Isan trip

[Smurkster]

I live in Nongbualamphu, wanted to do a little trip along the Mekong, was going to go to Lopburi but decided against it. I hear Wat Phu Tok in Bueng Khan is beautiful and I have never been to that area and want to make the drive. I was thinking driving from Nongbua to Nong Khai and then driving along 212 to Bueng Khan, after maybe a night, down by 212 to Nakhon Phanom and that back home maybe through Sakhon Nakhon via 22...Does anyone one know this route? suggests of places to see/eat and what not. I was thinking 4 days and 3 nights. I think its a nice stretch of the mekong to see.

[craigt3365]

Can't help you with that stretch, but we did do the Mekong from North of Nakhon Phanom down to the border near Ubon. Some very difficult roads if you got off the main highways. Nakhon Phanom has a very nice chedi/temple. Worth a look if you have the time. Right on the main road through town.

One thing I can highly recommend is Phu Pan, which is the King's summer palace. It is absolutely stunning. And you can walk all around and enjoy the beautiful buildings and magnificent gardens. Definitely worth seeing if you have the time.

Wat Phu Tok has been highly recommended to us also. Maybe our next trip will try to make it there. If you do go, let us know how it was! Would love to hear.

[Gonsalviz]

2 years ago I went on the route from Chiang Khan to Nong Khai about 2 years ago. Some of it was good. Some not. I would expect is it still the same.

Cannot tell you about Nong Khai onward but the part I went on was scenic but expect it to be slow.

[asiantraveler1]

Visited Nakhon Phanom about a month ago. Flew in by airasia and rented some bikes for the day. It's a nice place on the river but not much action. Enjoy the river cruise and the mekong aquarium which is just a bit outside town on the way to the airport.

Roads are all in good shape. Took the bus to Udon which took about 6 hours because of the many stops. By car you can do it under 3 hours I believe as its only 240 kilometers.

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