As an update on good "watering holes"....The Chomdao resort still has its pleasant outdoor undercover restaurant with live Isaan music each night, and seems to be getting quite busy with weddings and large functions.
If you are interested in some very cold beer, with chilled glasses and pleasant local musicians, I have found a very pleasant Drinking Spot in the evenings! Its called "The Jake" and run by "Jake" a musician, and his partner AOR who has a beautiful voice, and sings Isaan ballads accompanied on guitar by Jake. Jake and some other "drop in" local musicians play a variety of music, but seem to like "country and Western" most and the bar is set up looking like it is straight out of rural Texas! Aor is a school teacher and speaks English, and they are both very pleasant hosts providing good service at very reasonable prices.
They also have good WiFi available to patrons, and there is a Thai "Steak house" family restaurant next door ....which is a different experience!
"JAKE" the man!
"AOM" his partner host and vocalist.
So if you like amateur musicians "Country and Western" and Isaan live music and cold beer...this is the place...In my view the best bar for a cold beer and pleasant company in SDD!
LOCATION: Approximately 300 meters North of Highway 22, on a long straight Soy (which seems to have no name) running North at right angles off Highway 22, one Soi to the West of The Soi with P.E.A. (the Electricity Company) office on the corner. (basically the last major Soi going West towards TESCO LOTUS!)