Things To Do
in Phon Charoen

Sunrise and sunset over small rivers and canals create beautiful reflections and scenes of local life—fishermen, boats and riverside houses are great subjects.

Colorful produce, cooked food stalls and lively trade offer candid street-photography opportunities and portrait subjects (ask permission first).

Wide-open fields, irrigation canals and lone trees make classic Isan landscape compositions, especially in the cool season when skies are clear.

Temple architecture, monks at alms time and carved details give cultural and architectural photo opportunities; observe respectful behavior when shooting.

Spicy green papaya salad—can be made with salted crab or fermented fish for authentic Isan flavor. Try it at market stalls or small restaurants.

Must-Try!

Sticky rice served with salt-crusted grilled fish, often eaten with som tam and fresh vegetables. Common at riverside eateries and barbecue stands.

Fermented sausage with a tangy flavor, sold by street vendors and in markets—great as a snack.

Spicy minced meat salad with lime, fish sauce and toasted rice powder; available with pork, chicken or fish at local eateries.

Central market where villagers sell fresh produce, grilled fish, sticky rice and breakfast noodle soups—ideal for sampling local dishes and photography of daily life.

Small evening stalls near the river or community piers offering grilled items, beers and desserts—good for relaxed dining and sunset views.

A small bow with hands pressed together (wai) is the usual polite greeting—return it when offered, especially to elders and monks.

Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes before entering buildings, and avoid pointing your feet toward Buddha images.

Do not touch people's heads and avoid pointing feet at people or religious objects—these are considered disrespectful.

Respect for the royal family and Buddhist traditions is strong—avoid critical comments and behave respectfully around religious ceremonies and images.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up bills or leaving small change at cafes and for helpful guides is common. In local eateries and markets there’s no expectation of big tips.

Cash (Thai baht) is the dominant payment method; small shops and markets rarely accept cards. ATMs may be available in town but carry sufficient cash for rural activities; some restaurants in larger towns accept debit/credit cards or mobile payments.

Short hikes to nearby hills and viewpoints offer panoramic views over rice fields and rivers; trails are typically informal and best attempted with a local guide or directions from residents.

Located within Bueng Kan province, these forested ridges and parks (reachable by 1–2 hour drive) provide more substantial hikes, scenic overlooks and opportunities to see endemic plants and birds—check local conditions before visiting.

Majority of residents are ethnic Thai from the Isan region, with strong Lao cultural and linguistic influences, rice-farming backgrounds and family-based communities.

Many villages have an older demographic as younger people sometimes move to larger cities for work, shaping local customs and rhythms.