Isan hotels & travel guide to North-East Thailand. By Sawadee.com

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A Guide to Northeast Thailand (Isan)
Northeast Thailand (ภาคอีสาน) is often referred to Isan. It is made up of 20 provinces. It has population of 21,328,111. It has a very unique characteristic of geography, food, culture as well as traditions which have been well inherited until present. It also has the sites of ancient civilisation such as at Ban Chiang village. The economy of the region relies on the agricultural products such as rice. Isan may come across as a dry land with scorching heat but that could be something trivial as it also has abundant of stunning natural attractions and colourful way of life. People are convivial and offer warm hospitality to guests who visit their land. It has great facilities to welcome tourists including a wide range of accommodation from small guesthouses to 5-star hotels as well as tourist activities.

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Most popular North-East (Isan) hotels of this month:

Charoen Hotel Udon Thani	Traveler rating 7.9	from 29 $ recommend
Homestay STC Bed & Breakfast Udon Thani	Traveler rating 8.9	from 16 $
Phanomrungpuri Hotel Buriram	Traveler rating 8.7	from 35 $
Charoen Thani Princess Khon Kaen	Traveler rating 8.6	from 45 $
Tohsang Khongjiam Resort Ubon Ratchathani, Khongjiam	Traveler rating 8.5	from 54 $
Tohsang City Hotel Ubon Ratchathani, Muang	Traveler rating 8.3	from 31 $
Sima Thani Hotel Nakhon Ratchasima	Traveler rating 8.0	from 45 $
Punjadara Hotel Nakhon Ratchasima	Traveler rating 8.0	from 21 $
Kosa Hotel Khon Kaen	Traveler rating 7.8	from 35 $
Nakhonphanom River View Hotel Nakhon Phanom	Traveler rating 7.6	from 29 $
Roi-Et City Hotel Roi-Et	Traveler rating 7.5	from 29 $
Rimpao Hotel Kalasin	Traveler rating 7.2	from 33 $
Thong Tarin Hotel Surin	Traveler rating 7.1	from 29 $
Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Udon Thani	Traveler rating 7.0	from 61 $
The Greenery Resort Khao Yai Nakhon Ratchasima, Pakchong	Traveler rating 6.9	51~67 $
Rachaphruk Grand Hotel Nakhon Ratchasima	Traveler rating 6.8	from 33 $
Napalai Hotel Udon Thani	Traveler rating 6.7	from 29 $
Ban Chiang Hotel Udon Thani	Traveler rating 6.3	from 30 $
Grand Paradise Hotel Nongkhai	Traveler rating 5.5	from 35 $
Hotel Petchkasem Grand Surin	Traveler rating 5.4	from 24 $

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Amnat Charoen (อำนาจเจริญ)
Amnat Charoen is part of lower Northeast region. The province acquires a total area of 3,161 square kilometres. Its eastern boundary, at Amphoe Chanuman, is next to Mekong River. The community was firstly established during the reign of King Rama III of Rattanakosin some two centuries ago. Amnat Charoen has been part of Ubon Ratchathani until it was upgraded into province in 1993. Although it is a small and tranquil town, Amnat Charoen has various attractions distributing in different Amphoe. Visitors to Amnat Charoen can stroll around to witness sacred Buddha images, picturesque rice paddies and fruit orchards, rocky rapids of the Mekong River in dry season, and excellent handicrafts - particularly silk.

Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา)
Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on the sprawling northeast plateau. Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time.

One of the Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park. Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo or Thao Suranari, Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.

Buriram (บุรีรัมย์)
Known as the city of pleasantness, is one of largest and most populated provinces in Isan. The southern part of the province has a number of Khmer sanctuaries, the most magnificent being Phanom Rung, regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand.

Phanom Rung Historical Park: Phanom Rung (ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง), or, with its full name, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (Phanom Rung Stone Castle), is one of the most significant Khmer monuments in Thailand. It was built in sandstone and laterite in the 10th to 13th centuries. It was a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, and symbolises Mount Kailash, his heavenly dwelling.

Surin (สุรินทร์)
Surin is a big province on Mun River Basin in the lower Northeast of Thailand. It is well known, locally and international, for its elephants. The gigantic animal of Surin impresses everyone with loveliness, cleverness and creates unique character of the province. Surin people have long relationship with elephants which became an icon of the province. Plenty of Khmer Ruins, beautiful silk and famous jasmine rice make Surin a very interesting destination.

If you have ever wanted to see a lot of elephants in one place (there are more elephants now in Thailand than in India), this is your opportunity. Surin is 457 kilometers from Bangkok.

Si Sa Ket (ศรีสะเกษ)
Si Sa Ket is a quiet province on the Cambodia border with Khmer ruins scattered throughout the province. Most notable are the two ruined sanctuaries of Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai and Noi, dating back to the 10 th century. However, the most famous Khmer site is actually in Cambodia. Khao Phra Wihan was built over 10 centuries ago and is one of the most spectacular Angkor-period sites. Built as a Hindu temple, it begins in Thailand and rises to 600 metres with the main sanctuary in Cambodia.

After a long period of war, its wonderful craftsmanship, stairways and courts are now being restored. The walk to the summit is long and steep, but visitors are sure to be impressed by the size and complexity of its design.

Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี)
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.

The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can still be seen throughout the province today. The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July.

Yasothon (ยโสธร)
Yasothon is famous for its boisterous Rocket Festival every May, when giant home-made missiles are launched into the air in a symbolic rain-making gesture.

In the town at Wat Mahathat, Phra That Yasothon is a much-visited Lao-style chedi, said to be over 1,200 years old. It enshrines holy relics of Phra Ananda, ne of Lord Buddha's chief disciples. That Kong Khao Noi is an ancient Khmer chedi with a much revered brick and stucco Buddha that is ritually bathed every April. The handicraft village of Ban Si Than is famed for the triangular pillows used in most Thai households.

Roi Et (ร้อยเอ็ด)
Roi Et town is built around a large artificial lake, Bung Phlan Chai, where a large, walking Buddha stands on a small island in its centre. Tall Buddhas are popular in Roi Et as Wat Buraphaphiram features a 68-metres walking Buddha, with a staircase that enables visitors to climb to knee-high level. Sixty kilometres outside of town is Ku Kasing, a large Khmer sanctuary dating from the 11th century.

Handicrafts are the province's main product, particularly the Isan khaen, a kind of panpipe made from wood and reeds. These are best made in the small village of Si Kaew. Thanon Phadung Phanit is a good place to buy silk and cotton fabric.

Maha Sarakham (มหาสารคาม)
Situated in the heart of Northeastern Thailand, the small province of Maha Sarakham is considered to be a regional education centre, earning the name "Taksila of Isan" (Taksila was a city where education of all branches centered around in ancient India).

The province also houses a sacred Buddha image and has many historical sites, with the province being the former site of the ancient Dvaravati city of Nakhon Champa Si. Maha Sarakham's beautiful hand woven silk and cotton fabrics are sought after for their original patterns. Maha Sarakham is 470 kilometres from Bangkok.

Khon Kaen (ขอนแก่น)
Khon Kaen is the commercial, administrative an educational centre of the Northeast, which is often used by travellers as a base for visiting many parts of upper Isan.

Khon Kaen National Museum houses objects from the Dvaravati period and bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang. Kaen Nakhon Lake in the centre of town is a popular spot for picnics and dining, while Wat That on its bank features typical Isan spires. A dinosaur is the provincial symbol ever since remains of these great beasts were unearthed in Phu Wiang National Park, an area also famous for its flora, fauna and waterfalls.

Chaiyaphum (ชัยภูมิ)
It is well known in tourism terms because it has beautiful flower fields. Chaiyaphum was founded over 2 centuries ago during the early Rattanakosin period by a group of Vientiane people. Four national parks are located in the province. The Tat Thon National Park is in north-west of the province. The biggest attraction of the Sai Thong National Park in the west of the province is the Sai Thong waterfall, but also some fields of the Siam Tulip.

Similar fields can be found in the Pa Hin Ngam National Park in the south-west, scheduled to be gazetted in the future. This park has its name from the strangely shaped rock formations found there (beautiful rock forest). Phu Laenkha National Park covers another 200 km² of forested hills northwest of Chaiyaphum city.

Kalasin (กาฬสินธุ์)
Kalasin, which means the land of Pong Lang music, is also called the "Queen of Silk" for its famous Phrae Wa hand-woven silk cloths and shawls. It is 519 km north-east of Bangkok and most of the province is covered by hilly landscape. In the north is the Lam Pao dam built 1963-68, storing 1,430 million m³ of water for flood prevention and agriculture. Most parts of the province is fertile agricultural land, producing sticky rice and other cash crops such as manioc and sugar cane.

In recent years the province became most famous for the dinosaur fossils found at Phu Kum Khao, the largest dinosaur site in Thailand. Most of the fossils are from the giant Sauropods aged 120 million years ago.

Mukdahan (มุกดาหาร)
Mukdahan is a peaceful province located on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite Sawannakhet in Laos. The province has always been an interesting mixture of cultures from various tribes since ancient times. Moreover, it is a land of fantastic natural rock parks and is a major gateway to tourism in Laos and Vietnam. The province is renowned for its sweet tamarind fruit and features many natural attractions.

Mukdahan is known for this beautiful Mekong scenery and as a Thai-Lao trade centre. Among Thais it's most known for the Talat Indojin, or Indochina Market, a Thai-Lao-Vietnamese affair that gathers around Wat Si Mongkhon Tai near the Tha Makdahan.

Sakon Nakhon (สกลนคร)
647 km from Bangkok in the upper Northeast, is located on the Phu Phan mountain range and has many forest temple retreats for meditation. These temples are home to famous monks well known in meditation circles. Phu Pha Yon the mountain in the compound of a meditation centre houses 3000 year old cliff carvings featuring lifestyle of Thai people in the pre-historical period. The Phu Thai tribe people living in this province sometimes still wear their ancient costumes on special occasion. The famous "Wax Castle Festival" is held in October. To celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), mould beeswax into miniature Buddhist temples and shrines (wax castles) in order to gain merit, believed to determine their future rebirth. Ban Kud Na Kham is the production centre of ceramics, wood carvings and silk weaving.

Nong Khai (หนองคาย)
Nong Khai is a long thin province running along the Mekong River, providing the main access to Laos. Originally people went by boat from Tha Sadet, but the building of the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and trade with Laos.

Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Chang, and Phra That Nong Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen completely in the dry season. Sala Kaeo Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with statres of Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains a number of beautiful waterfalls.

Udon Thani (อุดรธานี)
Udon Thani, is a prime business center of I-San. Located 564 kilometers from Bangkok, it the world heritage site for the prehistoric culture of Ban Chiang.

Udon Thani is probably best known for its archaeological wonders, paramount among them the hamlet of Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze Age civilization is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago. The locals are mainly engaged in agricultural activities, with particular rising in wholesale and retail trading activities. That is why Udon Thani is an agricultural market hub or neighboring provinces.

Loei (เลย)
Loei is one of Thailand's most beautiful and unspoiled provinces. The land is mountainous and the temperature goes from one extreme to the other, the weather being hotter than elsewhere in Thailand during the hot season and colder during the cold season. This is the only province in Thailand where temperatures can drop to 0°C.

Attractions within the province that should be explored include Phu Kradung, Phu Luang and Phu Reua National Parks, as well as the districts of Tha Li and Chiang Khan.

Nakhon Phanom (นครพนม)
Located on the right bank of the majestic Mekong River is Nakhon Phanom, an ancient city with a name that literally means City of Hills. The lovely setting of the provincial capital is enhanced by the rugged beauty of jungle covered mountains which lie beyond the Laotian town of Tha Khaek, located on the opposite bank of the river. Nakhon Phanom is renowned as a great place with beautiful scenery and relaxing ambiance by the Mekong River consisting of high hills and plains covered with lush and virgin forests.

Nakhon Phanom is where Phra That Phanom, the most sacred and ancient religious monument of the Northeast, is located. Both Thais and Laotians usually make their pilgrimage to this highly venerated site to ask for blessings.

Nong Bua Lamphu (หนองบัวลำภู)
Split off from Udon Thani in 1993, Nong Bua Lam Phu is a scenic province famous for its prehistoric sites. Fossilized shells about 140 million years old can be seen in the cliffs 10 kilometers outside the main town, archaeological sites at Kudkwangsoi villages are also attractions.

Wat Tham Klong Phen, a tranquil forest monastery outside of town, is revered as the home of the famous meditation monk. Luang Phu Khao Analayo. A museum in the compound is dedicated to the monk. A beautiful nature reserve is found at Phu Kao Phupan Kham National Park, covering 320 square kilometers, including a large lake formed by Ubon Ratana Dam, which is a popular fishing area.

Bueng Kan (บึงกาฬ)
Bueng Kan, anew province was formed in August 2010, separating from Nong Khai province in the northeastern Thailand. The new province has population of around 400,000. It borders from the south clockwise Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Khai Province and lies opposite Bolikhamxai province of Lao People’s Democratic Republic across Mekong River.

Perfectly positioned in the valley of the Mekong River, it is abounded with natural attractions such as waterfalls, mountains, highlands, flat farmlands and inevitably missed, the Mekong River, which is the home to beautiful sandy beach on the river bank. The Friendship Bridge connecting to Vientiane is the closest border crossing which facilitates the commuting and travelling to and from the two countries. Not only the natural wonders, traditions and cultures of Isan people allure tourists to discover. There are accommodation for both city lovers and those who prefer unwinding with the backdrop of the river.

Recommended hotels in ISAN
Chayada Resort from 29 $ Nakhon Ratchasima Naimuang, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000	Nakhonphanom River View Hotel from 34 $ Nakhon Phanom Muang District, Nakhon Phanom 48000	Thong Tarin Hotel from 34 $ Surin A. Muang, Surin 32000
Sima Thani Hotel from 53 $ Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Ratchasima 30000	Loei Palace Hotel from 51 $ Loei Muang, Loei 42000	Tohsang City Hotel from 37 $ Ubon Ratchathani, Muang Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Northeast (Isan) Guide

Weather and Climate

Geography

Getting There

Highlighted Festivals

Top 10 Historical Sites

Top 10 Natural Attractions

Top 10 National Parks

Activities

Sea of Fog and Beautiful Flower Blossom on Phu Ruea
When: 1 Dec 2011 - 29 Feb 2012
Where: Phu Ruea District, Loei
Sea of Fog and Beautiful Flower Blossom on Phu Ruea is held on the ground in front of Phu Ruea District Office during the New Year Festival. Activities in the festival comprise of a temperate plant fair, floral float parade, temperate flowers and decorative plants contests, Mae Khaning evening party, dances in the winter breeze, and Phu Ruea agricultural produce for sale.

Pimai Mini Lights and Sounds
When: 1 Jan - 31 Mar 2012
Where: Around Pimai Historical Park, Amphoe Pimai, Nakhon Ratchasima
The event is held to welcome the visitors to Amphoe Pimai with the long-standing rice offering ceremony. Guests can enjoy the spectacular religious light and sound performances as well as Pimai Historical Park Tour by the youth guides. See the demonstration of local food cooking and enjoy the tasty cuisines. Be amazed with traditional dance, ancient boxing dance, and the exquisite parade.

Pong Lang, Phrae Wa, and Red Cross Fair
When: 26 Jan - 7 Mar 2012
Where: City Hall, Kalasin
This vivacious event is held yearly to raise money for Kalasin Province's Red Cross to help those affected by the disasters. The highlight is colourful processions from various districts decorated with a massive Pong Lang (folk vertical xylophone), teemed with participants dressed in traditional costumes. Other features include various art and cultural shows, the exquisite Phrae Wa Silk display, and OTOP fair.

Benjamas Ban Nai Man Mok Festival 2012
When: 10 - 19 February 2012
Where: Amphoe Wang Nam Kheo, Nakhon Ratchasima
The event is held to promote the tourism of Amphoe Wang Nam Kheo, or known as "Switzerland of Northeastern Thailand" with its pure ozone and exquisite landscape. Besides seeing the gorgeous Benjamas or Chrysanthemum in bloom, there is also Benjamas Gardening Contest, flower arbor contest, exhibition, OTOP product and toxin-free vegetable fairs.

Ban Chiang World Heritage Site
When: 10 - 12 February 2012
Where: Ban Chiang Municipality Office, Amphoe Nong Han, Udon Thani
The marvelous event is held to conserve the 5000-year-old cultural heritage. The attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the ancient civilisation. Other features include a variety of art and cultural performances, colourful parade, interesting exhibition from diverse World Heritage Sites of Thailand, various entertainment and music shows, and souvenir fair.

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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