Things To Do
in Ban Non Sombun
Ban Non Sombun is a tranquil rural district in Isan, northeastern Thailand, set amid patchwork rice fields and winding waterways. The area teems with small temples, local markets, and friendly communities that invite you to slow down and observe everyday life. Visitors experience warm Isan hospitality, flavorful street food, and a sense of stepping back from busier tourist hubs.
It serves as a gateway to nearby natural and cultural sites while preserving a simple, rural charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Your morning begins with arrival at Ban Non Sombun where you settle into a traditional teakwood bungalow. The host family welcomes you with fresh herbal tea and a brief orientation. You take a leisurely stroll through rice paddies to absorb the tranquil rural atmosphere.
After a local lunch of sticky rice and grilled fish, you explore nearby clay pottery workshops. A village elder guides you through the crafting process, explaining centuries-old techniques. You chat with artisans and try your hand at molding clay.
As dusk falls, enjoy a communal dinner featuring seasonal vegetables from the hosts’ garden. The family shares folk tales around a charcoal brazier under a canopy of stars. You close the night with calming sounds of crickets and distant frogs.
Rise before dawn to join farmers in the emerald rice fields under golden sunrise light. You learn traditional planting methods and feel the soft mud between your toes. The morning’s pace is gentle, punctuated by laughter and shared labor.
Continue your hands-on lesson by learning how to maintain irrigation channels and care for water buffalo. Local farmers demonstrate the art of transplanting seedlings with precise hand movements. You taste freshly cooked rice right at the field edge for a simple, nourishing snack.
Return to the homestead for a hearty dinner prepared with ingredients from the farm. Share stories around a wooden table while enjoying sticky rice and farm-fresh vegetables. As night deepens, you help light lamps and settle into a calm, restorative slumber.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive local restaurant | $2-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.5-1 |
| 🛏️One night in a budget hotel | $15-40 |
| 🚲Bike rental for a day | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Isan culture and hospitality
- Accessible markets, temples, and countryside scenery
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Fewer English-speaking services in some areas; plan for basic Thai or a local guide
- "Sawasdee ka/krab" - Hello (female/male)
- "Khob khun ka/krab" - Thank you
- "Nee tao rai?" - How much is this?
- "Khun poot pasa ang-grit dai mai?" - Do you speak English?
- "Khor thot" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Hong nam yoo thi nai?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Ban Non Sombun
Visit one of these nice places.
A quiet temple complex with a gold-stupaded chedi and serene courtyards, ideal for portrait and detail shots in soft morning light.
Golden fields and winding irrigation canals provide reflective surfaces and long shadows during sunrise and sunset.
Street stalls, lamps, and passing boats create a vibrant, candid scene perfect for street photography.
Traditional wooden houses on stilts along narrow lanes offer texture and character for documentary photography.
Food in Ban Non Sombun
Ban Non Sombun Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Green papaya salad with peanuts, chilies, garlic, lime, and dried shrimp. Best found at morning markets and street stalls where it’s freshly made.
Must-Try!
Spiced minced meat salad with lime, herbs, and roasted rice powder; a signature Isan dish commonly served with sticky rice.
Grilled chicken seasoned with herbs and served with sticky rice; popular at roadside grills and markets.
Herb-infused spicy clear soup with lemongrass and Thai herbs; comforting and hearty in warmer or cooler days.
Isan sausage made from pork with herbs and chili; flavorful and commonly found at markets and grill stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where vendors sell produce, prepared foods, and snacks; a great place to taste fresh dishes and observe daily life.
An informal string of stalls offering grilled meats, soups, salads, and desserts; ideal for a casual dinner with friends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and perform a respectful wai when greeting monks or elders.
Speak softly, avoid touching heads, and show deference in religious or family settings.
Polite conversation and patience with service providers; avoid public displays of anger and keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Ban Non Sombun
Ensure a smooth experience
In rural Isan, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Small rewards for guides, drivers, and service workers (about 20–100 THB) are common if you’re happy with service.
Cash (Thai Baht) is king in markets and small eateries. Larger restaurants and hotels often accept cards; many vendors may also use QR prompts like PromptPay for digital payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry, with temperatures frequently in the 30s°C (86–95°F). Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
June–October brings frequent showers and higher humidity. Roads may be muddy; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof bags for gear.
Cooler and drier from November to February; pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploring, especially in the early morning.
Ban Non Sombun at Night
Hiking in Ban Non Sombun
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle 3–5 km hike through rice paddies and orchards with rural views and occasional viewpoints over waterways.
Accessible trails on nearby grassy rises offering panoramic views of the surrounding fields; suited to a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Ban Non Sombun by plane.
Major regional hub with domestic and limited international flights; approximately a few hours’ drive from Ban Non Sombun depending on route.
Another regional airport offering several domestic connections; convenient option for accessing Isan hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Isan people speaking Lao-influenced Thai (Isan). You may also encounter small communities with Khmer-speaking or Thai-speaking residents in the broader region.
A mix of young families and older residents; many households rely on agriculture or small family-owned businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
While not a large competition center, you may find local gym sessions or demonstrations in nearby towns, reflecting regional sports culture.
Common recreation among locals; casual pickup games occur in village fields and schoolyards.
Widely popular for scenic rides through rural countryside and along irrigation canals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ban Non Sombun.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Isan cuisine relies on fish sauce and shrimp paste; opt for dishes labeled with fresh vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms. Request no fish sauce or use soy-based sauces; many markets can accommodate vegetarians with prior notice.