The Phu Hai Isan viewpoint, perched high on a hill in the Ban Muang subdistrict of Nong Khai province, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Mekong River in the valley below, its opposite bank bordering Laos. It's not only one of the best places to admire the sunrise in Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand, but also a bit of an adventure. Reaching the summit of Phu Hai Isan is only possible by parking at the base of the hill and boarding a local tractor called an emETaekem (contact details can be found on the GPS). It's recommended to arrive shortly after 5:00 AM to enjoy the sunrise. The tractor ride takes only half an hour. Visitors are often rewarded with a sea of ​​mist that shrouds the river at dawn and reveals itself again at daybreak. The story of this stunning viewpoint: Phu Hai Isan is a low hill near the Mekong River in the village of Ban Muang, Sangkhom district, Nong Khai province. The locals joined forces to revitalize the landscape and turn it into a tourist attraction. They also offer an e-tractor service, using tractors originally designed for agriculture. It's fun and a typical local experience. On a clear day, the Mekong River below provides a wonderful view of the sunrise.

The Phu Hai Isan viewpoint in Nong Khai province offers an exceptional view, showcasing both the sea of ​​mist and the imposing mountain scenery of the Mekong – a rare sight in Thailand. A round trip on a shared tractor costs 100 THB per person. Alternatively, you can hire a tractor for 700 THB. Advance booking is not required. Trips to Phu Hai Isan are available daily, but are especially popular on weekends. The trip is weather dependent. During the rainy season, prior arrangement is essential, as the access road can become too slippery due to its steepness and therefore impassable for tractors. Contact: 089 011 0099 (in Thai). During the cooler season from November to June, the trip is generally possible without any problems, except in extreme weather conditions.

To get to Phu Hua Isan and finally to the parking lot where the tractors are parked, transportation is recommended. However, it should be possible if you spend the night in Sangkhom the night before. I suggest hiring a car with a driver for the next day to take you there. I have no idea how much that costs.

How to get there

How do you get to the Phu Huai Isan viewpoint? To reach Phu Huai Isan and ultimately the parking area where the tractors are parked, transportation is recommended. However, it should be possible if you stay overnight in Sangkhom the night before. I suggest hiring a car with a driver for the following day to take you there. I don't have any information on the price.