Things To Do
in Non Sung
Non Sung is a quiet rural district in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, surrounded by rice paddies and small farms. It offers a glimpse of everyday Isan life, with friendly locals and tranquil countryside. The area serves as a gateway to nearby pottery villages and nature trails while remaining a short drive from the larger city amenities of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Visitors can enjoy slow-paced explorations, seasonal markets, and soulful regional cuisine away from the typical tourist crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Non Sung and check into your hotel, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere of this tranquil town. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local Thai delicacies while soaking in the scenic views. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and shop for fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Explore the stunning temples scattered around Non Sung, absorbing the history and spiritual significance of each site. Take a guided tour to learn about the architecture and the local folklore surrounding these sacred places. Grab a delicious lunch at a nearby eatery, savoring the flavors of traditional northeastern Thai cuisine.
Unwind with a walk through Non Sung's peaceful streets, enjoying the warm evening breeze and vibrant local life. Enjoy dinner at a charming restaurant, sampling regional specialties, and possibly meeting locals eager to share their stories. Capture the beautiful sunset, which casts a golden glow over the town, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Start your day with a visit to the Non Sung Cultural Center, where you can learn about the local traditions and history of the area. Participate in a workshop on traditional crafts, such as silk weaving or pottery. Enjoy a breakfast featuring fresh fruits and baked goods from the town’s local bakery.
Enjoy a guided tour of the traditional rice paddies surrounding Non Sung, observing the rural lifestyle and how rice farming is the backbone of the community. Afterward, dine at a farm-to-table restaurant that sources ingredients directly from local farmers. Engage with the farmers to understand their agricultural practices and lifestyle.
In the evening, join a local family for a homestay dinner, where you can experience authentic Thai hospitality. Share stories and enjoy homemade dishes, all while learning more about the local customs and traditions. End the night with a cultural performance at a nearby venue, showcasing traditional dance and music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a local cafe | $1-2 |
| 🥤Soft drink or bottled water | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🚎Local transport ride (bus, songthaew) | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Isan culture and warm, friendly locals
- Affordable prices and easy, slow-paced travel
- Limited English in rural areas
- Smaller scale nightlife and fewer luxury amenities
- "สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ" - Hello (male/female)
- "ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ" - Thank you
- "คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม" - Do you speak English?
- "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน" - Where is the bathroom?
- "ราคาเท่าไหร่" - How much is this?
- "ช่วยฉันหน่อย" - Could you help me?
- "ฉันไม่กินเนื้อสัตว์" - I don’t eat meat
Places to Visit in Non Sung
Visit one of these nice places.
A serene temple complex with reflective pools and golden pagodas catching early light, ideal for tranquil photography.
Weathered clay structures and hands-on pottery processes create rich textures and character for close-up and street photography.
Expansive green and gold fields framed by rural paths and distant trees, especially dramatic at sunrise.
Silhouettes of temples against a warm Isan sunset, perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.
Food in Non Sung
Non Sung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded unripe papaya with chilies, lime, palm sugar, and peanuts; commonly enjoyed with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
Must-Try!
Herb-marinated grilled chicken served with fragrant sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.
Smoky minced pork with lime juice, herbs, and roasted rice powder; fresh and zesty.
Minced meat tossed with mint, lime, fish sauce, and chili; vibrant and refreshing.
Herbal clear soup with minced meat and herbs; often enjoyed with sticky rice and chilies.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A daily market where locals buy vegetables, fish, sticky rice, and prepared Isan snacks.
Stalls near the pottery village offering clay wares, hand-crafted ceramics, and occasional demonstrations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes before entering sacred spaces, and perform a wai greeting.
Avoid touching anyone’s head and never point feet at people or sacred objects; be mindful of cultural space in rural areas.
Speak softly in sacred spaces; ask for permission before photographing people or interiors not designated for photos.
Safety
Tipping in Non Sung
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated in tourist-focused spots (5-10% or a small amount for service in cafes and guides). Not expected in local markets.
Cash is king in markets and small eateries. Some hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards; ATMs are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with intense sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Lush greenery and regular showers; roads can be muddy and travel slower. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof bags.
Pleasant, comfortable temperatures with clear skies. Ideal for longer walks, hikes, and outdoor photography.
Non Sung at Night
Hiking in Non Sung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known national park with forest trails and wildlife; reachable by car for day trips from Non Sung.
Short, accessible hikes to elevated viewpoints around the district and nearby villages offering sweeping rural vistas.
Airports
How to reach Non Sung by plane.
Major international gateway; many domestic connections to Isan. Access Non Sung by road or train from Bangkok.
Secondary Bangkok airport with plenty of domestic routes; convenient for shorter domestic trips and flights to regional Isan towns.
Isan regional hub with regular domestic flights; a practical entry point if combining Korat/Iisan trips.
Another Isan option with regional connections; further from Non Sung but accessible by road or rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Thai-Isan residents with Lao linguistic influences; strong farming and village traditions.
Numerous small-scale agricultural workers and market traders contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Discover or train in Thailand’s national sport; many towns host local bouts and gyms.
Popular community and school matches; local fields often host weekend games.
Flat to gently rolling terrain makes road biking and scenic rides a favorite pastime.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Non Sung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Isan dishes use fish sauce; request no fish sauce or meat, and look for tofu-based options. Choose egg-based dishes and fresh vegetables, and ask for jasmine or sticky rice as a staple accompaniment.