Kalasin to Kampong Thom: An Overland Odyssey

This road trip begins at the edge of the Khorat Plateau, where Kalasin's salt domes have shaped local industry for centuries, and ends in Kampong Thom, a Cambodian province that sits astride the ancient Angkorian road network. The 780-kilometer journey is not just a border crossing; it's a transition from the rice paddies of Isaan to the dense forests of the Cardamom Mountains' eastern fringe.

Driving takes 12 to 14 hours without border delays, but plan for a full day or an overnight stop. The route follows Thai Highway 209, then Highway 24, crossing into Cambodia at the Chong Sa Ngam / O'Smach border, then onto Cambodian National Road 68 and later National Road 6.

The Khorat Plateau is mostly flat farmland, but as you approach the Dangrek Mountains, the landscape becomes rolling and forested. The descent into Cambodia reveals the vast northern plains, dotted with palm trees and rice fields.

Hidden off-route spots include the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani, slightly off Highway 2, but if you stick to Highway 24, consider a detour to the Pha Taem cliff paintings near Ubon Ratchathani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (though not the same as the better-known Angkor). Speaking of UNESCO, your final destination brings you within a short drive of Angkor, but Kampong Thom itself is home to the pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

Local commerce thrives along the route. In Isaan, roadside stalls sell silk and handmade cotton textiles. In Cambodia, markets like Phsar Kampong Thom offer local crafts and fresh produce. For information on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consult Wayro's guide.

• Phu Phra Bat: ancient rock art and shelter formations
• Sambor Prei Kuk: 7th-century brick temples
• Local fruits: try roasted bananas in Thailand, and in Cambodia, the exotic sralao (a type of palm fruit)

Both countries drive on the right, but watch for locals on motorbikes without lights at night. Road safety is generally good, but avoid driving after dark in Cambodia due to livestock on the road and occasional unlit vehicles.

For families, this route is manageable. In Thailand, the town of Surin has a well-known elephant village, and in Cambodia, the city of Siem Reap (a slight detour) offers child-friendly attractions like the Cambodian Cultural Village. For rest zones, plan stops every two hours or 160 kilometers. Thai service areas like the one at Ban Bueng (Surin) have clean restrooms, and Cambodian petrol stations south of Samraong are emerging.

Fatigue management is critical. Consider staying overnight at Samraong or Siem Reap if you split the drive. Both have a range of accommodations from guesthouses to hotels. Culinary infrastructure is solid: in Thailand, try som tam (papaya salad) and grilled chicken at any roadside restaurant; in Cambodia, enjoy a bowl of kuy teav (noodle soup) at markets. For pet-friendly travelers, note that many Thai hotels allow pets, but in Cambodia, it's best to ask in advance; some budget hotels won't accept animals.

Climatically, the best time to drive is from November to February, when dry, cooler weather prevails. The route aesthetics are dominated by rice fields in Thailand and palm savannah in Cambodia, with a dramatic escarpment crossing.

• Rest stop: Surin Plaza (Thai side, km 350)
• Rest stop: Samraong (Cambodian side, km 420)
• Family tip: Visit the Elephant Village in Surin
• Pet-friendly tip: Book ahead at hotels that explicitly allow pets

Fuel economy is a major consideration. In Thailand, petrol stations are plentiful along Highway 24, but once you cross into Cambodia, fuel stops become sparser, and quality can vary. It's wise to fill up before leaving Thailand and top off at O'Smach, where there are a few stations.

Road quality is excellent on the Thai side—paved, well-marked, and generally smooth. Cambodian roads have improved dramatically in the past decade, but expect some rough patches, especially between Samraong and Siem Reap on National Road 68. The road is being upgraded, but construction zones are common.

• Highway 24 in Thailand is a major artery with 24-hour service areas
• Cambodian National Road 6 is a well-maintained highway from Siem Reap to Kampong Thom
• Border crossing hours: 06:00-22:00 (Thai time) / 07:00-23:00 (Cambodian time)
• Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at the border
• Cambodian road tolls: none, but you'll pay for parking in cities