by laphanphon » September 7, 2009, 1:57 pm
SN is bit larger that BR, and you should find a lot more options for hotels and food. just checked my map software and about 20+ hotels in main part of town. for small towns like these, the hotel sites are useless, or only have one of two of the most expensive places willing to extend them a contract to book. you don't say how long your visit will be. the mekong is ok, still rainy or end of, so it will look like the mississippi, big muddy thing, but it moves and fine to sit and watch while sipping and dining. no need to go to nong khai, though more of a developed town on the river. nakhon phanon and mukdahan are both small river towns good for few days of relaxing. NP about 100 kms from SN, amd mukdahan about 100 kms south of that. both fine for couple days. i would not go to laas across the new bridge, seems to be one giant scam, don't waste your time or money. the river road to NK is long and not much there, if really wanting to go to NK, backtracking thru udon and up to NK may be better. since being in buriram, i'm guessing you went to Phanon Rung, so i wouldn't bother with any other so called ruins in the northeast, as they won't compare. phimai is ok, if in the are, which you won't be. ho chi ming was in exile in SN area, and there is a small house/tourist spot that, though if you find it, will probably be the only person there. very small, consists of 2 small buildings, with lots of pics of uncle ho, i actually enjoyed it, though think i'm the exception. not easy to find and out in the middle of rice paddy area. 1st time there, i had a police escort, or i would of never found it.
for accommodations, TAT site, my mapping software, usually list the best options, though mapping software has no info, along with TAT site, unless hotel/guesthouse has their own website. but will provide a good starting point to google, as you may get lucky. travelfish site sometimes gets to some area, but not many in the northeast, so may draw a blank there. when i get a chance and some more internet time, almost expired, i'll do a little research if you are not familiar with TAT destination guide, or travelfish site. TAT site will also list any events such as the boat races, which i attended one time, ok for an hour or so, especially if little lady and you make wagers, makes it a bit more interesting.
hopefully, a day or so, i'll have some websites for you to check out, if i hit wifi shop, or get recharged on the 9th. i'll cross reference map and tat site, as they usually list half the same hotels. if you have a laptop, and won't my mapping software, which small town/province travel is a great help, you're more than welcome to it, a small progam, since coming to udon, a can meet anywhere, even at airport when you arrive. the TAT offices don't offer much, but are getting better, along with the website, which is much improved over the past couple years.
as far as car rental, is wanting the whole time here, go with one of the international ones at udon airport, or Lek's, one of the maps sponsors has good reputation. price and insurance, especially insurance, if just a bit extra is worth it, you really do want a zero deductable coverage. the corruption here is unbelievable, if something happens, you will need it.
GOOD BYE CRUEL WORLD
.. I'll be surprised if her hands are roughened from field work.. 
-- Tread very carefully. Sounds like the sort of situation I'd give a very W-I-D-E berth too, consider starting from scratch
talent" .. 
>> return for dental appointment >> tour 
