THAILAND: Isaan taster
Where to go in Thailand
Thais are often surprised when foreigners voice their like of the northeast -- predominantly flat and dusty, with rather less-than-charming prefab and featureless towns, this isn't a region that leaps out at the visitor. But take a closer look and you may find just what you're looking for. National parks, ancient Khmer ruins, lovely Mekong river vistas and the wonderful Isaan food -- we hope you like it spicey!
Not everyone has the luxury of a month to explore northeast Thailand, so here's a short trip you could cover in as little as a few days. You'll get to see national parks, Khmer ruins and finish off with some sleepy Mekong River scenery.
Weather
Pay attention to the weather! There's few things as miserable as two weeks awash in jungle floods. More climate information can be found here: Travelfish interactive weather map.
Remember this is just a guide -- often the best trips are the ones you make up yourself!
Trip length
The suggested minimum time for a trip like this is two weeks, though three to four weeks is far more comfortable.
Sample plan
1) Bangkok -> Ayutthaya (historic centre, ruins)
2) Ayutthaya -> Khorat and do a side trip to Phanom Rung ruins
3) Khorat -> Phimai (Khmer ruins)
4) Phimai -> Udon Thani (singing orchids, museum)
5) Udon Thani -> Nong Khai (top spot, temple, river scenery)
Save some time
One day: skip Udon Thani
Take a sidetrip
Two days: From Nong Khai strike west to Sangkhom.
Three days: From Khorat, head east to Buriram and Si Saket to see more ruins.
Combine trip plans
If you want to see the north of Thailand as well, combine this with the Thailand: Northern Explorer, joining it at Phitsanulok. For an island combination, take a look at Jungles and Islands.
Further reading
Travelling through northeast Thailand
Sample Trip Times (in hours)
To help you work out how you'll get around, we've listed the trip durations for the various forms of transport available. Note that with the exception of flight times, these are average trip times, so no hate mail if you take the slow train.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
More trip planners
THAILAND: Isaan explorer - get to know the northeast of Thailand:
National parks, ancient Khmer ruins, lovely Mekong river vistas and the wonderful Isaan food -- we hope you like it spicey! ... detailed trip plan itinerary
THE REGION: Southern Laos, Southern Vietnam and Cambodia:
For those set on getting an experience in Laos, Vietnam and Laos, but with only limited time, a trip like this is a good choice, as while you miss the north of both Laos and Vietnam, you save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent getting from A to B ... detailed trip plan itinerary
THE REGION: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam explorer:
This is the big one! Travelling throughout the region, you'll touch on the highlights of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
VIETNAM: Southern Explorer:
This trip concentrates on the south of Vietnam, with a taste of Mekong Delta and beaches thrown in. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
VIETNAM: Top to tail:
Long and thin, Vietnam is well suited to a short trip like this -- just don't forget just how long it really is! ... detailed trip plan itinerary
LAOS: Southern explorer -- experience laid back southern Laos:
Southern Laos sees far few backpackers and independent travellers than the north of the country, so if you're looking for less touristed destinations and a more "authentic" experience, then this trip could be for you. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
LAOS: Northern explorer -- head for the hills:
This takes you through the popular tourist towns of Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, but also gives you ample time to see some of lesser-visited Laos. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
LAOS: Snapshot -- one week explorer:
The trip that just about anyone who has been to Laos has done at one time or another. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
THAILAND: Jungle and islands - Islands and more islands:
A trip to Thailand isn't complete without at least a little down time on the islands, and this 3-4 week holiday has plenty of island time. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
CAMBODIA: One month adventure:
If you want to really see much of what Cambodia has to offer, a month long exploration of the country will allow you ample time to see the most interesting destinations in the country. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
CAMBODIA: Two week explorer:
This two week trip gives the traveller to Cambodia a good mix of ruins, beaches and culture. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
CAMBODIA: One week explorer:
Most first-time travellers to Cambodia opt for a trip like this -- the bulk of the time spent exploring Angkor Wat and a quick trip to the capital Phnom Penh. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
THAILAND: A one-week holiday that will have you back for more:
A trip like this is suitable for those who have just a week in Thailand but still want a bit of sun along with the culture. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
THAILAND: Northern explorer - two weeks in northern Thailand:
You could spend six months in northern Thailand and not experience all it has to offer, but even with just two weeks you can still have a great experience. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
THAILAND: Mountains and Islands - a two week sampler:
Most first-time travellers to Thailand opt for a trip like this -- we certainly did. Striking north into the hills and then relaxing on the beach is, for many, the ultimate first-time Thai experience. ... detailed trip plan itinerary
