Amnat Charoen 
Nakhon Ratchasima 
Buriram
Surin 
Si Sa Ket
Ubon Ratchathani
Yasothon
Roi Et
Maha Sarakham
Khon Kaen 
Chaiyaphum
Kalasin
Mukdahan
Sakon Nakhon
Nong Khai 
Udon Thani 
Loei 
Nakhon Phanom 
Nong Bua Lamphu
Bueng Kan (บึงกาฬ)
Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
When: 12 - 13 May 2012
Where: Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon
Yasathon Province has long been known for its longstanding Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival which is annually held as a belief that it will bring plenty of rain for the rice planting season. The highlight, which is certainly a spectacular scene, is when the colourful home-made rockets are launched into the sky. The event features firework displays, parades, beauty contest, cheer squad competition, and various cultural shows.
When: 12 - 13 May 2012
Where: Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon
Yasathon Province has long been known for its longstanding Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival which is annually held as a belief that it will bring plenty of rain for the rice planting season. The highlight, which is certainly a spectacular scene, is when the colourful home-made rockets are launched into the sky. The event features firework displays, parades, beauty contest, cheer squad competition, and various cultural shows.
Phi Ta Khon Festival 2012
When: 22 - 24 June 2012
Where: Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei
While technically the Phi Ta Khon or "Ghost Festival" is only one of the early ceremonies of a multi-day festival celebrated in Dan Sai, Loei province, it has become synonymous with the entire three-day Buddhist holidays called Boon Phra Wate. Typically celebrated between March and July, the three days are selected each year by village mediums who are told the auspicious dates by local spirits that are important participants in the Phi Ta Khon festivities.
When: 22 - 24 June 2012
Where: Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei
While technically the Phi Ta Khon or "Ghost Festival" is only one of the early ceremonies of a multi-day festival celebrated in Dan Sai, Loei province, it has become synonymous with the entire three-day Buddhist holidays called Boon Phra Wate. Typically celebrated between March and July, the three days are selected each year by village mediums who are told the auspicious dates by local spirits that are important participants in the Phi Ta Khon festivities.
Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival
When: 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2012
Where: Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park, Chaiyaphum
Witness the beauty of the pinkish-purple Siam Tulip, or "Dok Krachiao" when they come into full bloom each year. Diverse features comprise the spectacular Dok Krachiao parade, music performances, and charity walking rally. Included programmes are also local art and craft demonstrations, and OTOP product fair. Nearby attractions are the extraordinary 'Rock Garden', Pha Eang Waterfalls, and Tum Kaew Caves.
When: 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2012
Where: Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park, Chaiyaphum
Witness the beauty of the pinkish-purple Siam Tulip, or "Dok Krachiao" when they come into full bloom each year. Diverse features comprise the spectacular Dok Krachiao parade, music performances, and charity walking rally. Included programmes are also local art and craft demonstrations, and OTOP product fair. Nearby attractions are the extraordinary 'Rock Garden', Pha Eang Waterfalls, and Tum Kaew Caves.
The Illuminated Boat Procession
When: 25 - 30 October 2012
Where: Nakhon Phanom
The illuminated boat tradition is a worship of the Buddha, local deities. It is also a symbol of casting away misfortune. The boats are built with banana trunks and bamboo sticks. Within, it contains flower, incense sticks, candles and different offerings. Some boats are adorned with light bulbs and pyrotechniques. As the night falls, the owners of the boats set alight the boat with the lanterns and float along Mekong river
When: 25 - 30 October 2012
Where: Nakhon Phanom
The illuminated boat tradition is a worship of the Buddha, local deities. It is also a symbol of casting away misfortune. The boats are built with banana trunks and bamboo sticks. Within, it contains flower, incense sticks, candles and different offerings. Some boats are adorned with light bulbs and pyrotechniques. As the night falls, the owners of the boats set alight the boat with the lanterns and float along Mekong river
Weather and Climate
Northeast region of Thailand enjoys 3 seasons; summer, rainy season and cool season.
The weather here welcomes tourists all year round. In rainy season, the trees in the
forest and rice field are green provide such a spectacular view, inviting all to experience
its freshness. The cool season is a popular period of Isan region. It is the time to see
flower blossoms as well as trekking activities can also be enjoyed. During summer, apart
from the natural wonders, there are various local festivals, traditions and events happen. To make the best out of the region, plan and schedule your holiday in advance. This section provides information on temperatures of each month, rainfall and the best time to visit.
Geography
Northeast region of Thailand covering an area of 170,226 sq km is located on Korat Plateau
which is distinctly leveled from the Central Plain. It sits on extinct volcanoes. It has no
connection to the sea but with the mountain range and rivers which provide the sources of
food, water as well as attractions such as table top mountain, Sam Phan Bok Canyon and many
more for leisure activities. The region is also the gate to neighbouring countries, Cambodia
and Lao.This section provides useful information on the geography of northeast region which also helps planning your trip in the different area.
Getting There
The gate to northeast region is located only within a few hours drive from Bangkok.
Nakhon Ratchasima, the first province of Isan is located 259 km from Bangkok. Travelling
with the region is also convenient by the choices of transport. It can be reached by
car, bus, train and plane. Thanks to 8 domestic airports in 8 provinces, traveling to
the region is made easy within approximately one hour and 20 minutes or less. Information on the train and timetables, bus information and timetables, train timetables, directions for driving from Bangkok as well as flight schedules.
Highlighted Festivals
Northeast region is a land of unique culture which has been inherited from generation to
generation. The region features a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the
year. A lot of them are colourful, fun and festive celebrations which also tell the convivial
nature of the people. Being the region that receives the least rain in the country, Isan
people with the strong belief in Buddhism pass on the rituals to appease the fertility to
the region, which bring about many weather-related traditions. To celebrate the glorious past,
the historical sites in the region also feature annual events for residents and tourists to
enjoy and learn about the history. The nature in the region is also the origin of nature-bound
festival and events such as flower blossom festivals, flower fairs, boat races in the river as
well as many other festive activities.
This section provides information on highlighted festivals in the region to help you plan
and make the best out of what Isan has to offer.
Top 10 Historical Sites
Thailand has a very long history and northeast region also played an important role in
the establishing of the kingdom. The traces have left to tell us about the development
of the northeast region’s civilisation since over 5,000 years ago such as Ban Chiang
Archeological site or prehistoric rock painting at Pha Taem National Park. The historical
parks, homes to Hindu-style palaces influenced by Khmer are not to be missed.
Useful travel guide on historical and archeological sites are provided to help you plan
your travel in northeast region.
Top 10 Natural Attractions
Situated on the plateau, northeast region has mountain ranges in the west and the south of the
region providing spectacular attractions for tourism activities. Amidst these mountain ranges,
there are also waterfalls, mountains in uniquely beautiful shapes with spectacular views. The
body of waters such as Mekong River, Mun River or Chi River flowing through the region is also
stunning places such as Sam Phan Bok Canyon for sightseeing as well as many tourism activities. Information on highlighted natural attractions throughout the region is featured in this section.
Top 10 National Parks
With the unique beauty, natural resources of ecological importance and plants and animals that
have special importance, there are 23 national parks in northeast region out of 147 of the national
parks in Thailand. Within the national parks, there is abundance of natural wonders including
viewpoints, waterfalls, caves, lakes, cliffs, reservoirs, various animals and indigenous plants.
Each one has got unique and stunning landscape. Camping is also an ideal when visiting these
national parks although most national parks provide accommodation under the management of Department
of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation as well as hotels and resorts.This section features 10 recommended national parks in Isan region with information on the national parks, contact and directions to get there.
Activities
A vast area of northeast region of Thailand is a home to numerous activities.
Its area includes both mountains and rivers which provide fun and relaxing
activities. With the development of infrastructure as well as tourism, some
areas of the region feature fun indoor and outdoor activities. The resorts
that are located in the natural environment cater the holiday hypes with the
combination of forest and adventurous games, for instance. The National Park
in the region provides a multitude of things to do in the verdant forest such
as trekking, camping and rafting. Rivers in the region allows tourists to
experience exciting and relaxing activities.Check out information on activities in Isan region with details on where you can find them including contact numbers for services.
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