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 I-san is
noted as the center of an age-old civilization dating back to
pre-historic time and to the period when the Khmer people held away in
the region. Relics and monuments still stand, attesting to the splendors
and majesty of the ancient era. The
 Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom,
the Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung in Buri Ram and the Prasat Hin Phimai in
Khorat, are some of the most important and interesting structures in the
area. Ban Chiang village in Udon Thani, where remains of pre-historic
skeletons and tools have been discovered, serves as concrete evidence of
a Bronze Age civilization flourishing 5,000 to 7,000 years ago.
The Northeast's ancient
traditions and customs are still reflected in fairs and festivals found
nowhere else in the country. These include the colorful Bun Bang Fai
(rocket festival), the Candle Procession and the Wax Castle Festival.
Probably the most
well-known local products of the Northeast are the world - famous Matmee
silk, wickerware, earthenware and edible items such as sausages, Mu Yong
and Mu Phaen.
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