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Another variation on the tuk-tuk theme. These ones have a motorbike front end with a conventional tuk-tuk seating arrangement welded to the back.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Riding pillion around Pak Khat, this was the view I had most of the time. Of course, I had to hold on tight - just in case I fell off.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Helpfulness
Cars are too expensive for most of the people in Isaan. Buses go along the main road but that is all. The only practical and affordable method for people to get around is by motorbike. Every family has at least one and all members of the family can ride a motorbike. A personal driver and tourguide is recommended.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Buses to Pak Khat leave Bangkok's northern bus terminal fairly frequently - once an hour at peak times. The one-way fare is 400 Baht. The standard of buses appears to vary. The one we went on was air-conditioned but was only one level in quality up from a public bus, a not very comfortable old boneshaker. The bus coming back was a full-size coach with comfortable seats. Blankets are provided and were very welcome as the A/C was turned up far too high. A light snack is provided and there is rest stop where food and drink can be purchased. The duration is 11 - 12 hours depending on various factors. The buses have an onboard toilet.
The route from Bangkok was up through Ayuthaya and Saraburi, turning north-east to Nakhon Ratchasima (more commonly known as Khorat), and then north through Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai. At Nong Khai the bus turns north-east to pick up route 212, which follows the Mekong, to Pak Khat.
The nearest airport is at Udon Thani, an hour or so away from Pak Khat by road.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Fondest memory: There is a large body of water in Pak Khat a little way from the Mekong. Villagers fish there and use the water for irrigation. But they use it for recreation as well. Boat races in long, narrow, low-slung canoes are very popular and the locals compete against each other. While I was there the local men were practising every day for a big race that was due to take place a couple of days after I left the area. I was coerced into taking part in one of the practice sessions. Physically, it was the most demanding thing I have put my body through in a long time. The typical Thai is short and stocky with quite a powerful upper body and arms. The men I paddled with had been practising regularly and were in good shape (unlike me). It totally exhausted me but seeing a farang taking part was most amusing to the onlookers there. Each participant has one paddle which is used on just one side of the boat and going along the boat paddlers alternate left and right. The boats are very long and can hold about 10 people in addition to a cox that steers the boat and keeps the paddlers in synch. I came prepared for an accidental capsize but was quite surprised when the boat was deliberately capsized at the end before being emptied again and returned to a floating position. The Thais were prepared for this and dressed in swimming trunks and T-shirts. I was wearing my normal clothes and was not expecting a swim but fortunately had emptied my pockets of everything that could get damaged by water. Apologies for the out of focus photo of one of the boats being taken to the water but it's the only one I have. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of me participating in the practice run. By the way, I heard later that Pak Khat had won the big race - whoever they were competing against.
Written Jan 21, 2004
Fondest memory: In addition to fishing, another source of income along the banks of the Mekong is from producing charcoal. There are several of these mud kilns where wood is partially burnt.
Written Jan 21, 2004
Fondest memory: 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 attempted to do this I would have ended up seeing more of the river than I wanted to.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Fondest memory: A fisherman out on the Mekong with Laos on the other side of the river. Some of the fish in the river are huge, as I witnessed at the local market. One species of catfish is particularly big and supposedly very tasty but I didn't see or taste any.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Fondest memory: Two animals proliferate in Pak Khat. There are chickens and stray dogs everywhere. People keep chickens by choice for eggs and chicken dinners but the dogs are just there. The Buddhist tolerance for all living creatures means that they are left alone to their own devices. The dogs are absolutely everywhere and breed continually. There wasn't a single place where I didn't see stray dogs roaming around, including the inside of people's houses. This one has found a place to shelter from the sun inside the Wat complex.
Written Jan 19, 2004
Fondest memory: There is a Wat nearby constructed on top of a huge boulder. There are several of these boulders in a small area - they are quite a strange geological feature. I'm sorry but I can't tell you where it is or even its name.
Written Jan 19, 2004
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...
Staying in Pak Khat (Pakkhat) - Nong Khai
People in Pak Khat are beautiful people, friendly and helpful.
Build your own Pak Khat page
Comments (1)
Hei phil from rungarun.