Things To Do
in Nong Kung Si
Nong Kung Si is a rural district in Kalasin Province in northeast Thailand, set amid patchwork rice paddies and slow-paced village life. The area is known for its temples, markets, and welcoming Isan hospitality that makes visitors feel at home. Exploring on foot or by bicycle reveals everyday life, traditional crafts, and scenic river views along the Chi River.
While it’s quieter than Thailand’s big tourist hubs, it offers authentic experiences, affordable prices, and easy access to nearby sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the local airport and take a scenic drive to Nong Kung Si. Check into your accommodation and freshen up before embarking on your first exploration. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to sample some authentic Thai dishes.
Visit the serene Wat Nong Kung Si, a beautiful temple known for its intricate architecture and calm atmosphere. Take time to meditate and appreciate the picturesque surroundings. Afterward, stroll through the nearby markets to immerse yourself in local life and culture.
Dine at a riverside restaurant that offers stunning views of the water. Relish traditional Thai cuisine and engage with locals who share their stories about the area. End the night with a peaceful walk along the riverbank, taking in the tranquility of the evening.
Start your day with a visit to a local village known for its traditional craftsmanship. Witness artisans at work as they create beautiful handmade goods. Enjoy a cooking class where you learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes using fresh local ingredients.
Afterward, visit the Nong Kung Si Cultural Center to gain insights into the history and traditions of the region. Engage with locals who are eager to share their customs and stories. Enjoy lunch at a family-run eatery, feasting on regional specialties.
Experience a cultural show featuring traditional dance and music, celebrating the heritage of Thai culture. Mingle with performers during intermissions to learn more about their art forms. Conclude the night with a fun karaoke session at a local venue, singing alongside friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/Tea | $1-3 |
| 🧃Bottled water | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🚶Local transportation (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Isan culture and welcoming locals
- Affordable accommodations and food
- Quiet, scenic countryside with temples and markets
- Easy day trips to nearby towns and rivers
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist infrastructure
- Rural road conditions can be uneven, especially during the rainy season
- Public transport options are less frequent than in bigger cities
- Language barriers can appear outside of market or hotel areas
- "สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ" - Hello
- "ขอบคุณ" - Thank you
- "ขอทางหน่อย" - Excuse me / May I pass?
- "คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม" - Do you speak English?
- "ราคาเท่าไร" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Nong Kung Si
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic temple complex with ornate stuppas and chedis, especially photogenic in the early morning light with reflections in quiet courtyards.
Rail-straight river banks and slow village life create ideal silhouettes at sunrise or golden hour.
Expansive flat fields and distant farm silhouettes provide wide, pastoral landscapes during planting and harvest seasons.
Food in Nong Kung Si
Nong Kung Si Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy and tangy shredded green papaya salad with chilies, lime, fish sauce, and peanuts; commonly found at street stalls and markets.
Must-Try!
Ground meat seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, and roasted rice powder; a staple Isan dish served with sticky rice.
Steamed sticky rice served as an accompaniment to grilled meats and curries; a daily staple across Isan.
Marinated chicken grilled over charcoal, commonly served with sticky rice and a tangy dipping sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling daily market offering fresh produce, herbs, sticky rice, and ready-to-eat Isan dishes.
Evening stalls along the riverbank with grilled skewers, som tam, desserts, and local snacks; great for people-watching and late-summer air.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful gesture used in daily interactions; join hands in a prayer-like position and bow slightly.
Dress modestly in temples; shoulders and knees should be covered; remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
Speak softly, avoid gestures that could be seen as disrespectful, and do not touch monks or their robes.
Avoid touching heads and avoid pointing feet at people or sacred objects.
Safety
Tipping in Nong Kung Si
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in rural Isan areas. Round up bills or leave small tips for guides, drivers, and service staff if you’re satisfied.
Cash is widely used in Nong Kung Si; ATMs exist in Kalasin town for withdrawals. Card payments are accepted at some shops and restaurants in market areas; carry cash for rural transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Seek shade, hydrate frequently, and aim for morning or late afternoon activities to avoid peak heat.
Frequent warm showers and lush landscapes; some rural roads can become muddy or slippery. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and consider flexible outdoor plans.
Milder days and cooler nights, making outdoor exploration comfortable. Light layers are helpful, especially in the evenings.
Nong Kung Si at Night
Hiking in Nong Kung Si
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Relaxed walks through rural forests and small hills within a short drive, offering local views of fields and village life.
Gentle trails along the Chi River and temple grounds suitable for easy day hikes and photography.
Airports
How to reach Nong Kung Si by plane.
Major regional hub offering flights to Bangkok and other domestic destinations; approximately 150–180 km from Nong Kung Si by road.
Another regional gateway with routes to Bangkok and beyond; typically comparable in distance to Kalasin from Nong Kung Si.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Thai-Lao Isan communities engaged in farming and crafts; many speak Isan (Thai-Lao) in addition to Thai.
Households focused on agriculture, markets, and small-scale trade; strong sense of community and tradition.
Like many rural areas, older residents are common, contributing to a slower pace of life and traditional practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Thailand’s national sport is widely practiced and observed in nearby towns; you may find small shows or training gyms in larger districts.
A traditional sport played in parks and schools; you might encounter casual games in market areas or village gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nong Kung Si.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Isan dishes often rely on fish sauce and shrimp paste; ask for versions with no fish sauce, request vegetable-focused items, and confirm sauces before ordering.