Has anyone here had occasion to drive from Somdet just north of Kalasin over to Udon Thani? I was thinking the smaller highways look like a great short-cut - 2042, 2253, 2023. How long should I expect this drive to take? Are those roads pretty good?

I have driven that route a couple of times, and the roads always seemed Decent, but make much better time going into Kalasin and taking the Highway straight thru Khon Kaen and north to Udon...

Pianoman

I've never driven the roads you mention but Somdet to Sakon (213) shouldn't take longer than 1.5 hrs then Sakon to Udon (22) is approx 2hrs.Personally, I've found all of the smaller roads to be a bit of a nightmare and you spend your time dodging pot holes especially the road to Kut Bak from Phu Phan.

I've never driven the roads you mention but Somdet to Sakon (213) shouldn't take longer than 1.5 hrs then Sakon to Udon (22) is approx 2hrs.Personally, I've found all of the smaller roads to be a bit of a nightmare and you spend your time dodging pot holes especially the road to Kut Bak from Phu Phan.

Most of the smaller "main" roads are in fairly decent shape, and interesting if you have the extra time to enjoy the countryside and smaller villages... But being on 4 lane divide hyway makes it so that you can sail right along and get where you are going without delays, having to wait to pass the odd overloaded truck, tractor or herd of cows...

Pianoman

Have driven many times from Sungnern, which is about 20Km from Somdet, to Udon Thani airport.

I always go through Kham Muang (227) to Wang Sam Mo then 2023 through Kumphawapi then join 2 highway.

Takes me about 2 hours