Korat direction had about 15 Germans with some pis head called bobo who was leader of this alcoholic binge drinking get together. but I never found the place... just as well maybe!

So I relegated myself to gargling beer in the karoke bars in nong ki, solo mission and hit all what about 7 or 8 on a pub crawl. got friendly with local BIB, some of who would be so drunk they would pass out face first on table in karoke bar in uniform and gun and all still on.

I sort of went native! LOL! no choice no other farang to party with so getting in with the locals and a few beer for the local BIB boss who would go on occasional bender, and tell me like in the Godfather movie he would sort out any issues for me LOL!!!

. best thing that every happened, as being forced to go native, opened a whole new world to me. it was great fun, even though I did not speak any of the lingo up there.

[MrJay]

Whose that in Nong Ki Mr Jay? I lived there nong ki most of 2006.

Ice Shiva, go with a open mind, and a have fun attitude, smile and get to know the locals. buy loads of beer of the local lads, and you ll have a great time. not in the rock star way, but it will be an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.

Going to live in Nong Ki down the road, smaller that Nang Rong, in 2006 was a great thing, and I am in mid 30s so not like retired looking the quiet life.

I mean this in a good way, the less farang contact the better! no choice but to get to know the people. I have not been up to nong ki since 6 months, live in Pattaya now, but shall be back up soon for a weekend. Hire or borrow a motor bike and go exploring the back roads, get in some muay thai but I do not think there is a camp Nang Rong? I used to drink up in Nang Rong and one of the cops had a wee bar near bus station, and used to get pissed with the cops and we have a sing song them on Isan tunes and me on Irish with an out of tune guitar. Funny thing is when I left dublin just before xmas 2005, I was a 100% VIP niteclub playboy, and Bono on one table, actor Colin Farrell on the next, models, ex F1 ferrari driver eddie irving etc...2 weeks later I am living in Nong Ki... LOL!! what a head rush!!

If you need a disco party night get bus down to Korat and stay friday and sat. hit Blue Saloon for farang rock pink floyd, blues rock, thin lizzy, then down to Update disco to 6am.

Just bring about 30 books with ya if you into reading, other than that.. you ll have a blast.. if your open to it.. all begins with a smile and offer a Beer Chang.! :-)

yes mr jay is the name(to the thais)....been hear myself 5years,6 months nongki,6 months,manchester,like you say explore the place,just like you have done,i did all that 2002 2003 2004,thats why we probably havent met,did you have a beer anytime at the market in nongki,friday nites?? we may have met,farang come and go in nongki,and even though it is a nice litle town nang rong as more to offer,obviously if you want some real fun head down to korat like you say.,,,im back there myself in 3 weeks might see you around...

are you the mate of michaels----michael bolduc----yeh for sure we have met on a few occasions..

Yes, that me, Michael set me up in Nong Ki, I live down in Pattaya now. Gerry is me! Irish

I think, we had coffee before a 7-11 coffee place....glass conservatories in bolton ish directions for a few months in the summer???? GFs mother not feeding your dog when you head home for a few months?

Yes... I getting warm on ID'ing ya??? Ja**n

I think you lived down Nong Hong way? Took a run down about 8 weeks after that time as that was about Feb 2006, and maybe last march I motor biked down that way one saturday afternoon to see would I bump into ya for session of beer!

Got to Nong Hong... jeeze man!! Nong Ki was like Las Vegas compared to how sleepy Nong Hong was. I think the fact a secondary highway runs through nong ki and on to nang rong keeps those towns busy.

There is not too many farang in Nong Ki at all to be honest.

That Friday afternoon booze up in the market or the wee restaurant place just off the market, only about 2 times did I ever see a few farang drinking there, and never really after.

I heard some village out the road about 10 km in Korat direction had about 15 Germans with some pis head called bobo who was leader of this alcoholic binge drinking get together. but I never found the place... just as well maybe!

So I relegated myself to gargling beer in the karoke bars in nong ki, solo mission and hit all what about 7 or 8 on a pub crawl. got friendly with local BIB, some of who would be so drunk they would pass out face first on table in karoke bar in uniform and gun and all still on.

I sort of went native! LOL! no choice no other farang to party with so getting in with the locals and a few beer for the local BIB boss who would go on occasional bender, and tell me like in the Godfather movie he would sort out any issues for me LOL!!!

. best thing that every happened, as being forced to go native, opened a whole new world to me. it was great fun, even though I did not speak any of the lingo up there.

lol-great to hear its you gerry....ah ah ah ah-brilliant if your gonna get up this way in the december let me know ill meet up with you for a few drinks at this muay thai meeting-im back there nov 26th for 6 months with the occasional holidays-im in nong wah left turn about 20 kms i think from nong hong-its a good village about 18 farang there now, shit i was the second there now its gone a little crazy-i still see michael,will catch up with him when i get back,ive had some great times in nongki my self,yeh your right about the germans its a good watreing hole ahah,hope to see you again,jay

[Thaddeus]

Thaddeus asked: "How are you planning to get around?"

Well my idea was simply to take the bus, for example when I go to Buriram, Khorat or Surin. I am certainly not going to drive a car there, but might rent a motorcycle, even though I dont have a driver license, nor have I ever rode one before. It must be good place to learn to ride one.

NOOOOOOOO..........

You don't have a licence for a bike and you have never ridden one before....... seriously, cancel any thoughts of doing that right now..... out here is not 'the place to learn' you'll be lucky to get out alive if you try..... trust me, I'm lucky

Bus, fine, but it doesn't give you the freedom to go where you want when you want. If you have a car licence, hire a pick-up.