3 January 2024
Another Good Breakfast (and Other Adventures in Navigation)
Another great breakfast this morning had us ready for the day’s driving ahead to our next destination Kalasin. We packed up the car, and were on the road before 10.00am.
Unfortunately, traffic was heavy heading back towards Bangkok, so we decided to take a scenic detour through the countryside. We made a pitstop at a 7-Eleven to grab some snacks and drinks, then filled up with fuel at a PTT station.
Cue the obligatory 7-Eleven stop (because, Thailand). After our fuel pit stop, we continued north and came upon the Mai Kae Dam Bridge. Picture Indiana Jones’ rickety rope bridge, but made of slightly-less-stable wood planks. Let’s just say our inner-acrobat got a workout (and we highly recommend sturdy shoes for anyone else feeling brave).
Wat-ing for a Sign?
With the bridge conquered and a newfound appreciation for solid ground, we continued and dropped into the Sand Stone Pagoda (Wat Pakung) and the Maha Virachariyanusorn Pagoda which sat in the middle of a small lake.
It was on to Wat Makha Monkhon Bua, another impressive temple. This was our final stop before arriving at our hotel.
We checked into our Hotel, the TK Residence. After settling in and a bit of a rest we headed out for dinner. We tried the KFC at Big C.. Sold out. But fear not, Kalasin Plaza 2 came to the rescue! With dinner completed we headed back to our hotel for a relaxing evening.
4 January 2024
Kalasin Conquest: Temples, Stairs, and Unexpected Detours
Day two in Kalasin, and we were ready to search out its hidden treaures. We started the day with a pre-ordered a Vietnamese omelette, which was a delightful and tasty surprise.
Fueled up and ready to explore. We arrived at our first challenge: Wat Putthawat. Now, the locals mentioned there were 654 steps to the top. Let’s just say our calves got a serious workout, but the view from the top? Absolutely breathtaking! Clear blue skies and a panorama that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Here’s the thing about North Eastern Thailand – it’s not exactly overflowing with foreign tourists. So, guess who became the local paparazzi attraction? Us! But in the best way possible. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming. We even got to chat with some adorable school kids – their enthusiasm was contagious (and their English skills were impressive!).
More Wats, More Wildlife
Next stop at 10:30am was Wat Phutthanimit, a temple unlike any other we’d encountered in Thailand. Its beauty and uniqueness left us speechless. The grounds were graced by the presence of majestic peacocks, graceful deer, and clucking guinea fowl, adding to the serene ambiance. We even recalled seeing friendly rabbits on our previous visit to this temple. The most captivating sight was the statue of Saiyat Phu Khao, believed to be over 2000 years old, positioned on its left side – a unique detail compared to the typical right-side placement of reclining Buddhas.
Our school tour group from Wat Putthawat caught up with us here, and the children’s enthusiasm was infectious. They eagerly took photos with Alison, practicing their English and helping Steve improve his Thai language skills – a heartwarming cultural exchange.
Dam Busters (Almost!)
By noon, after picking up some lunch at 7-Eleven, we set off for Lampao Dam, following Google Maps’ guidance. However, a road that appeared passable on the map turned out to be submerged underwater! A quick U-turn was necessary to avoid an unintended aquatic adventure. We eventually made it to the Dam’s edge to be rewarded with an interesting collection of local fishing boats and shacks.
Sunset Serenity
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves back near our hotel by 5:30pm. The golden rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow on Wat Pa Phuttha Mongkhon, our final stop for the day. This was an older Wat, which had a newly constructed temple and Chedi. The older sections were well shaded by trees. Peaceful as well as photogenic.
We headed back to Kalasin Plaza for some dinner before returning to our hotel for a quiet evening. A successful day of exploring Kalasin.
5 January 2024
Isan Escapades: Mountains, Mishaps, and Pad Thai Perfection
Day three called for adventure, and adventure we got! We ventured further northeast into the Isan region, with Sakon Nakhon as our final destination. Fueled by a delicious hotel breakfast (gotta love those buffets!), we hit the road, making a pit stop at a PTT for gas and some morning tea supplies (because, road trip essentials). The plan? To take our sweet time cruising through the mountains.
Speaking of mountains, our first stop was a PTT with a rather unexpected twist – a beautiful Naga sculpture. Apparently, even gas stations get a touch of mythical flair in Isan!
By 11 am, we reached the Hug Rai Tok Pha Waeng viewpoint. Think dramatic rocky outcrops clinging to a cliff face – the kind of place that makes you want to belt out a Tarzan yell (but we refrained, for the sake of peace and quiet… and possibly avoiding startled wildlife).
A friendly local dog decided to join us for the scenic vista, adding another layer of charm to the experience.
Lost in Translation (Literally)
Now, Google Translate is a wonderful tool, but sometimes it gets a little… creative. Take the signage at the viewpoint, for example. The intended message? Who knows. But Google Translate decided to impart this wisdom: “The state of being pure and crazy is falling off a cliff.” Let’s just say we stuck to admiring the view from a safe distance.
Up, Up, and Away (in a Ute Taxi)
Our journey continued towards Wad Thum Pha Dan. By noon, we reached the parking area, but the real challenge was yet to come: reaching the top. Enter our trusty steed for this leg of the trip – a ute taxi. Think of it as a rugged pickup truck, perfect for navigating the mountain terrain.
Home Sweet Hotel (and Pad Thai Paradise!)
By 2:30 pm, we arrived at our hotel in Sakon Nakhon. Time to unpack, unwind, and maybe catch a quick nap (those mountains were tiring!). Refreshed and ready for some grub (because adventures are hungry work!), we ventured out on foot to the local Big C. Pad thai for lunch? Absolutely! And let me tell you, those stir-fried noodles hit the spot perfectly.
Isan, you’ve got mountains, mystery, and apparently, some hilariously poetic road signs. We can’t wait to see what culinary delights and cultural gems await us in Sakon Nakhon!
6 January 2024
Sakon Nakhon Shenanigans: Lotus Love, Mountain Climbs, and Market Munchies
Day four in Isan, and we were ready to explore the hidden gems of Sakon Nakhon! First stop: Kasetsart University Lotus and Waterlilly Park.
Imagine a tranquil haven filled with vibrant blooms – that’s exactly what greeted us. We spent a delightful morning wandering among the ponds, marveling at the variety of lotus and water lilies (apparently, there’s more to these aquatic beauties than meets the eye!).
Mountain Magic (and Ancient Mysteries)
By 11 am, our adventurous spirits were calling. Next stop: Phra That Phu Phek. Now, getting to the top wasn’t for the faint of heart. A steep walkway snaked its way up the mountain range, testing our endurance (and possibly our sanity). But the view from the top? Absolutely worth the climb. We stumbled upon an ancient Khmer ruin, built from sandstone and standing tall on a laterite base. Imagine a piece of history nestled amidst the lush mountain scenery – pretty cool, right?
This wasn’t just any ruin, though. It was a Buddhist temple chedi, dating back to the 16th-17th Buddhist century. We felt a sense of awe exploring this hidden relic, a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Feeling like Indiana Jones for a day, we even did a bit of bushwalking to another viewpoint.
The view wasn’t quite as expansive as we’d hoped, but hey, the adventure was half the fun!
Rest, Recharge, and Market Mayhem
After conquering the mountain (and battling those post-climb wobbly legs), we retreated back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest. By 6 pm, our stomachs were rumbling louder than a temple gong, so it was off to the local markets. The sights, sounds, and smells were intoxicating! We finally landed at Tumkratoei, a charming market cafe area. Dinner? Local delights, of course! Think fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and an atmosphere that was pure Isan magic.
Sakon Nakhon, you’ve impressed us with your natural beauty, historical treasures, and delicious cuisine.
7 January 2024
Sakon Nakhon Sights and Bites: Market Marvels, Spearfishing Spectacles, and Local Eats
Day five in Isan, and our taste buds were tingling with anticipation! We kicked off the day with a visit to the local markets. Fresh produce piled high, exotic meats on display, and the lively chatter of vendors – it was a feast for the senses. We wandered through the stalls, marveling at the sheer variety of ingredients and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Hong Han Lake: Fishy Fun and Local Traditions
By 10:30 am, we were ready for a change of scenery. Our next stop? The legendary Hong Han Lake. This vast expanse of water is a true Isan gem, and the sight that greeted us was both unexpected and fascinating.
Local sports fishermen perched in trees, wielding a unique combination of spear, fishing line, and rifle. Imagine it – harpooning fish from a distance and then reeling them in like a pro! We watched in awe as they practiced their traditional technique, a testament to the region’s unique fishing culture.
Food Frenzy: From Competitions to Comfort Food
Lunchtime called, and we headed to Robinson Department Store for a pit stop at their food park. But here’s the twist – the center was hosting an eating competition. We grabbed a delicious lunch (because, competition or not, food is still fuel for adventures!), but watching the competitive eaters devour their plates was an entertaining spectacle in itself.
Market Magic, Round Two
By 6 pm, our love affair with the local markets continued. Dinner tonight? Another exploration of the culinary delights on offer. Fresh, local ingredients transformed into flavorful dishes – the perfect way to end another exciting day in Sakon Nakhon.
8 January 2024
Sakon Nakhon Serenity: Temples, Walks, and Unexpected Encounters
Day six in Isan, and a slower pace was definitely in order. After a relaxing breakfast and some well-deserved rest, we decided to stretch our legs with a morning walk. Our destination? Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan.
Temple Timing and Tourist Triumphs
Our timing was impeccable! We managed to explore the temple grounds just as a swarm of tourist buses arrived. Phew! Dodged that crowded bullet. We wandered around the serene wat, admiring its beauty and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Alison, ever the generous soul, even donated 100 baht to the building fund, and the best part? She got to sign a roofing tile – a unique souvenir with a touch of history.
Lakeside Laps and Local Encounters
Feeling refreshed by our temple visit, we continued our walk down to Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park. The lake shimmered invitingly, and we couldn’t resist a leisurely lap around the walking track. The fresh air, the gentle exercise, and the picturesque scenery – it was the perfect way to unwind and appreciate the simple pleasures.
Market Munchies and Multilingual Marvels
Lunchtime beckoned, and our noses led us to a vibrant marketplace. There, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise: a Thai lady with an impressive command of English! Apparently, YouTube had been her teacher – what a testament to the power of language learning in the digital age. We enjoyed a friendly conversation (and a much-needed language boost!), before diving into a plate of delicious Krapow Moo (stir-fried pork) with a fried egg for a mere 45 baht each. Talk about value for money!
Sweet Treats and Siesta Time
No Thai adventure is complete without some sweet indulgence, so we popped into Big C for a post-lunch ice cream. Refreshed and recharged, we retreated back to our hotel for a well-deserved siesta. Isan afternoons were definitely made for relaxation!
9 January 2024
Sakon Nakhon Send-Off: Street Strolls, Food Halls, and Final Feasts
Our last day in Sakon Nakhon dawned, and with a bittersweet feeling, we knew it was time to say goodbye. We started with a relaxing morning walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding streets. One last chance to soak up the local atmosphere before hitting the road.
Food Hall Fiasco (and a Lotus Lunchtime Lifeline)
Back at the hotel, we packed up the car and set our sights on Lotus’s for a food hall adventure. Our stomachs were rumbling, and the promise of culinary delights awaited. But alas, timing wasn’t on our side. It seems we arrived a tad early, so we decided to take a detour to Robinson’s, where we’d enjoyed a previous meal.
A Shopping Spree (and a Food Court Frenzy)
We browsed the shops at Robinson’s, indulging in a little retail therapy before heading for the food court. But oh, the irony! The food court was overflowing with busloads of hungry kids. Looks like our plan for another Robinson’s feast would have to be tabled.
Back to Basics (and Delicious Pad Thai)
Undeterred, we retreated back to Lotus’s. Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones, and a couple of steaming plates of rice dishes hit the spot perfectly. Fueled and ready for some downtime, we returned to the hotel for a quiet afternoon and a much-needed laundry session.
One Last Pad Thai Hurrah
As evening painted the sky with vibrant hues, we knew it was time for one final culinary hurrah. We ventured out to a local food market, drawn in by the irresistible aroma of sizzling pad thai. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The perfect way to end our Sakon Nakhon adventure on a delicious note.
Farewell, Sakon Nakhon!
With full hearts and happy tummies, we returned to the hotel for our last night in Sakon Nakhon.