Sangkhom... to Udon - truth on transport without own wheels?!

[ChrisFz]

Dear all,

Apologies, first, if this topic is in the wrong subforum - I have spent ages trawling the Internet for information and thaivisa seems to have more reliable "first-hand" knowledge on travel help, even if this isn't, strictly speaking, a travel forum (sadly - or perhaps happily! - for Isaan, finding logistical information in Isaan is a nightmare compared to the busier parts of the country!).

My question is quite simple - am going to Isaan beginning 2015, and at one point we are going to Sangkhom (from Nong Khai) for a few days. I've sadly noticed that some of the logistics are much more complicated than I expected, and it is too late to make substantial changes (flights reserved, hotels booked and so on).

I basically need to get from the river town of Sangkhom to Udon Thani airport by about 1 pm. Earlier even, if possible.

All guidebooks, and the Internet, are giving me contradictory information (both French guides and English ones). Some say there are "regular buses" to Nong Khai, and will take 2h to get me there. Others say there are three buses, and will take me at least 4h, and do not leave at times that are compatible with my plans.

My questions are therefore the following :

- WHAT is the truth on public transport options? Are there other quasi-public alternatives? (songthaews, etc.)

- Can I expect to be able to find (maybe with guesthouse help?) private transport (driver/taxi) to reliably take us from Sangkhom to Udon airport?

- Is renting a car from Ubon the best option, in the end? Didn't enjoy driving in Chiang Mai at all last year so would rather avoid it - but am warming to the idea, slowly, perhaps through getting used to it being the only alternative...

- Are there other options I am not aware of?

While I'm at it, this also works for info on getting from Nong Khai to Sangkhom - a few hours saved is a longer day there to enjoy.

Thanks for your help, and looking forward to Isaan

Cheers,

C

[canopus1969]

Is this of help :

There is no proper bus station in Sangkhom; green-and-silver local buses can pick up passengers anywhere along Route 211.

Three local buses depart for Nong Khai each day, and two head the opposite way to Loei. From Sangkhom, the bus departs for Nong Khai around 6:30, 11:30 and 16:00, costs 60 baht and takes around three hours. Along with every little village en route, it stops at Sri Chiang Mai and Tha Bo.

Buses bound for Loei pass through Sangkhom around 10:30 and 14:00. Note that a third, identical bus passes through around 18:00, but it terminates at Pak Chom and does not go on to Loei.

At Nong Khai bus station, buses to Sangkhom depart at 7:30, 11:00 and 15:00.