Visit Isaan, Thailand
Isaan ia a vast plateau in the northeast of the country that borders Laos and Cambodia. Here, lifestyles, customs, dialect and cuisine are distinctly different from the rest of the country.

Sala Keow Ku, Nong Khai
Despite its popularity, Thailand still has a number of less developed and unspoiled areas to explore.
One such region is Isaan, a vast plateau in the northeast of the country that borders Laos and Cambodia. Here, lifestyles, customs, dialect and cuisine are distinctly different from the rest of the country.
Archaeological sites
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.
Whilst a number of road journeys are required to bring several attractions together, both Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani are served by scheduled flights from Bangkok.
Accommodation
Whilst we have sourced a few characterful accommodation options deep in Isaan territory, the absence of five-star properties only adds to the charm of this area’s refreshingly simple and unassuming way of life.
The intrepid visitor is rewarded by the experience of real, undiluted Thailand.
Places within Isaan
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- Established in 1961, this is Thailand’s oldest national park and is highly regarded by naturalists. There are some 200 wild elephants, as well as sambar and barking deer, gaur, wild pigs, bats, gibbons and macaques.
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- This small town is situated on a lush green peninsula at the confluence of the chocolate-brown Mekong and the deep blue Mun rivers. Here you can take boat or kayaks trips.
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- The countryside surrounding the town of Loei affords some pleasant and varied vistas. Phu Kradung National Park offers many walking trails and picturesque waterfalls.
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- Life in the town of Nakhon Phanom revolves around the Mekong. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh'a former hideout and the Loi Krathong festival, which marks the end of Buddhist lent.
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- The town of Nong Khai is mainly a transit point for journeys into Laos and further exploration of Isaan Province. There's a collection of surreal statues depicting scenes and characters from Hindu and Buddhist lore.
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- Phanom Rung was erected as a Hindu monument between the 10th and 13th centuries and later additions to the site were made during Buddhist eras.
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- A two-hour drive north-east of the Khao Yai National Park is one of the oldest surviving Khmer temple sites in the area. This Hindu-Buddhist shrine pre-dates Angkor Wat, yet shares a number of stylistic attributes.
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- Phra Wihan, or Prear Vihear in Khmer, is set atop a 547 metre spike of the Dongrek mountains. This is one of the most astonishing religious monuments to be seen in Thailand.
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- Udon Thani is the gateway to northern Isaan with major attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage site at Ban Chiang. It has the reputation for being one of Thailand's cleanest cities.
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