Penang, Malaysia Vientiane, Laos

Isaan - The North East Area of Thailand

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(Number in brackets shows number of hotels and guesthouses I've reviewed)

Isaan, making up Thailand's northeast region, is the country's least visited tourist area. It's also the poorest, with many making their living off the land.

Much of the region is flat farming land. There are often trees scattered about that give a certain romantic feel to the landscape - it doesn't feel too 'harsh' as there always seems to be a tree to find shade!

To see a map of Isaan, visit this page. To see where the region is compared to the rest of the country, have a look at my map of Thailand.

Countryside near to Khon Kaen, Isaan

One explanation for the lack of tourists is that the region doesn't have one, stand-out feature, like the north's hill-tribes and extensive mountain ranges or the south's white sand beaches and islands. But there truly are many things to do and see and for those that do visit, it's often thought their favorite area of Thailand.

Cow at sunset next to Ubolratana Dam in Nam Phong National Park.

Certainly myself, having spent more time here recently than I have previously, I feel drawn to the place and want to explore more.

There are many national parks in the region, including Thailand's most visited - Khao Yai National Park. There are waterfalls, caves, vast dams that seem more like seas, and mountains to venture to.

There are also Khmer temple ruins from when the Cambodian Khmer empire stretched to areas in Thailand. And bronze age and 'dinosaur'! age archeological sites can be found in the region.

The villages throughout Isaan are intriguing - many villagers will be surprised to see a foreigner (or 'farang' as the Thai's love to call us!).

A bit surprised to see a foreigner!

You're sure to find yourself having friendly conversations with people (maybe quite animated because of the probable language barrier!) as you stop to ask for directions.

I sometimes wonder whether this warmth for foreigners has, in part, to do with the fact that no country has occupied Thailand. I get more of a sense that this is how things should be between people.

In neighboring countries, I've sometimes found that it's in the countryside, rather than the urban areas, where people are more likely to be suspicious of a curious foreigner on a motorbike. There can be an understandable hurdle of distrust you need to overcome first.

The towns in Isaan offer a nice base and some are an attraction in their own right. Quite a few foreigners have chosen laid-back Nong Khai and very livable Khon Kaen as their permanent home, among other towns (and villages) in the area.

For many, the very lack of tourists draws people to Isaan. Areas like Phuket island swarm with tourists and what for many is the first place to visit is, for others a place to avoid!

Farmers at work

Of course Isaan, like the rest of Thailand, is affected by globalization. Traditional cultures and habits are being eroded, but surely more slowly here. But a farmer with mobile phone, thinking about what to watch on TV that night is something very normal in Thailand.

What's a bit different in Isaan is you'll walk streets and meet people who's main aim isn't financial when it comes to tourists - which is what it can, at times, feel like in places like Phuket and other beautiful islands.

Isaan people, on the whole, appear to be just interested to see a foreigner!

Places To Visit

For information on Nong Khai near to the Laos border, click HERE.

To find out about the city of Udon Thani, 50 kilometers south of Nong Khai and the base for visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ban Chiang, click HERE.

To see a map of Udon Thani that includes information on hotels and guesthouses, as well as temples, markets, car hire and more, click HERE.

To see details about the laid back university town of Khon Kaen, 120 kilometers south of Udon Thani, as well as details of some great National Park destinations to visit near the town, click HERE.

To see a map and details of hotels in Khon Kaen, click HERE.

To see a guide to Korat, otherwise known as Nakhon Ratchasima, 190 kilometers south of Khon Kaen, click HERE.

To see a map and details of hotels, guesthouses, temples, parks and more in Korat, click HERE.

For detailed information about Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's busiest and longest established national park, about 100 kilometers south of Korat, go to THIS PAGE.

For information about the 900 year old Phimai Historical Park, Thailand's most spectacular Khmer-age site, visit THIS PAGE.

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