Please select your location:
You can find all your favourites in the menu
Sala Keow Ku in the Isaan region, Thailand

Visit Isaan, Thailand

Visit Isaan, Thailand

Jump to:

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 among 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.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Hannah

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Isaan by contacting one of our Thailand specialists

Excellent
TrustScore 4.8 | 3638 reviews

Places to visit in Isaan

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Isaan, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Suggested itineraries featuring Isaan

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Isaan, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Isaan

Places & hotels on the map

    Places in and around Isaan

    Photos of Isaan

    • Old man busking at Preah Vihear
      Old man busking at Preah Vihear
    • Entering through the east gate of Phanom Rung
      Entering through the east gate of Phanom Rung
    • Gibbon at Khao Yai
      Gibbon at Khao Yai
    • Sandstone craftsmanship from the 11th century can be found at Phimai
      Sandstone craftsmanship from the 11th century can be found at Phimai
    • The central sanctuary at Preah Vihear
      The central sanctuary at Preah Vihear
    • Gibbon at Khao Yai
      Gibbon at Khao Yai
    • Macaque, Khao Yai National Park
      Macaque, Khao Yai National Park
    • Monk at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
      Monk at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

    Accommodation choices for Isaan

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Isaan. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.