Hotels Guide Thailand
Isan (Northeast Thailand) travel guide
Philip Nalangan, CC BY-SA 4.0

Isan (Northeast Thailand) travel guide

Updated |Editorial policy

Khao Yai, Khmer temples, the Mekong and Isan food. A practical guide to Thailand's largest and least-visited region.

Isan, the northeast, is Thailand’s largest region by area and population, yet it receives a small share of foreign visitors. That is its appeal: friendly towns, Khmer-era temples, the Mekong River and some of the best food in the country, at lower prices than the tourist centres.

Highlights

  • Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is the gateway to the region and to Khao Yai National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed forest complex. The area around the park has a large choice of resorts and is a popular weekend escape from Bangkok.
  • Buri Ram has Phanom Rung, a Khmer temple on an extinct volcano, as well as a major football stadium and motor racing circuit.
  • Udon Thani and Khon Kaen are the main cities, with airports, shopping and business hotels. Near Udon Thani is the Ban Chiang archaeological site, also on the UNESCO list.
  • Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan sit on the Mekong, facing Laos. Nong Khai is the main crossing point to Vientiane.
  • Ubon Ratchathani is known for its Candle Festival in July and as a base for Pha Taem National Park.
  • Loei is the cool upland corner of Isan, with mountains such as Phu Kradueng and the Phi Ta Khon ghost festival in Dan Sai.

When to go

The most pleasant months are November to February. The hot season peaks in April. Many of Isan’s best-known festivals happen in the rainy season, including the rocket festivals around May and June and the Candle Festival in July, so do not rule out the wet months.

Getting around

Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram and Roi Et all have airports with flights to Bangkok. The northeastern rail lines run from Bangkok to Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani. Hotels in Isan are mostly locally owned; international chains are found mainly in the bigger cities and around Khao Yai.

Provinces

  • Nakhon Ratchasima

    Khao Yai and Pak Chong, Korat city and Phimai compared. Where to stay in the gateway province to Isan and its famous national park.

  • Loei

    Chiang Khan on the Mekong, Dan Sai, Phu Kradueng and Phu Ruea compared. A guide to the cool, mountainous corner of Isan.

  • Surin

    Surin city, the elephant village of Ban Ta Klang and the Khmer temples near the Cambodian border. Where to stay and when to visit.

  • Ubon Ratchathani

    A guide to Ubon Ratchathani city, the Mekong at Khong Chiam and Pha Taem National Park. Where to stay and when to visit.

  • Yasothon

    A small Isan province known for the Bun Bang Fai rocket festival and its triangular cushions. Where to stay and when to visit.