Northeast Thailand

Destinations in Northeast Thailand
Nakhon Ratchasima
Yasothon
Nong Khai
Buriram
Ubon Ratchathani
Nakhon Phanom
Surin
Mukdahan
Udon Thani

Map of Northeast Thailand

The northeast region of Thailand, also known as I-san, is often ignored by backpackers and travellers to Thailand -- many of whom seem to write it off as dusty, flat and boring -- they couldn't be more off-the-mark. I-san is a traditional yet wildly colourful and interesting region of Thailand which is well worth allowing some time to explore.

While it lacks the top-shelf attractions of pristine beaches (though you can swim in the Mekong!) and hill-tribe trekking, the appeal of the northeast is far more subtle. As with the entire country, the people are very friendly and the food in particular is terrific, but there is something more elusive to I-san that drags visitors back over and over again.

Perhaps it's something to do with the Mekong River -- the riverside provincial capitals of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan all have scenic river frontage, good eating and a relaxed feel to them, as do the outlying towns that dot the river's length. Many a hidden-away spot dots the river's bank, some of them -- That Phanom and Sangkhom, to name but two -- are outstanding destinations in their own right. Journey out this way to savour a slower (though hotter) lifestyle, where you can really get to know the guesthouse owners and actually learn something about the country you're travelling in.

Away from the river there are ancient Khmer ruins dotted throughout the south of the region -- Phimai, Phanom Rung and Muang Tam to name but three -- which can be visited from the provincial capitals of Buriram, Si Saket and Nakhon Ratchasima. These sites are a perfect primer before a trip to Cambodia to see the crown jewels of Angkor Wat.

Or maybe its the unusual hodge-podge of festivals, from the totally mental Rocket Festival in Yasothan, the slightly mental Phi Ta Khon in Loei and the pachyderm parades at the Elephant Round-up in Surin.

Spend a week, a month, a year exploring the northeast and rest assured you'll be spending longer there next time around.

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