"Travels in Isaan" Pak Khat by phil_uk_net

Pak Khat Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 44 photos

The Mekong separating Thailand and Laos - Pak Khat

An experience I'll remember

I recent undertook my first visit to the Isaan region in north-east Thailand. During my travels in the rest of Thailand I have heard about Isaan and met several people who come from the region. It is the poorest area of Thailand and many Thais that grow up there move to other cities in the Kingdom where there are better opportunities to earn money. The ones that do though normally send the bulk of the money they earn back home to their parents and families. It was an interesting experience.

In the north-east the Mekong forms the border between Thailand and Laos. The people living on the Thai side are more Laos than Thai apparently. Many people make a living on the Mekong. From what I can gather, people from Laos can come freely to Thailand but it does not work the other way.

Pak Khat is situated north-east of Nong Khai near the Mekong. In the photo above Laos can be seen on the opposite bank of the river..

This page is quite different to most of my other pages in that there are no tips as such. I did not travel independently as I normally do but was hosted by a local family. They housed and fed me, as well as showing me around, so I have no accommodation, restaurant or transportation tips. The intent of this page is just to give some general impressions of the area and to show how people live there.

End of trip report

Enjoying lunch at the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

I enjoyed my time in Isaan. It was an experience I will not forget in a hurry. However, I'm becoming a softer traveller as I get older and the basic facilities and limited cuisine made me long to return to a more developed part of the world.

Returning to Bangkok and enjoying a fabulous lunch at the Oriental while sitting on the verandah looking out over the Chao Phrya river was sheer bliss!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Interesting to see a different way of life
Cons:Very basic facilities and food that you wil love or hate
In a nutshell:Worth visiting for a few days if you have time

Last visit to Pak Khat: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Jan 19, 2004
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Reviews (15)

Local Boat Races Favorites (9)

There is a large body of water in Pak Khat a little way from the Mekong. Villagers fish there and use the water for... more travel advice

Charcoal kiln on the banks of the Mekong - Pak Khat

Charcoal Favorites (9)

In addition to fishing, another source of income along the banks of the Mekong is from producing charcoal. There are... more travel advice

Mekong - 3 Favorites (9)

Walking along a narrow pole, Rung takes a closer look at the fish farm. I declined to do so. I know that if I had... more travel advice

Mekong - 2 Favorites (9)

Along the banks of the Mekong, on the Thai side at least, are enclosures for farming fish. more travel advice

Transportation (6)
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Comments (3)

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RungarunS Apr 19, 2013 at 11:18 AM

Hei phil. Been a long time. Regard from rung.
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Sharon Jan 25, 2004 at 9:20 AM

Simplife ...thats the name of the game...Keep enjoying it, its not everyday that one gets that chance...
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jenniferchin Jan 19, 2004 at 10:18 PM

Ahh .. my prayers are answered. Wonderful observations, Phil !! Hope all is well :-)