Made up of Thailand's 20 northeastern provinces, Isaan is often
overlooked as a travel destination because it lacks any coastline
with sparkling beaches to draw sun-worshipping tourists. A
patchwork of language and culture, Isaan is a blend of Thai,
Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian culture largely untainted by the
tourist trade, and visitors to the area delight in discovering the
'real' Thailand.
The attractions in Isaan aren't as well-known as Ayutthaya or
the Temple of the reclining Buddha, but they are no less
fascinating, and a totally different experience from the tourist
traps of Southern Thailand.
The Mekong Valley follows the river of the same name, meandering
through the region. Towns like Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom make
great bases to explore the valley from, and offer attractions of
their own, including the fire boats of Nakhon Phanom and the
bizarre but fascinating sculptures of Sala Kaew Ku in Nong Khai.
Loei is a beautiful town with a budding ecotourism sector that
hosts several colourful festivals throughout the year, including
Phi Ta Khon (known as the 'Thai Mardi Gras').
Udon Thani is home to possibly the best-known tourist attraction
in Isaan, the UNESCO-certified Ban Chiang archaeological site.
The city of Nakhon Ratchasima is one of the largest in Isaan.
Its proximity to Bangkok makes it a popular stop on travels to
Isaan, as it has excellent transport links to the rest of the
country. Nakhon Ratchasima also makes a great base to explore
attractions like Khao Yai National Park and the Khmer temples of
Phimai Historical Park.
