A Distinct Culture All Its Own

The Northeast of Thailand, commonly known as “I-San”, is one of Thailand’s most intriguing destinations with many Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings and artifacts, and several significant temples that are a legacy of the Khmer empire. With its strategic position bordering Laos and Cambodia, I-San has in recent years risen to become a starting point for adventurous journey along the mighty Mekhong River. Here you will also find UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ban Chiang, a lost civilization dating back some 5,000 years, and Khao Yai National Park, an unbeatable natural beauty.


Udon Thani – World’s First Bronze Age Civilization

Archaeological finds here yielded evidence of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished more than 5,000 years ago. Located 348 miles northeast of Bangkok, Udon Thani is home to Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy the displays of prehistoric artifacts, including Ban Chiang’s highly distinctive pottery, and the open museum excavation. Spend a lazy couple of days wandering Ban Chiang village and making friends with the locals, who are skilled artisans in their own right.

Nong Khai – A Frontier Post

Stretched out along the banks of the Mekhong River, opposite the Lao capital of Vientiane, Nong Khai, 382 miles from Bangkok, is an attractive province, fascinating for its river views. Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the Mekhong River. The bridge also leads you to the border of Lao P.D. R. where you can easily commute by taxi to Vientiane.

For those who wish to explore the mysterious and unexplained phenomenon in which fireballs are seen rising up from the Mekhong River, be a part of Bang Fai Phaya Nak or Naga Fireball Festival held on the night at the end of Buddhist Lent usually in October. A friendship boat race between Thailand and Lao is staged as a part of the festival.

Loei – Beautiful, Lush and Untouched

Located 323 miles from Bangkok, Loei is a province of great beauty with rolling hills covered by lush forest cover and valley floors carpeted with rice fields. Its geography and climate is unique while the natural scenery is exceptional. Phu Kradung National Park is one of its top attractions. With a cool climate pine forest, grassy meadows, abundance of wild flowers and waterfalls, this is a nature trekker’s dream. Park is open from October to May but closed during the rainy season to preserve the flora and fauna.

Celebrated in June at Amphoe Dan Sai, Phi Ta Khon Festival is one of Isan’s most intriguing annual festivals. It comprises a merit-making celebration. However, the real fun and excitement comes from young men and boys re-enacting a local legend, dressed up in colorful ghost masks, and playing pranks.

Nakhon Ratchasima – Splendid Natures and Fascinating Historical Sites

Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Khorat, is the gateway to the Northeast. Located 160 miles northeast of Bangkok, it is home to vast tracts of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The habitats of Khao Yai range from mixed forests to rainforests and grassland. In addition to a wealth of flora, the park is home to at least 25 species of larger mammals, including elephants, tigers, leopard, Asiatic black bears, Malayan sun bears, barking deer and sambar deer. Trekking, bird and butterfly watching as well as abseiling are among the popular activities.

The ancient sanctuary of Phimai, dated from between the late 11th and mid 12th century, at Phimai Historical Park ranks among the grandest Khmer sites in Thailand, and one of the finest to be seen outside Cambodia. Visit the nearby province of Buriram to further explore the beauty of Khmer art and architecture on the hilltop at Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Surin – The Breeding Grounds

Surin is the home of the annual Elephant Round-up, having been the breeding grounds for the royal elephants for much of the history of Thailand. Located 284 miles from Bangkok, it is a place of deep rural tranquility, but in the 3rd week of November it comes fabulously alive as it hosts this annual round-up. This exciting and colorful spectacle celebrates the remarkable role elephants have played in Thai history.

Ubon Ratchathani – The Emerald Triangle

Located 390 miles from Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani borders both Lao P.D.R. and Cambodia, the juncture of the three countries’ being dubbed in recent times “The Emerald Triangle” on account of the area’s lush forest covers. Prehistoric paintings of Pha Taem add to Ubon Ratchathani’s fascination. The paintings offer insight into the way of life that existed during the prehistoric days dating back 3,000 – 4,000 years ago and reflect the ancient lifestyle of the people who once lived in the area.

The province is also renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, and distinctive folk culture especially the annual Candle Procession Festival. The festival is held every year in July and focuses on giant bee wax candles made for the Buddhist Lent period with processions, entertainment and religious merit-making. For those who interest in learning Buddhism and meditation, Wat Pa Nana Chat provides a traditional monastic training community for non-Thais with English serving as the primary language of communication and instruction.