After spending the night at Centara Udon Thani, we started another day of our Thailand road trip with a drive north toward Nong Khai and the Mekong River.
This was one of those days that combined a little bit of everything – shopping, local culture, an unusual boat ride, markets, roadside food, and plenty of time simply enjoying the journey.
Starting the Day in Udon Thani
Our morning began at Centara Udon Thani, where we took a quick look around the hotel and then headed over to Central Plaza Udon Thani.
Central is a huge shopping complex and a completely different experience from the small local markets we would visit later in the day. We did a little shopping before getting back in the car and heading north.
Our destination was Nong Khai and the Mekong River, which forms the border between Thailand and Laos.
Following the Mekong to a Submerged Temple
The drive from Udon Thani to Nong Khai was an easy one, and before long we were alongside the Mekong.
But we weren’t there simply to admire the river.
One of the most unusual experiences of the day was taking a small boat out onto the Mekong to see a temple that is partially submerged beneath the river.
Depending on the season and water levels, parts of the temple can disappear beneath the Mekong, creating a scene that seems almost surreal. Seeing the remains from the water gave us a completely different perspective than simply visiting a temple on dry land.
It was also a reminder of how closely life in this part of Thailand is connected to the river.
A Glimpse of Local Life
Before and after our boat ride, we spent some time exploring the area and checking out the local vendors.
This wasn’t a polished tourist attraction. We encountered vendors selling fish, eels, food, and various offerings used for spiritual rituals.
Some of the sights may be unfamiliar to visitors from outside Thailand, but that’s precisely what makes traveling through Isan so interesting. You get glimpses of everyday life and traditions that aren’t necessarily packaged for tourists.
Exploring a Huge Chinese Market
We continued exploring Nong Khai and stopped at a large Chinese market packed with local goods.
The market was filled with food, snacks, and all kinds of products, making it a fun place to wander without having a particular shopping list.
Markets like this are one of our favorite places to explore in Thailand. You never quite know what you’ll find, and even when we don’t buy anything, there’s always something interesting to photograph or taste.
A Chilled Coconut on the Road
Eventually, it was time to head back toward Udon Thani.
Thailand’s heat can make even a relatively short drive feel long, so when we spotted a roadside stand selling chilled coconuts, we had to stop.
A cold coconut straight from a roadside vendor isn’t complicated, but on a hot afternoon in Thailand, it can be absolutely perfect.
It was one of those simple travel moments that doesn’t require an attraction, an itinerary, or a reservation – just pull over and enjoy.
Back to Centara Udon Thani
Back in Udon Thani, we returned to Centara for a quick look around the hotel and our room.
After being out on the road and along the Mekong for much of the day, it was nice to take a little time to relax before heading out again.
Pizza and a Relaxed Evening
We finished the day with something decidedly non-Thai: pizza at a local restaurant.
After several days of Thai food, street food, markets, and roadside stops, sometimes a familiar favorite is exactly what sounds good.
The pizza gave us the energy for a little evening bar hopping around Udon Thani, where we enjoyed a few drinks and experienced another side of the city after dark.
It was a relaxed way to end a day that had taken us from a modern shopping center in Udon Thani to the Mekong River, a submerged temple, local markets, and back again.
Watch the Video
In this video, we take a boat ride to a remarkable submerged temple, explore local vendors selling fish, eels and spiritual offerings, wander through a huge Chinese market, and cool off with a chilled coconut from a roadside stand.
Then we head back to Udon Thani, tour our room at Centara, and finish the day with pizza and a little nightlife.
Another day, another collection of unexpected experiences on our Thailand road trip.
Backpack Benji’s Best Bets
- Allow some time for Central Plaza Udon Thani if you need shopping, air conditioning, or simply a break from sightseeing.
- Save some energy for Udon Thani after dark. The city has a lively evening scene that’s easy to explore after a day trip to Nong Khai.
- Make time to explore Nong Khai beyond the major tourist attractions. The local markets and riverfront areas offer a much better glimpse into everyday life.
- If you’re visiting the Mekong, look for opportunities to get out on the water. Seeing the river from a small boat is a completely different experience.
- Don’t overlook roadside food and drinks. A chilled coconut can be just as memorable as a major attraction.