Places to Explore

• Buriram

  The provincial capital of Buriram lies between Korat and Surin and is a good gateway for those visiting the nearby Khmer prasats, some of the finest in the country. Founded in the late 18th century by the... (more)

• Khao Yai National Park

• Khon Kaen

  Thailand's sixth largest city, Khon Kaen has seen rapid growth due to the government's efforts to bolster the economy of the northeastern region. You'll see high-rise hotels shooting up and shopping malls... (more)

• Khong Jiam

  If you're heading east from Ubon to the Mekong, Khong Jiam is the first town you'll hit. It's a sleepy village (technically a so-called "district" of Ubon) notable for its pretty, flag-lined boardwalk... (more)

• Korat

  Considered the gateway to the Northeast, Korat is the largest city in Isan and the one of the largest cities in Thailand. Its size resulted from the need for a strong frontier city to govern the towns... (more)

• Loei

  Loei, one of Thailand's most sparsely populated provinces, is a fertile basin fed by the Loei and Man rivers, tributaries of the Mekong, making it one of the country's most geographically scenic regions... (more)

• Nakhon Phanom

  Nakhon Phanom translates from Sanskrit as the "City of Mountains," although the mountains lie on the other side of the river in Laos In sleepy Nakhon Phanom you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the... (more)

• Nong Khai

  Nong Khai is literally the end of the line—it's the country's northernmost railhead and bus terminus. To the east and west, the mighty Mekong meanders through largely uncharted territory, while across... (more)

• Phanom Rung

  Occupying a majestic spot on top of a 4,265-foot-tall mountain, Phanom Rung is not only a great vantage point for looking out at the plains of Isan, but is also the site of the best Khmer ruins in Thailand... (more)

• Phimai

  The town of Phimai boasts a verdant city square, an energetic market, tough muay thai boxers, and locally produced noodles, but it is most famous for its magnificent Khmer architecture at the Prasat Hin... (more)

• Si Saket

  With the exception of a newly constructed temple, Phrathat Ruang Rong, which is said to be one of the biggest in the northeastern part of the country, the provincial, unexciting town of Si Saket is best... (more)

• Surin

  With its Phanom Don Rak mountain range bordering Cambodia to the south, Surin has always been heavily influenced by Cambodian culture, and a large proportion of the local population speaks a Khmer dialect... (more)

• Ubon Ratchathani

  Ubon Ratchathani, known as the "Royal City of the Lotus," is Eastern Isan's largest city, but there is a positively provincial air about the place, especially at night, when, aside from the night markets... (more)

• Udon Thani

  As the site of a major U.S. Air Force base during the Vietnam War, Udon Thani quickly grew in size and importance. There are still traces of the massive U.S. presence in its hostess bars and shopping malls... (more)