Info On Sakon Nakhon ?

[thailandbluegrass]

Hi. Just planning a move to Sakon Nakhon but not sure what district yet. Anyone know if there is a decent nightlife there for expats? I play music so would love to know a place to jam or play? I have Googled the sheite out of this but not alot of info really so Im asking you folks.

All I know so far is its cool in the winter season so bring clothes. Has a Lotus and a Big-C, Good Beef, and I am familiar with esarn culture etc and so im just more interested in restaraunts, bars, clubs that kinda thin please?

[whistleblower]

My missus comes from there. but need a bit more info on the district you wanna move to. Muang is the biggest 'district' i think.

Famous for eating dog there!

[Camelot]

Not trying to put it down as a provincial capital but the last time I went there it was closed. Don't know if that's a regular occurrence. Beautiful lake, though.

I prefer Nakhon Phanom, another hour down the road. That has always been a lively town and while the lake is nice, I think the river and view of Laos in NKP is better.

Good luck, anyway.

Edited November 7, 2009 by Camelot

[webfact]

Moved to Isaan Forum

[prefabs]

Just spent 2 weks there and would not recommend moving there . It is completely dead. The MJ hotel and a fish restaurant opposite it were the most exciting things in town. Yawn. There is a Karaoke Bar in the MJ, but I imagine all the other Karaoke Bars in town would be off limits to expariates. There appear to be about 5 expats living locally, but never saw them at night

[thailandbluegrass]

WOW !!!!! Thanx. Also I just found out that the actual district would be khok si suphan whish seems to be another 20 kilos to Sakon City. Anyone have anything at all to say about this district please? Is there even a 7-11 there? hahahaha

[geordie]

I used to live in Sakon and i agree with most that it is a dead town not alot to do for expats. There are a few expats that live in Sakon though most of them will hang around the MJ hotel for a few beers and to meet for a chat.

I have a friend that lives out near Khok Si Suphan, an English lad names Tony nice fella. He has a bar called Lillys named after his daughter its on the Sakon to Khok Si Suphan road about 9 clicks outside of Khok Si

[InSiSongkram]

There is also the toon army bar although I have never been there, I live about 45 mins away.

[Tilokarat]

I was in Sakhon Nakhon two months ago and had a great time.

There is nightlife but I do not know the Thai names. However, the local Tae Wan Daeng has closed. There are some other Thai establishments like that which are open. Sakhon Nakhon has some very good Thai restaurants too.

There is lots to see in the vicinity including a nice park by the university, elephants, an important wat and interesting villages that collect lizards from Laos, and leeches from water buffaloes to put in alcohol and sell to old Chinese men for them to acquire needed 'power'.

I would go back to Sakhon Nakhon although I prefer Udonthani, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Phanom more.

Oh yes, if you want to eat dog, apparently it is available from Vietnamese in the markets.

[longstebe]

I live about 25 kms outside of Sakon. It's not really accomodating for the expats. There is one Farang

bar as you drive in from the South (213) called the Toon army bar. I have visited one time only.

I got to meet a Geordie and a Scot in there.There is a disco just around the corner from the Toon army bar

which is usually filled with students.

[tubber]

I live about 25 kms outside of Sakon. It's not really accomodating for the expats. There is one Farang

bar as you drive in from the South (213) called the Toon army bar. I have visited one time only.

I got to meet a Geordie and a Scot in there.There is a disco just around the corner from the Toon army bar

which is usually filled with students.

The disco around the corner from the Toon Army bar is Golden Pond, there is a Coyote bar near that and there was a Go-Go bar that opens sporadically. Depends what you are after, I like a quiet life and have a workshop to potter around in. A lot of ex-pats just drink. Not much of an ex-pat scene and not a lot of ex-pat food available so if you can't do without Tetley teabags or HP sauce I wouldn't bother.

[siam2007]

even I don't live in SakonNakhon and actually this is one of the very few places in the kingdom I have not seen so far, I know this website here and am surprised that no-one of those Isaan-residents obviously does know about it:

http://sakonnakhon-live.blogspot.com/

[bellagrego]

Hi, jam man,

I live in SN. Six months now.

Good news, bad news. Good news, Nice folks, no crime, great thai food. Bad news, zero falang food except crap from KFC and the worst pizza in the universe at Pissa across from Big C. Expat life minimal. Nice guys but very little action. One poor golf course, no cinema with any English movies. Only falang bar has no ac, a bad pool table and minimal

bill of fare. Can't fish in the lake as the fish contain parasites that can kill your liver.

Bottom line, looking for girls , this aint the place , Looking for excitement, forget about it. Bring your squueze to live a nice quiet life and make your own music.

My axe is drums, I played southern rock, blues, & jazz. Slow hands now due to age.

Udon is the place if you want an expat life more like that in Pattaya on a small scale with low cost.

bella

[thailandbluegrass]

Thanx folks for all the info. I got here a few days ago now and it seems great so far. I am actually a seasoned expat and have been in Thailand for 9 years. I'm NOT into the Pattaya/Bkk go go sexpat scene and its actually a nice change being able to walk around not hearing "hello handsome man" etc. lol. I am single though and open to having a good relationship and I think that here is a much better chance of meeting a real woman. Althought I'm not the beer monger type, of course I love a COLD one with a few friends and playing some tunes acousticly is great too if I can find it.

The Golden Pond Disco seems ok although I havn't sat in there yet and there is a Cyote bar also (still havn't figured that name out yet) that might be ok. There is also a large country bar in the same complex that i stuck my head in last night and seemed like a great atmosphere just wasnt alot of people in there ay 9:00pm. I will try it all out tonight and get back to you.

Im staying in a decent apartment brand new with nice furniture, Big fridge, Nice TV, Great country view etc for 3000 baht per month right close to MJ Hotel. I'm actually pretty impressed. Free internet with not bad connection, cable TV with a few English channels etc.

I must say to all that for sure it makes a big difference in any of these small country towns if you can speak Thai. If not then the locals might look at you and you might think they are not friendly when in fact they are just shy and do NOT think you can speak Thai. However if you can speak even minimal Thai you will for sure see their faces light up and you will have a great time. Of course crime and bad people, scams double pricing in Bkk/Pattaya etc is a problem and when we come to these small villages etc we are paranoid (as we should be) and maybe even defensive but in real I think you can actually let your gaurd down a few notches here. Just remember though we are still in Thailand so dont let all those notches down lol.

I will try to report back as things develope here for me so maybe other expats that are wondering like I was get a better idea. Thanks for all the help folks !!!!!!!!

[sarotti]

I have been to Sakon Nakhon city many times for the last 3 years.

Finished our house in july and is looking forward to get back in jan/feb.

My parents in law and my wifes to sons live there now.

My wife lives with me and our daughter in Norway.

The house is just one minute outside citycenter but still in country land.

More land and houses for sale there. Builder very professional and kept alle

agreed specs and times

.

[thailandbluegrass]

I have been to Sakon Nakhon city many times for the last 3 years.

Finished our house in july and is looking forward to get back in jan/feb.

My parents in law and my wifes to sons live there now.

My wife lives with me and our daughter in Norway.

The house is just one minute outside citycenter but still in country land.

More land and houses for sale there. Builder very professional and kept alle

agreed specs and times

.

I'm sorry but this has to do with what?

[sarotti]

This has to do with the possibility to live normal in Sakon Nakhon.

For you its nothing as you are surely only interested in night life.

Stay in Pattaya better for you.

[thailandbluegrass]

This has to do with the possibility to live normal in Sakon Nakhon.

For you its nothing as you are surely only interested in night life.

Stay in Pattaya better for you.

my original post was for information on sakon for myself and other people who might wanna know about sakon. your rely just tells us that you have a house here, have a family but no useful INFO.

if you can read simple english you will see that my interests are NOT about only night life. maybe you should concider moving to pattaya. no need for that rude stupid un-educated comment

[sarotti]

I am educated enough to read what you are looking for

"All I know so far is its cool in the winter season so bring clothes. Has a Lotus and a Big-C, Good Beef, and I am familiar with esarn culture etc and so im just more interested in restaraunts, bars, clubs that kinda thin please?"

I just try to say its possible to stay in Sakon without a heavy nightlife.

Obviously you did not catch that.

[Royspurs]

I am educated enough to read what you are looking for

"All I know so far is its cool in the winter season so bring clothes. Has a Lotus and a Big-C, Good Beef, and I am familiar with esarn culture etc and so im just more interested in restaraunts, bars, clubs that kinda thin please?"

I just try to say its possible to stay in Sakon without a heavy nightlife.

Obviously you did not catch that.

We should be respectful of anyone who takes time to respond in good heart, even if its not exactly what we are looking for, in this way we can keep the standards up on Thaivisa and feel encouraged to help with our input for each other.

By the way I am building in SN 20k from town. I have had some fun times there, but, its hardly on the map as far as night life goes, however, I think your chances of meeting a great girl there are much increased as there are many educated and culturally sound ladies there.

I think to be successful there you need to embrace the locals and hopfully meet a good woman.

Good Luck

Edited November 15, 2009 by Royspurs

[rjj04]

<br />Thanx folks for all the info. I got here a few days ago now and it seems great so far. I am actually a seasoned expat and have been in Thailand for 9 years. I'm NOT into the Pattaya/Bkk go go sexpat scene and its actually a nice change being able to walk around not hearing "hello handsome man" etc. lol. I am single though and open to having a good relationship and I think that here is a much better chance of meeting a real woman. Althought I'm not the beer monger type, of course I love a COLD one with a few friends and playing some tunes acousticly is great too if I can find it. <br /><br />The Golden Pond Disco seems ok although I havn't sat in there yet and there is a Cyote bar also (still havn't figured that name out yet) that might be ok. There is also a large country bar in the same complex that i stuck my head in last night and seemed like a great atmosphere just wasnt alot of people in there ay 9:00pm. I will try it all out tonight and get back to you.<br /><br />Im staying in a decent apartment brand new with nice furniture, Big fridge, Nice TV, Great country view etc for 3000 baht per month right close to MJ Hotel. I'm actually pretty impressed. Free internet with not bad connection, cable TV with a few English channels etc.<br /><br />I must say to all that for sure it makes a big difference in any of these small country towns if you can speak Thai. If not then the locals might look at you and you might think they are not friendly when in fact they are just shy and do NOT think you can speak Thai. However if you can speak even minimal Thai you will for sure see their faces light up and you will have a great time. Of course crime and bad people, scams double pricing in Bkk/Pattaya etc is a problem and when we come to these small villages etc we are paranoid (as we should be) and maybe even defensive but in real I think you can actually let your gaurd down a few notches here. Just remember though we are still in Thailand so dont let all those notches down lol.<br /><br />I will try to report back as things develope here for me so maybe other expats that are wondering like I was get a better idea. Thanks for all the help folks !!!!!!!!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Ummm, I am in Sakon Nakhon now, could you give me/us the name of that apartment you are/were staying in? thx

[longstebe]

By the look of this forum, Sakon seems to be getting a lot more attention lately.

Most of the guys who I have met briefly seem to live outside of the city. I hope you continue to enjoy

Sakon. I look forward to seeing you in the Big C .

[rjj04]

By the look of this forum, Sakon seems to be getting a lot more attention lately.

Most of the guys who I have met briefly seem to live outside of the city. I hope you continue to enjoy

Sakon. I look forward to seeing you in the Big C .

Hmmm, yeah, well I was in Udon for a while, just want to travel. Udon is overflowing with farang now. Depressing actually Sakon Nakon is quiet, and the natives are a bit shy...which is a good thing I think. Big C, oh what fun. If you are into bars, and the heavy night life, as others have said this is definitely not the place. I was thinking of staying for a little longer, but difficult to find monthly accommodation so far. Tried to find the place "Thailandbluegrass" mentioned, but I'm blind I guess. Maybe he doesn't want to tell me the name... yeah, come to think of it I might not want me as a neighbour either.

[longstebe]

Hey rjj04

The wife and I were renting a room right near the airport for 3000 baht per month.

2 Rooms, 1 bath and a small kitchen with A/C. Nice and quite. If you like you can pm me.

[thailandbluegrass]

rjj, I am sorry I have not read the forum for a few days. Always glad to help. All I can tell you is they are new apartments on the soi right beside MJ Hotel called "kanjana apartments" but in thai. It is down the lets say "soi MJ" about 300 meters on the right hand side. Nice place trust me.

Also I have had a whicked toothache for the past week so have not been in the greatest mood hence my reply to the poster with the house picture. hehe. Sorry mate.

Actually I have found a few great restraunts and a few cool bars to have a cold one at. The country bar just out of town is nice, toon army bar has decent british farang food, a new nightclub is apperently opening soon beside MJ? Not sure but.......

Comming from the big apple etc I was not really looking for ACTION but more less just some small cosy places with people, music (local or not), food etc and seems to be enough if you want a nice quieter lifestyle.

Don't know about seeing you at Big-C but anywhere else might be cool (no pun intended).

[floridasmith]

about sakon nakhon i have visited it and found no reason to stay, much less live there.

unless you love gossip and rumor and the dirtier the better, avoid it.

[longstebe]

about sakon nakhon i have visited it and found no reason to stay, much less live there.

unless you love gossip and rumor and the dirtier the better, avoid it.

Each to there own I suppose. If you love the nightlife, then better you live in Bangkok or Pattaya.

The gossip and the rumours will come with every village in Thailand.

[RickBlaine]

I'm just settling into SN myself. Renting an (overpriced) apartment but looking to rent a house on the edge of town soon.

I like the place, quiet enough but with most of the things I need - I have lived in a very small village where the kids come out to stare at the 'fallang' when you cycle by, so this is real city hi-life.

I think the country music bar mentioned is Mak Mi Sigh Tan - or something like that - down a small lane next to the steak house near Golden Pond disco. It is fairly quiet until about 10pm.

The bigger country bar mentioned, on the Kalasin road, is Ta Wan Deng and is reopening soon (local gossip, best to check).

I think your district is on the SN - Mukdahan road, so you may already know that 'Eddie's bar' is along that road, about 5 km out. Music/food - mostly Thai food but some western if you want it. Tony's is farther along the same road.

Some of the bigger hotels do good Thai food (and passable western), often with an in-house Thai singer. Unfortunately, being hotels, they can be a bit soulless. I agree about the Pizza place near Big-C, but the pasta dishes make the pizzas look good.

It's horses for courses I guess, and SN would definitely not suit everyone, as witnessed by some of the other replies. I like the local food, the (few) live music bars, the lake. I'm looking forward to my new life here, I hope you settle ok.