Phu Nub Dao
Phu Nub Dao: a campsite with million-baht views and panoramic hills, one hour from Bangkok. Camping from 350 baht per person per night.
Restaurant
Nong Sky Mountain Boat Noodles
Nong Sky Mountain Boat Noodles: a hilltop boat noodle shop with open views, a big menu and generous portions at affordable prices.
Kae Liap Duan
Kae Liap Duan: a roadside made-to-order and noodle restaurant beside the expressway, affordable prices, rated 4.7 on Google Maps.
Muslim Kitchen
Muslim Kitchen: a halal restaurant in Muaklek serving chicken and beef biryani, chicken rice, noodles and roti at affordable prices.
Krua Namtok
Krua Namtok: a shady restaurant beside Chet Sao Noi Waterfall with bold flavours. Open 10:30-20:00, closed Tuesday.
Lap Km. 10
Lap Km. 10: a delicious Isan restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere on Mittraphap Road, open daily 09:30-17:00.
Marderla
Marderla: an Isan-Thai restaurant in Muaklek with a cool atmosphere, rated 4.7 on Google Maps, among the best-reviewed in town.
Som Tam Khun Yai
Som Tam Khun Yai: a papaya salad and Isan food shop in Muaklek with bold, punchy flavours.
Saeb Sumalee
Saeb Sumalee: delicious Isan food in a large, shady wooden house, affordable prices.
Chaewons
Chaewons: a chill restaurant in Pak Chong with live music, steak, moo jum and pad cha pla khang. Open daily 12:00-22:00.
Maew Miao
Maew Miao Stewed Noodles: a clean, affordable beef noodle shop in Muaklek, rated 4.9 on Google Maps, close to Marderla.
Sarocha
Sarocha Tom Yum Noodles: Sukhothai-style tom yum noodles and made-to-order dishes near Muaklek market, under 200 baht per person. Dine in or take away.