Isaan Region
Often neglected by most tourists, yet the Isaan region offers incredible natural wonders through discovering the more authentic and rural side of Thailand.
The majestic National Parks as well as the Angkorian ruins are perfect places for trekking, leaving great memories to travellers.
Most travelers just simply skip over this region on their way to Laos. The area is mostly farmland and little towns and lacks any real “attractions,” so travelers just pass through or go elsewhere in Thailand. But this region is proof that even in a country as touristy as Thailand, there’s still an off-the-beaten-path area to see. If you want to take a look at what day-to-day life in Thailand is like away from the crowds, Isaan is the place to go.
Important archaeological sites, Angkorian temple ruins and pleasingly unsophisticated wats pepper the region amongst scenery untouched by modern progress. Colourful festivals and traditional handicrafts such as distinctive hand-woven silks are inherent to Isaan’s culture.
Northern Isaan: the great Mekong Valley, the national parks of Loei, Ban Chiang, Nong Khai, Wat Phra That Phanom, etc.
Central Isaan: also known as the Chi River Basin, the highway from Bangkok ends here in Khon Kaen.
Southern Isaan: centred around the chaotic Nakhon Ratchasima, the Mun River Basin is home to Khao Yai National Park and the beautiful Khmer architecture of Phanom Rung and Phimai.
There are many attractions in the Isaan Region:
- The surreal statues of Sala Kaew Ku, Nong Khai
- The temple inside the mountain at Chiang Khan
- The temple of beer bottles in Si Saket
- The beautiful Khmer temples in the Phanom Rung Historical Park
- Phimai Historical Park has even more Khmer architecture
- Flora, fauna, and waterfalls in the Khao Yai National Park
