After a peaceful night in the mountains of Phetchabun Province, we weren’t quite ready to leave.
Before getting back on the road, we took some time to enjoy more of Kiri Pura Resort and our unique private pod with a built in steam room. Tucked into the mountains of Khao Kho, the resort is surrounded by beautiful scenery, fresh mountain air, and the kind of tranquility that makes it easy to forget we’re on a road trip with somewhere else to be.
One More Look at Kiri Pura
We started the morning by taking another look around our unique private pod at Kiri Pura Resort.
The pod itself was one of the more unusual accommodations we’ve encountered on our travels, but it was the setting that really made the stay special. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, it felt more like a private retreat in the forest than a conventional hotel room.
Before leaving, we also made one more visit to the mountaintop temple area we had explored the previous evening. The colorful mosaics and enormous Buddha statues were impressive at night, but seeing the temple against the surrounding mountains in the morning light gave us a whole new appreciation for this remarkable place. Sometimes it’s worth returning to an attraction at a different time of day. The scenery, lighting, and atmosphere can completely change the experience.
Back on the Mountain Roads
Eventually, it was time to hit the road.
Our route took us through misty mountain scenery as we continued east toward Udon Thani. The winding roads climbed and descended through the hills, with clouds and mist hanging over the landscape.
We weren’t the only ones enjoying the drive.
Groups of motorcyclists were cruising through the mountains, clearly making the most of the twisting roads and spectacular scenery. Watching them navigate the curves reminded us that these roads aren’t just transportation – they’re a destination in themselves for anyone who enjoys driving or riding.
For us, though, the car offered the advantage of air conditioning and plenty of room for snacks.
Coffee with a View in Loei
As we continued into Loei Province, we stopped at a “Take Hill”, a scenic coffee shop perched in the mountains.
Road trips have a way of turning ordinary necessities into experiences. A coffee break doesn’t sound particularly exciting until you’re drinking it while looking out over chilly misty mountain scenery.
It was a perfect excuse to get out, stretch our legs, and enjoy the landscape before continuing toward our next destination.
Lunch at a Local Roadside Diner
Eventually, hunger won out, and we pulled into a traditional Thai roadside diner for lunch in the Nong Bua Lam Phu province.
There was nothing fancy about it – and that’s exactly what made it appealing.
Some of the best meals in Thailand come from small local restaurants where the menu is simple, the food is fresh, and you’re surrounded by locals rather than tourists.
After lunch, we climbed back into the car and continued our journey toward one of the most fascinating historical sites in the region.
Phu Phrabat Historical Park
Our major stop of the day was Phu Phrabat Historical Park.
Located in Udon Thani Province, Phu Phrabat is unlike the traditional temple complexes we’ve visited throughout Thailand. Instead, the landscape is dominated by enormous sandstone rock formations that have been shaped by nature over thousands of years.
Some of the rocks form natural shelters and caves, while others have unusual shapes that almost look as though they were deliberately constructed.
But the area isn’t just geologically fascinating. Ancient people used these rock shelters thousands of years ago, leaving behind prehistoric paintings and evidence of human activity.
Walking among the massive rocks and ancient sites made this one of the most unusual historical destinations we’ve encountered on our Thailand road trip.
It is a place where geology, archaeology, history, and mystery all come together.
A Roadside Dim Sum Surprise
After exploring Phu Phrabat, we were back on the road again.
And, as is often the case in Thailand, the day ended with food.
We stopped at a roadside dim sum stand and picked up some delicious shumai. It wasn’t a fancy dinner at a restaurant, but after a full day of driving and exploring, those little steamed dumplings were exactly what we needed.
It’s funny how often the simplest meals become some of the most memorable moments of a road trip.
Arriving in Udon Thani
By the end of the day, we continued on to Udon Thani.
After the winding mountain roads, ancient rock formations, temple visits, coffee stops, and roadside food, it was nice to finally have a comfortable hotel waiting for us.
We had covered a lot of ground – but tomorrow would bring another day and another part of our Thailand adventure.
Watch the Video
Join us as we leave our mountain retreat at Kiri Pura Resort, revisit the spectacular temple of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, and hit the winding mountain roads toward Udon Thani.
Along the way, we’ll cruise through misty mountain scenery, share the road with groups of motorcyclists, stop for coffee with a view in Loei Province, enjoy a traditional Thai lunch, explore the incredible rock formations and ancient paintings of Phu Phrabat Historical Park, and finish the day with a roadside serving of delicious shumai.
It’s another day of discovering the Thailand that’s found between the major tourist destinations.
Backpack Benji’s Best Bets
- Visit Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew both during the day and around sunset if you have the opportunity. The atmosphere and views are dramatically different.
- Take your time on the mountain roads around Khao Kho and Loei. The journey is every bit as interesting as the destinations.
- Don’t overlook small roadside restaurants and food stands. Some of the best food experiences happen completely spontaneously.
- Allow plenty of time for Phu Phrabat Historical Park. The combination of unusual rock formations and ancient archaeological sites makes it very different from Thailand’s better-known historical parks.
- Keep some cash handy for roadside coffee shops, local diners, and food stands.
Where I Stayed: Centara Udon Thani
After a full day exploring the mountains and ancient rock formations of Phu Phrabat Historical Park, Centara Udon was a welcome place to settle in for the night.
Located in the heart of Udon Thani, the hotel sits right next to Central Plaza, making it especially convenient for shopping, dining, and exploring the city. The rooms offer comfortable, contemporary accommodations, while the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa provide plenty of options for relaxing after a long day on the road.
With restaurants and cafés on-site and the city’s transport connections nearby, Centara Udon makes a practical and comfortable base for discovering this part of Thailand’s Isan region.