Things To Do
in Prakhon Chai
Prakhon Chai is a quiet town in Buriram Province, northeastern Thailand, known for its friendly Isan hospitality and rural landscapes. Set along winding country roads lined with coconut trees and rice fields, it offers a slower pace compared to the big cities. Visitors can explore historic temples, local markets, and riverside scenes that reveal everyday Isan life.
With nearby natural parks and easy access from Buriram city, Prakhon Chai serves as a calm base for exploring northeastern Thailand.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Rise at dawn and journey to the ancient Khmer temple ruins scattered around Prakhon Chai, where sandstone towers glow in the early light. A local guide will recount myths carved into each lintel and pediment. Smell wild orchids blooming among laterite stone foundations.
After a shaded picnic lunch of mango sticky rice, wander among smaller satellite shrines hidden in rice fields. Uncover faded wall carvings depicting ancient Hindu deities and Khmer life. Watch farmers harvesting rice, adding a living tapestry to this centuries-old landscape.
Head back to town for a traditional Isan dinner of som tam and larb at a family-run restaurant. Attend a local cultural show featuring Mor Lam music and dance under a starlit courtyard. End the night with a peaceful stroll through lantern-lit streets.
Kick off the day in a local homestead kitchen with an experienced cook who will teach you to prepare classic Isan dishes from scratch. Pound chilies and garlic in a mortar and pestle to create the perfect som tam dressing. Learn about regional ingredients and their significance in Northern Khmer cuisine.
Visit the nearby fresh market to select herbs, vegetables, and spices, negotiating prices with friendly vendors. Practice making khanom jeen and sticky rice on a traditional bamboo steamer under your teacher's guidance. Taste each component as you go, adjusting seasonings to suit your palate.
Gather with your classmates to savor your creations during a communal dining session on the homestay's open-air terrace. Share stories over grilled chicken laab and refreshing mango slices. End the night by sampling local palm wine under a sky full of stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍜Local street food snack | $0.5-2 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy to navigate and friendly locals
- Low-cost and authentic Isan culture
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Rural roads can be hot in summer and some attractions require transport
- "Sawasdee krub/ka" - Hello (male/female)
- "Khop khun krub/ka" - Thank you
- "Hong nam yoo thi nai?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Tha o rai ni?" - How much is this?
- "Khun pood pass ang-grit dai mai?" - Do you speak English?
- "Yin dee thee dai ruu jang" - Nice to meet you
Places to Visit in Prakhon Chai
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic temple with a white chedi, ornate woodwork, and tranquil courtyards—great for spiritual and architectural photography.
Colorful stalls and lively street scenes offering candid moments of daily life and vibrant textures.
A volcanic crater and surrounding forest provide sweeping views of the town and surrounding fields.
Expansive paddies reflecting warm light during late afternoon, ideal for wide landscape shots.
Food in Prakhon Chai
Prakhon Chai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Green papaya salad with chili, lime, fish sauce, and peanuts; a staple at market stalls and eateries.
Must-Try!
Herb-marinated grilled chicken served with fragrant sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.
Skewered, grilled pork morsels often enjoyed with sticky rice at street stalls.
Hot and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and mushrooms.
Sweet mango with coconut-infused sticky rice—ideal as a dessert or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning-to-evening market offering breakfast stalls, sticky rice, grilled meats, and fresh fruit; great for sampling Isan staples.
Adjacent to the town center, a cluster of family-run stalls serving quick bites, soups, and iced drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering prayer areas, and show respect to monks.
Use a wai (hands pressed together) with a small bow when greeting; smile and be courteous.
Feet are considered the lowest part of the body; avoid pointing feet at people or sacred objects; avoid touching heads.
Safety
Tipping in Prakhon Chai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up bills or a 10% tip in nicer venues is common.
Cash Thai baht is widely accepted; many shops and restaurants accept cards in town; keep smaller bills for markets and stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with strong sunshine; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Frequent brief showers and higher humidity; lightweight rain gear helps; mornings are often clearer than afternoons.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; ideal for outdoor sightseeing and photography.
Prakhon Chai at Night
Hiking in Prakhon Chai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Volcanic crater with forest trails and panoramic views within Buriram Province, a short drive from Prakhon Chai.
Rural footpaths through rice paddies and villages, suitable for easy hikes and photography.
Airports
How to reach Prakhon Chai by plane.
Nearest airport with domestic flights; typically a 60-90 minute drive from Prakhon Chai depending on traffic.
Larger regional hub with more flight options; about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Prakhon Chai.
Smaller airport offering regional flights; alternative gateway with drive time around 2-3 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Lao-Thai speaking communities with rich Isan culture and cuisine.
Domestic travelers from across Thailand and international visitors seeking rural Isan experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional Thai kickboxing is popular in regional gyms and occasionally visible at events.
Local leagues and informal games are common in town and schools.
A popular indoor/outdoor activity in community centers and sports halls.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Prakhon Chai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can find tofu dishes, veggie stir-fries, and som tam without shrimp paste; look for clear veggie labels and ask for no fish sauce.