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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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