Home to the popular Thai-Cambodia land crossing at Ban Luek - a route many travelers take between Bangkok and Siem Reap - Sa Kaeo is often passed through without a second thought. In fact, many don't even realize they've entered the province at all.
That’s exactly why I decided to visit: to put together a complete travel guide and shine a light on all the amazing things you can do in Sa Kaeo. From exploring one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand to hiking up epic limestone mountains at serene forest, here’s your complete travel guide to Sa Kaeo!
Sa Kaeo Things to Do Map
8 Best Things to Do in Sa Kaeo
1. Explore Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park
One of the highlights of visiting Sa Kaeo is exploring Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park, home to one of the most stunning Khmer temples in Thailand. Built in the 11th century during the Angkorian era, this temple stands out as the best-preserved of its kind. You can easily spend hours wandering its temple grounds and enjoying its peaceful surroundings.
As you enter the premises, you’ll walk along a beautiful path shaded by tall, graceful trees. At the end of the walkway, you’ll find the temple’s massive complex on your left, and on your right, a large man-made reservoir, once a vital water source for the community in days gone by.
When I was there, there was barely any water in the reservoir so there wasn't much to see, but of course, the highlight is the temple itself, which was built in the classic style of Angkorian design. At the center, you will find the central sanctuary, made of red sandstone, and it is surrounded by a rectangular courtyard with an enclosing laterite wall.
- HOP INN Sa Kaeo (Budget)
- Picha Ville Resort (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- The VELO'S Hotel and Pumptrack (High-End)
Within the courtyard, there are two library buildings located on the northeast and southeast sides, which were likely used to store sacred scriptures. You can climb the central tower for a better view of the sanctuary from above.
Around the main complex, you’ll also find moats and ponds, features commonly seen in Khmer temples. I especially loved the northeastern corner, where two twin coconut trees are growing right at the edge of the temple. I mean, how often do you see coconut trees at a Khmer temple, right?
At the entrance of the historical park, you will also find a well-curated museum, all about telling the history of Sadok Kok Thom, artifacts discovered here, like the Sdok Kok Thom inscription, a 340-line text carved in 1053 CE.
This inscription provides a detailed genealogy of Khmer kings and outlines the religious and political history of the empire, making it a crucial source for understanding the Khmer civilization.
The museum also goes into details about other Khmer temples found in Isaan and elsewhere in Thailand, describing their origins, architectural types, and so on, which makes it easy for us to place this temple on a timeline of world history. If you are a history buff like I am, this museum is definitely worth checking out.
The best part about this historical park is that the entry is free. I was definitely caught by surprise when I asked them how much for the ticket, and they said it's free! If you like an awesome Khmer temple you can explore at your own leisure, be sure to visit Sadok Kok Thom. The park is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
Where to Stay in Sa Kaeo?
2. Hike Khao Chakan Forest Park
One of my favorite things to do in Sa Kaeo is visit Khao Chakan Forest Park, where you’ll find a temple and the so-called "Stairway to Heaven", a pilgrimage staircase that leads you to the top of the towering limestone mountain.
The park is dominated by three striking limestone mountains, easily visible from the road as you approach the temple. As you drive in, you’ll be greeted by towering trees and a whole lot of monkeys roaming the area. Thanks to the many caves hidden within the mountains, you might also catch the incredible sight of bats flying out en masse around sunset.
The staircase at Khao Chakan Forest Park is definitely the highlight of the place. Often referred to as the "Stairway to Heaven", it’s quite a challenge to climb, starting with stone steps at the base and transitioning into a very steep and somewhat precarious wooden section as you get closer to the top.
Be extra cautious, especially near the summit. I found the wooden stairs to be extremely steep, and the structure didn’t feel very stable. Hold onto the rails tightly, take your time on the way down, and you should be just fine.
Aside from being mindful of the stairs, another thing to watch out for is the monkeys. They usually hang around the base of the staircase and temple grounds, and they’re known for snatching anything that looks like food. Avoid carrying plastic bags, colorful bottles, or anything that might catch their eye, and they’ll leave you alone.
It takes about 15 minutes to hike to the top. Once you’re up there, you’ll find yourself in a natural mountain opening with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot to rest after the climb and soak in the scenery, just watch your step, as the rocky surface can be slippery.
If you're looking for something fun and active to do in the area, you can't go wrong with Khao Chakan Forest Park. The park is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry is free.
3. Stroll Around Lalu
One of Sa Kaeo’s natural wonders is Lalu, a stunning collection of rock formations created by water erosion from constant rainfall. Covering about 790 acres, it’s located in Ban Khlong Yang and Ban Noen Kham, right on the border between Buriram and Sa Kaeo.
The name "Lalu" comes from the Khmer word meaning "penetrated", describing the unique formations created by natural erosion processes. Over time, rainwater and wind have eroded the soft soil, leaving behind tall, thin pillars of earth that resemble a miniature canyon landscape. These formations are similar to those found in Phae Mueang Phi in Phrae Province but are distinguished by their reddish hue and smaller scale.
To visit Lalu, you'll need to park your car at the Lalu Tourist Center and take an e-tak (or e-tan), a unique Thai-style makeshift tractor custom-built for transporting people. The e-tak service is provided by the local village, which is a great way to support the local community. Life isn't easy for people living all the way out here.
And since the soil around Lalu is quite soft and prone to damage, it’s also best to let the locals drive you there. The e-tak costs around 250 THB per ride and can accommodate about four people per vehicle. The ride takes about 5 minutes, giving you a chance to see the village and get a glimpse of how the locals live as you slowly make your way through the area.
Once you are there, you can freely roam the area, take any photos you want, but please be mindful of the soil formation as we would want our grandchildren to still see them intact.
When I was there, I saw two groups of foreign tourists who drove to the site in their own cars without permission and were fined 500 THB each. So, make sure to follow the protocol when visiting. After all, supporting the local community is a great way to give back, right? It’s surprising how far some people will go to avoid paying even a small fee in Thailand!
The area is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, but special trips are available at night for stargazers, as it’s a popular spot for astrophotography. Entry is free, but the e-tak ride costs 200 THB per vehicle. You can split the cost with your group or wait for others to join, which can help save a bit.
4. Explore Pang Sida National Park
One of the most popular national parks here is Pang Sida National Park, a wonderful attraction for nature lovers who are looking to escape the busy highways, drive around on dirt roads, and explore the rolling hills of Sa Kaeo in peace.
The park offers a diverse range of natural attractions, including waterfalls, wildlife, viewpoints, and rich biodiversity. It is especially famous for the absurd amount of butterflies that can be seen everywhere. Right at the national park's gate, you will find butterflies on every pole. There are so many of them, you might feel like a Disney princess yourself! 😂
One of the park's main highlights is the Pang Sida Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade that reaches a height of 8 meters. The waterfall flows into a large water basin surrounded by a stone terrace, creating a shaded and serene atmosphere perfect for swimming.
Unfortunately, when I visited in April during the dry season, there was no water flowing at all. If you want to experience the waterfall at its best, I recommend visiting during the rainy season, between August and October.
Being me, I wasn't about to leave the national park empty-handed, so I went on an off-road adventure in my not-so-ideal 2WD Mazda 2 sedan to Samong River Valley Viewpoint, which is about 40 minutes away from the park's gate.
The road to the viewpoint is mostly dirt with a few potholes here and there, but it's manageable for a 2WD sedan when it's dry. However, I’d strongly advise against driving when it rains, especially if you don’t have a 4WD, as I suspect the road would get incredibly muddy.
Let me tell you, this place is really in the middle of nowhere, and you will be surrounded by nothing but nature! It was incredible and well worth the drive! There is also a picnic table where you can sit, relax, and take in the view at your own leisure.
If you are looking for a little adventure, be sure to come and check out Pang Sida National Park. The park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, although the road to the viewpoint is closed at 3 PM, so be sure to get there in time. The entrance fee is 200 THB per person.
5. Check Out Wat Mae Ya Som
Temples in Thailand are not just spiritual places; they can also be fun and beautiful. One such temple is Wat Mae Ya Som, a lesser-known Buddhist temple located about 40 km from the Thai-Cambodia border crossing. It is named after a Cambodian princess who married a Thai man and established her home in this area back in the day, at least, that's how the story goes! 😂
At the temple, you'll find a number of beautiful and striking sculptures of the Buddha, mythical creatures like Nagas, and various deities from Buddhist and Hindu lore. All of these are concentrated in a compact area, making it especially fun to explore on foot.
The temple is also painted in vibrant, playful colors, a welcome change from the ancient, colorless Khmer ruins. After visiting Sadok Kok Thom, this temple definitely felt like a breath of fresh air. The temple is open from 7 AM to 6 PM daily, and entry is free.
6. Drop by Prasat Khao Noi
Although much smaller in scale, Prasat Khao Noi is another Khmer temple located atop a mountain near the Thai-Cambodia border. Tucked away in thick forest, it offers a beautiful view over the border and allows you to catch a glimpse of Cambodia and Poi Pet, the casino city of Cambodia.
Believed to have been constructed in the 12th century, Prasat Khao Noi served as a Hindu religious shrine dedicated to Shiva. The temple complex comprises three prangs (towers) arranged on a single laterite platform, with the central prang being the most prominent. The structure is notable for its distinctive pink sandstone bricks, which have earned it the moniker "Si Chomphu" (meaning "pink") in Thai.
This site may not look significant now, but when it was discovered, an inscription dating back to 637 AD was found, providing valuable insights into the temple's historical context and its place in the rise of the Khmer Empire. Once you arrive at the temple, you'll need to walk up a set of stairs for less than 100 meters before reaching the temple.
Since the temple is not part of a modern temple complex or historical park, it is open 24/7. However, due to its proximity to the border, you might encounter military checkpoints along the way, and they may not allow access after hours. Therefore, it's best to visit between 7 AM and 5 PM. Entry is free.
7. Hike Up Wat Khao Singto's Skywalk
Another awesome temple with a hiking trail you can check out while you're in Sa Kaeo is Wat Khao Singto's Skywalk. This wonderful hiking trail takes you to the top of a limestone mountain where you'll find a platform offering breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding area.
What's cool about this temple's hiking trail is that they've wired stereo speakers along the path, often playing prayer sounds. This creates an atmospheric experience as you climb the 300 steps to the top.
To begin the hike, you'll first need to find the trailhead, located amidst the caves and shrines at the temple grounds. You’ll know you've found the right trail if you see a massive naga sculpture hovering over a staircase leading up the mountain, as shown in the photo above.
Once you've completed the hike, you can explore other attractions like a shrine built under the cliffside, Wang Naga Cave, and more. It’s a great activity for those who enjoy stretching their legs and staying active. The temple is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.
8. Check Out Rong Kluea Border Market at Aranyaprathet
Last but not least, since you're already traveling around Sa Kaeo, don't forget to check out Rong Kluea Border Market, a bustling market located in Aranyaprathet, right by the Cambodia-Thai border crossing.
Spanning approximately 66 acres, the market comprises more than 1,300 stores offering a wide array of goods for you to shop around for. It's time to wear your negotiation hat and start haggling away!
You can spend hours walking around this market. It's so big that it's divided into different sections, selling everything from second-hand wholesale products to souvenirs and fashion items. The prices are often extremely cheap, although the quality and authenticity can be questionable, so be observant before making a purchase.
The market is open from 7 AM to 8 PM daily, but it is most active in the evening. If you're planning to cross the border into Cambodia or if you're looking for cheap things to buy, be sure to check out Rong Kluea Border Market.
How to Get to Sa Kaeo?
By Bus: The best way to get to Sa Kaeo is by bus or van, as trains run quite irregularly and often take longer. Buses typically leave from Ekkamai Bus Terminal, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 250 to 300 THB and takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the bus size and traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Sa Kaeo. The journey should take about 3 - 4 hours depending on the traffic. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
How to Get Around Sa Kaeo?
By Car: Honestly, the best way to get around Sa Kaeo is by renting a car. Most of its attractions are quite spread out, and the Isaan heat is no joke.
While renting a motorbike is possible, it's not the most comfortable option, plus, you'll often be riding on highways, which can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders.
For the most convenient experience, I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent one directly from Bangkok Airport and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.
What to Pack for Sa Kaeo?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sa Kaeo, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Sa Kaeo, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you'll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here's a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- One of the best places to visit in Isaan is Ubon Ratchathani. If you're looking for things to do there, check out: Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Looking to explore Chiang Khan and its wonderful tourist attractions? You are going to need this travel guide: Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- If you are passing through Amnat Charoen and are wondering what there is to do there, then check out this guide: Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you are wondering what to do in Maha Sarakham, this guide is for you: Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.