Want to plan my 7 days in lower Isaan?

[H508]

I've been to Thailand twice in the last year already and spent a decent amount of time in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Samui during those 6 weeks. When in Pattaya, I got sucked into having a thai girlfriend which suits me just fine for the time being and I told her next time I come in September, since it will be over her birthday, I'll take her to her home in Maha Sarakham to spend 2 days with family and then up to another 5-8 days traveling around Isaan checking out mud puddles and buffalo with her.

 

So, I think to start...

Sept 2: Taxi from Pattaya to Bangkok. Take plane from BKK to Buriram Airport. Rent car.

Sept 3: Go to Chang Intl racetrack in Buriram to catch the Touring Car race going on.

...then I struggle at this point...

Her Birthday is Sept 7 and her family home is in the southern portion of Maha Sarakham somewhere and she said it's about 30km from the Buriram airport. We can either see her family for a few days before her birthday if it fits into other travel plans, or we can maybe drive to go see Phimai Historical park and look at some old tree Sept 4/5, then go to lower Maha Sarahkam Sept 6/7.

 

But, then I have another 2-5 days I can spend in Isaan.

 

After that, I've got nothing. Thought about driving up Highway 2 to Khon Kaen to Udon Thani and ultimately Vientiane, but the gf has a distaste for Laos, apparently; plus, I'm not sure I have the number of days to make that much driving worthwhile and would rather save northern Isaan for a separate trip when I can fly to Udon Thani directly and then do a week tour of just the north.

 

So, any thoughts on what else to do in such lovely countryside? She has a passport and is okay on visiting Cambodia, but I don't know if that would be worth it vs just going around Roi Et or Surin, or even up to Khon Kaen. Ultimately, I need to end back up in an Airport to take me back to BKK, unless we just head south west and drive back that way anyway.

[JAS21]

Visit Sirindhorn Dam and then go and stay at Khong Chiam Orchid Riverside Resort. She will love it there at the side of the Mekong ... romantic and good food..

[DILLIGAD]

Visit Sirindhorn Dam and then go and stay at Khong Chiam Orchid Riverside Resort. She will love it there at the side of the Mekong ... romantic and good food..

But that's a long way from MS Kam.
2 thoughts
1) Buriram airport is in Satuk and I am unsure if they have hire cars there. You may get a taxi, possibly.
2) if G/f family are 30k from Buriram, I don't know if they are living in MS Kam. I think that's a lot longer distance away than that.
Best of luck.


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[H508]

looking at a map from the airport to the southern parts of MK, it could be around 40-45km. Doesn't make a material change to drive 15 more minutes.

According to Avis, they rent cars; or at least they'll drop one off at the airport for you if they don't have a lot there, so I think I'll be okay there.

 

Sirindhorn Dam - this is about 300km/4 hour drive from where we are starting the trip. I suppose we could drive out East from Buriram/Maha Sarahkham. Maybe stop for a day or two in Ubon Ratchathani on the way. We could fly back to BKK from Ubon Ratchathani it looks like, so that is a positive.  Maybe Buriram Airport to Phimai then home in Maha Sarakham. Then drive east to UR and this Sirindhorn Dam. I assume there should be some interesting wats or other attractions along the 4 hour drive.

Edited March 21, 2017 by H508

[oldcarguy]

I would load up my  Kindle or Tablet with a lot of books , just in case ,

 

and an iPod plus chargers.......

 

the hard part will be when you get the "up to you"  and you have to make a choice , maybe before you leave have her give you 5-10 places she might be interested in showing you (and she wants to go to)  so you can Google them and see if you can even fake interest in going to some of them !

 

but mostly take it as an adventure  ,  and use it as a test to see if the girlfriend is a "keeper"

 

send pictures !

[DILLIGAD]

looking at a map from the airport to the southern parts of MK, it could be around 40-45km. Doesn't make a material change to drive 15 more minutes.
According to Avis, they rent cars; or at least they'll drop one off at the airport for you if they don't have a lot there, so I think I'll be okay there.
 
Sirindhorn Dam - this is about 300km/4 hour drive from where we are starting the trip. I suppose we could drive out East from Buriram/Maha Sarahkham. Maybe stop for a day or two in Ubon Ratchathani on the way. We could fly back to BKK from Ubon Ratchathani it looks like, so that is a positive.  Maybe Buriram Airport to Phimai then home in Maha Sarakham. Then drive east to UR and this Sirindhorn Dam. I assume there should be some interesting wats or other attractions along the 4 hour drive.

There are around 6 or 7 flights a day from Ubon to BKK so that's a good idea. There are quite a few interesting unusual Wats around those parts (The Bottle Temple/ Uthomphon gargoyles, for example). There are many hire cars firms operating from Ubon Airport too. They also have flights to Chang Mai.
Hope you have a great trip.


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[NanLaew]

Sounds like the OP is being set up for an up country village wedding.

 

Never mind, if you're not serious about it, you can easily cut all the blessing strings from your wrists, drive away to Udon and visit Laos on your own.

[H508]

haha, oh, she definitely wants to marry me; no question about that as I'm young-ish (38) and spend money at a decent clip...  Don't think she realizes the difference between 'vacation' and 'real world' that I've tried to explain to her in the past but she just says 'money isn't important, just want to be with you' and I finish her sentence with 'hansome man' in my head - lol.

 

She's pretty easy going but I'm definitely running everything by her. She was already cool with going to Ubon Ratchathani and pha taem park just mentioning it today for the first time. She's pretty poor and I don't think she's seen much besides her village and Pattaya so everything is cool in her mind. Only thing she's ever said no to was actually crossing the river to Laos.

 

Time to start researching  things to veer off and see on the way to UR.

Edited March 22, 2017 by H508

[NanLaew]

I think AirAsia flies U-Tapao to Ubon Ratchathani. That may take the chore of a drive from Pattaya to Don Meuang out of the itinerary?

[DILLIGAD]

Suggest for light reading you get a copy of 'Thailand Fever'. A lot of what you (she) say(s) is covered in that book.
Keep it real 555


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[puchooay]

Sounds like you are heading to Payakaphumpisai. That is the southern most district of MSK and borders Satuk district in Buriram.

 

There is not a lot to do there although there is a sizable Tesco lotus with a cinema. You could consider driving out to Chumpornburi. There are a couple of nice resorts out there by the river.

[SantiSuk]

If you can't make it down to Angkor Wat in Cambodia (which would be my first port of call if touring in any part of Lower Isaan - so accessible from Ubon/Sisaket/Surin/Buriram/Korat provinces) then do get a taster by going to Panom Rung in southern Buriram. Small but delightful early Angkor-style temple in a lovely setting on the top of an old extinct volcanic crater. Half a day well spent. I'd also give her the option of going to one of the border markets - Chong Jom or even better, RongKlueua at Aranyaphratet (size of market and a nice drive from the main part of Buriram). Have not yet done Pimai myself but I'm sure that is worthwhile too and is more feted for the extent of its antiquity - but I'll bet it's not as charming as Panom Rung.

 

I love my part of Isaan which is Sisaket and Ubon but I would not encourage a first time visitor to Isaan to try to cover all of lower Isaan - much better to concentrate on getting a feel for village and town life in her home province. I recall that even selected wats, local village markets and town fairs were fascinating the first few times! Tell the GF you want to see life like the locals live it more than what international tourists might be expected to laud. Get to go to a village wedding/funeral or whatever else is passing as 'party of the week' locally!

 

Give the falang life and Thai nightlife in Buriram town a good try out on at least a couple of nights. All these regional Isaan towns/cities are good value if you can get some recommendations on the Thai side of life (eg Tawaen Daeng, Thai pubs/hostessed garden bars, even karaokes if your GF is up to showing you what the locals get up to and is not the jealous/possessive type). Falang hangouts are useful for meeting those that can give you info on what life is like locally and where to go. 

 

Be open and friendly (sounds like you are anyway) and it will pay back many fold. Learn a few words of Thai and even the local lingo - it opens so many doors. A well placed 'saerp' or 'alloy' - Isaan and Thai respectively for 'delicious' works a treat in getting the locals on your side. Can't remember the name of local dialect over there in Buriram but there will no doubt be one or two words or short phrases you can throw in for a smile.

 

Enjoy the real Thailand which of course exists all over the country but many tourists and even expats don't get it. Consider yourself blessed to have an Isaan girl to give you a lifelong experience in just one week! They should be standard issue for all visiting males.

Edited March 22, 2017 by SantiSuk
Forgot to insert Aranyaphratet

[H508]

Thanks for the advice - I did add Phanon Rung to the itinerary. Aranyaphratet seems a bit out of the way just for a market, though. Looks like I could swing through Chomg Jom, though.

 

I definitely want to experience some of the slow life and have told the gf that. She is crazy jealous, unfortunately - I can't even go to normal beer bars (not to mention agogo's) with her as it does not turn out to be fun evenings for me... When we do go out, I either have to be surrounded by her friends, or she finds the oldest, least attractive women to serve us, haha. I think it would be slightly different outside of the girly bar scene so I'm sure we'll check out the local bars plenty. I definitely seek out the farangs to have some real conversations every few days. "Aroy Mak" definitely gets used by me :)

 

Having an Isaan 'tour guide' with me is definitely worth while. Doubles the price of the trip, but more than doubles the enjoyment.

 

Edited March 22, 2017 by H508

[DILLIGAD]

Erm yes, and you will only see/experience what she wants you to see. Isaan girls are the most jealous that I have ever experienced, beware!


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[survivalblue]

I used to travel in Isaan a lot and Buriram is a very nice city and province.  There is actually some nice things to do around the province if you have a car.

Khon Kaen I don't know much about the province, just the city.  The city itself is very nice.  I stayed there several times and always enjoyed my time there. 

Maha Sarakham I've only seen from a bus window.

Udon Thani province has a lot of interesting places.  Car or motorbike needed to explore outside of the city.

Have to say I miss Isaan, it was always a place I'd spend a few months just to wander around and sometimes find a place to stay awhile. Many of my best memories in Thailand were during the times I spent in Isaan.  Especially Buriram, Surin, Udon and Nong Khai

5-8 days is not enough in my opinion. 

If that is all you have, you might as well focus on Maha Sarakham and Khon Kaen.  Google map it and find some interesting places to go.

 

 

 

 

[survivalblue]

In Buriram city there is Rinradee Place is a nice apartment style Thai hotel with a restaurant and near a few Thai nightlife venues.

Just don't walk across the field at night, stick to the roads, there are snakes in the field.

And of course, beware the dogs.  That goes for everywhere in Isaan.

[khwaibah]

You have Soi Kola in Surin. Just like you never departed Pattaya.

[NanLaew]

12 hours ago, H508 said:

Having an Isaan 'tour guide' with me is definitely worth while. Doubles the price of the trip, but more than doubles the enjoyment.

Agreed.

 

12 hours ago, H508 said:

She is crazy jealous, unfortunately - I can't even go to normal beer bars (not to mention agogo's) with her as it does not turn out to be fun evenings for me... When we do go out, I either have to be surrounded by her friends, or she finds the oldest, least attractive women to serve us, haha.

But you should do yourself a favour and find a better one.

[H508]

22 hours ago, survivalblue said:

Buriram is a very nice city and province.  There is actually some nice things to do around the province if you have a car.

Udon Thani province has a lot of interesting places.  Car or motorbike needed to explore outside of the city.

Care to elaborate on what those nice/interesting things would be? I'll have a car rental the whole trip.

 

I'm increasing my stay to 12 days for sure now that I'm semi-convinced to go all the way out to Pha Taem in Ubon.

I understand the argument for immersing myself in 1 or 2 places for longer, but I don't plan on living in Thailand and I'd rather just hit the highlights; for this trip anyway.

By day 5 in Chiang Mai and Samui both, I felt like I did all the touristy things and still had time to sit in a cafe or a pool/beach and watch the world pass me by; I was ready for the next thing by then and I have the suspicion I will get...antsy... well before day 5 when visiting places in Isaan.

 

Buriram City - 2.5 days, watch car race one day

Phimai area - 2 days

Her home in Maha Sarakham - 2 days (want to get out of there very quickly; 1 night is all that seems safe).

Phanom Rung in southern Buriram - 1 day

Leaves 5 days for Ubon Ratchathani/Khong Chiam - go to UR city, stop by sirindhorn, go to Pha Taem/Kong Chiam.

Edited March 23, 2017 by H508

[H508]

^^ +/- .5 day in the itenerary above if something catches my eye to do in any of the earlier places.

[H508]

-dupe post-

Edited March 23, 2017 by H508

[survivalblue]

Buriram there is Khao Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam.  Worth seeing and doesn't take an entire day.

Also have Suan Nok Bird Park.  A nice place to relax and see some birds, there is a very strange resort at the bird park with all kinds of statues and stuff set up maybe 20 years ago for a boy scout camp.  It's entertaining enough for a visit and the reservoir is a good place for a sunset.

If you want a decent barbecue, head to the Thunder Castle and there is a few nice cheap places just to the east of it opposite the parking lots.

If you want to get away from it all, head to Prakhon Chai and a Belgian guy there and his wife has a fishing park Time Out Fishing Park, kind of in the middle of nowhere, if it's still there.  They also rent rooms out there.  Some really nice farangs live out that way and it's country life so the vibe is good, very friendly place and an easy trip from Phanom Rung.

Even if your not fishing, there is a bar and the owner and anyone there is always up for a friendly chat. 

In town there is Bamboo Bar is more of a expat/locals party spot sometimes with live music.

It's very relaxed and friendly everywhere you go.  

 

 

 

 

 

[survivalblue]

Really you don't need an entire day to visit Phanom Rung.  While the driving times are usually what takes most of the time in Isaan, the actual time at Phanom Rung can be cut short if you don't climb the long stairs.  Just drive up to the top instead.

[DILLIGAD]

Buriram there is Khao Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam.  Worth seeing and doesn't take an entire day.
Also have Suan Nok Bird Park.  A nice place to relax and see some birds, there is a very strange resort at the bird park with all kinds of statues and stuff set up maybe 20 years ago for a boy scout camp.  It's entertaining enough for a visit and the reservoir is a good place for a sunset.
If you want a decent barbecue, head to the Thunder Castle and there is a few nice cheap places just to the east of it opposite the parking lots.
If you want to get away from it all, head to Prakhon Chai and a Belgian guy there and his wife has a fishing park Time Out Fishing Park, kind of in the middle of nowhere, if it's still there.  They also rent rooms out there.  Some really nice farangs live out that way and it's country life so the vibe is good, very friendly place and an easy trip from Phanom Rung.
Even if your not fishing, there is a bar and the owner and anyone there is always up for a friendly chat. 
In town there is Bamboo Bar is more of a expat/locals party spot sometimes with live music.
It's very relaxed and friendly everywhere you go.  
 
 
 
 
 

I think 'the Belgian guy' has left Thailand so unsure if it's 'Time Out' for fishing resort (unfortunately).


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[H508]

6 hours ago, survivalblue said:

Really you don't need an entire day to visit Phanom Rung.  While the driving times are usually what takes most of the time in Isaan, the actual time at Phanom Rung can be cut short if you don't climb the long stairs.  Just drive up to the top instead.

Yeah, days were just a rough estimate. That day at Phanom Rung is probably 2 hours of driving there, walking around, then driving on to Ubon.

Thanks for the post on Buriram stuff, especially about going on to Prasat Muang Tam that is so close to Phanom Rung anyway (so now we're getting close to a full day :)

 

I just need to fill in all those other blanks on finding things to visit during those rough day(s) estimates; especially the drive on Highway 24 from Phanom Rung to Ubon. Has to be a few things not far out of the way driving through Surin, Si Sa Ket and up to Ubon city.

Edited March 24, 2017 by H508

[treehouse_ monkey]

On 21/3/2560 at 10:39 PM, DILLIGAD said:

But that's a long way from MS Kam.
2 thoughts
1) Buriram airport is in Satuk and I am unsure if they have hire cars there. You may get a taxi, possibly.
2) if G/f family are 30k from Buriram, I don't know if they are living in MS Kam. I think that's a lot longer distance away than that.
Best of luck.


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[Bredbury Blue]

" I got sucked into having a thai girlfriend which suits me just fine for the time being" that's not nice but I guess you're joking.

 

Why not pick up the car in Pattaya and join some of these dots I've visited in recent years

 Aranyaprathet

Up to Sakaeo

Phanom Rung n its neighbouring famous khmer neighbour whose name I can't place just now

Buriram...football stadium tour n race track..wat on the big hill couple of kms away

Millionbottle wat

Kantharak n preah vihear (spelling)

Ubon

Chong mek

Mukhahan

 

 

[treehouse_ monkey]

Just now, treehouse_ monkey said:

rental cars--- three different ones at airport in buriram.  My daughter used to be manager of ThaiRentacar.  Good cars.  Have lived in Buriram for 19 years and taught tourism at university for 8 of those years.  From Buriram Airport go north abut 7 kilometers to a major intersection--that road goes straight to Maha Salakam.  with traffic lights.  Turn right and go about 20Kms and look for the turn to the left for Taklang Elephant Village.  Shows everyday at 10 a.m. sharp and at 2 p.m.  Show cost is 100 baht for you Thai GF 40 Baht.  Then book an elephant for a twenty to thirty minute ride. 100 baht per person.  Then head north to Kalasin and visit the dinosaur digs.  Then come back toward Buriram and head over to Phimai.  Temple is worth seeing.  In Buriram Buriram United FC is doing well but for the first time but  last year they came in number 3.  Before that champions, swept all the cups and had a great team.  I worked for the coaching staff teaching English to Brazilian players.  Been a fan for the entire time we have had a team.  Newin Chidchob, the owner of Buriram United and main partner in the Chang International Circuit is one of the sponsors of the orphanage we run here in Buriram..  The International Circuit is directly  behind the Burriram I-mobile stadium.  The stadium is on Buriram Prakhonchai Highway.  If you would like to visit tow more temples Khao Phanom Rung is 65 kms from Buriram City same road that stadium is on go to Prakhonchai and follow the signs from there.  About 18 kms from Prakhonchai city.  100 baht per temple visit for farangs and 40 baht for Thai's.  A ticket for both temples is 150 baht, they are about 7 kms distance from each other. Have a great time in Lower Isaan. We love it here.

 

[Enoon]

 

What you most need is a "Plan B".

 

Here's a new question for you to ask:

 

"Hi guys, did the relationship you started with crazy jealous Isaan girl turn out happily, or did you find yourselves descending into the Second Circle of Hell?"

 

 

[Bredbury Blue]

A poster mentioned Khong Chiam Orchid Riverside Resort. We stayed next door at Tohsang Khongjiam Resort & Spa which we thought fantastic. A lovely base for a few days in a really nice area...we hope to return some day.