Things To Do
in Tha Bo
Tha Bo is a district located in Nong Khai Province, in northeast Thailand. It is known for its scenic natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The district is famous for its traditional Thai culture and local festivals.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploring the vibrant markets in Tha Bo.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Tha Bo Market to experience local flavors and handicrafts. Enjoy a traditional breakfast from one of the many stalls offering Thai street food.
Visit the historic Wat Tha Bo, a serene temple with stunning architecture. Spend some time reflecting in the peaceful surroundings and visiting the locals.
Dine at a riverside restaurant and enjoy freshly caught fish while watching the sunset. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank as the town lights come alive.
Embark on a nature walk through the nearby forests to see the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the beautiful landscapes.
Have a picnic in one of the scenic spots you find along the way, surrounded by nature. Enjoy the peace and tranquility that Tha Bo's natural environment offers.
Return to town and relax at a local café with a refreshing drink. Sample some Thai desserts as you unwind from the day’s activities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and traditions
- Scenic landscapes and natural beauty
- Friendly and welcoming local community
- Access to authentic Thai cuisine
- Less touristy compared to larger cities
- Limited infrastructure and amenities
- Language barrier for non-Thai speakers
- Fewer entertainment and nightlife options
- Potential lack of access to modern healthcare facilities
- Hot and humid climate may be uncomfortable for some
Best Activities in Tha Bo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Mekong River, taking in the beautiful landscapes and local villages.
Explore the local market, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional Thai snacks.
Experience fishing in the Mekong River, an activity popular among locals, and enjoy the tranquility of the river.
Discover the diverse bird species in this protected area, perfect for both novice and experienced birdwatchers.
Spend a relaxing day at one of Tha Bo’s parks, enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tha Bo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tha Bo
Visit one of these nice places.
Phu Thok is a famous viewpoint in Tha Bo that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is especially known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views.
The Mekong River provides picturesque views and photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. It's a great place to capture the natural beauty of Tha Bo.
Wat Inpeng is a temple with a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the Mekong River. It's a great spot to capture both the cultural and natural beauty of Tha Bo.
Food in Tha Bo
Tha Bo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy green papaya salad typically made with shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, lime juice, fish sauce, and chilies. Found at local street food stalls and restaurants throughout Tha Bo.
Must-Try!
A traditional minced meat salad made with fish, pork, or chicken combined with toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, mint, and other herbs. Often served with sticky rice at local eateries.
A hot and sour soup, usually with pork ribs as the main protein, flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. Widely available at Tha Bo's street food markets and local restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tha Bo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market where visitors can sample an array of traditional street food dishes such as grilled meats, noodle soups, and freshly prepared salads. The market also offers a variety of local snacks and desserts.
This bustling morning market is an ideal spot to discover an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, alongside ready-to-eat breakfast items such as rice porridge and savory fried pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Thailand, the monarchy is highly revered. It is important to show respect at all times, including standing when the national anthem is played and avoiding any negative comments about the royal family.
As a predominantly Buddhist country, it is essential to show respect when visiting temples or interacting with monks. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering sacred spaces, and be mindful of photography rules.
The traditional Thai greeting, known as 'wai,' involves pressing the palms together and bowing slightly. Acknowledging this greeting and returning it appropriately is a sign of respect in Thai culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tha Bo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tha Bo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tha Bo, Thailand, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. However, if service is exceptional, it is appreciated and may range from rounding up the bill to leaving some small change. In tourist areas, tipping can be more common, but it remains discretionary.
Payments in Tha Bo can be made using cash, which is the preferred method in many local establishments. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some restaurants and shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and markets. Mobile payments are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tha Bo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and dry weather, best for outdoor activities and sightseeing
Hot and dry weather, perfect for beach activities and water sports
Rainy season with lush green landscapes, suitable for exploring the natural beauty and experiencing local culture
Tha Bo at Night
Hiking in Tha Bo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful mountain offering stunning views and hiking trails, located about 20 kilometers from Tha Bo.
A popular national park with various hiking routes and scenic landscapes, approximately 100 kilometers from Tha Bo.
Known for its serene environment and lush greenery, this mountain provides a good hiking experience and is close to Tha Bo.
Located a short drive from Tha Bo, this area offers hiking trails that lead to beautiful caves and natural rock formations.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tha Bo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tha Bo by plane.
Located approximately 60 kilometers from Tha Bo, Udon Thani International Airport serves as a major airport in northeastern Thailand and offers both domestic and international flights.
Also known as Wattay International Airport, it is located in Vientiane, Laos, approximately 120 kilometers from Tha Bo. It is the main international gateway to Laos.
Located in Savanakhet, Laos, about 150 kilometers from Tha Bo, this airport offers limited international flights and serves as an alternative for travelers.
Situated around 150 kilometers from Tha Bo, Khon Kaen Airport functions as a regional hub for domestic flights and occasional international services.
Located approximately 65 kilometers from Tha Bo, this airport is in the city of Nong Khai and offers limited domestic flights, primarily to Bangkok.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant ethnic group in the Tha Bo district, primarily speaking the Khmer language and maintaining cultural traditions from Cambodia.
The majority ethnic group in the area, predominantly speaking the Lao language and sharing cultural practices with neighboring regions in Laos.
A smaller demographic group in Tha Bo, typically speaking Thai and representing the national identity of Thailand.
A smaller community mainly involved in trade and commerce, contributing to the local economy.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups that may exist within the region, representing a mixture of cultures and languages.
The Soul of Tha Bo
Discover the essence of Tha Bo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football, known locally as 'soccer', is one of the most popular sports in Tha Bo, played by both men and women in schools and local clubs.
Muay Thai, the traditional martial art of Thailand, is widely practiced and taught in Tha Bo, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage.
Volleyball is a popular team sport in Tha Bo, often played in schools and community tournaments, especially among youth.
Badminton is favored for its accessibility and is commonly played in parks and sports centers across Tha Bo.
Sepak Takraw, a traditional sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball, is popular in Tha Bo, showcasing agility and skill.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tha Bo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat features prominently in local dishes, vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially at Buddhist-run eateries or by requesting modifications at restaurants. Dishes like stir-fried vegetables, tofu-based curries, and green papaya salad sans fish sauce are popular choices.
Many traditional Thai dishes are gluten-free by nature, but caution is advised due to potential use of soy sauce. Seeking out rice-based dishes and verifying individual ingredients at restaurants is advisable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tha Bo with these cultural adventures.
