Thailand Travel Guide (Country Travel Guide) by Planet Lonely

Author:Planet, Lonely [Planet, Lonely]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet
Published: 2012-02-03T08:00:00+00:00

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Northeastern Thailand

Includes »

Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

Phimai

Khao Yai National Park

Phanom Rung Historical Park

Surin

Ubon Ratchathani

Khon Kaen

Udon Thani

Nong Khai

Chiang Khan

Phu Kradueng National Park

Wat Phu Tok

Nakhon Phanom

Sakon Nakhon

Roi Et

Why Go?

For travellers and Thais alike, the northeast is Thailand’s forgotten backyard. Isan (ee·săhn) , as it’s called, offers a glimpse of the Thailand of old: rice fields run to the horizon, water buffalo wade in muddy ponds, silk weavers work looms under their homes, and pedal-rickshaw drivers pull passengers down city streets. If you have a penchant for authentic experiences, it will surely be satisfied here.

Spend even just a little time in this colossal corner of the country and you’ll discover as many differences as similarities to the rest of Thailand. The language, food and culture are more Lao than Thai, with hearty helpings of Khmer and Vietnamese thrown into the mix.

And spend time here you should because it’s home to some of Thailand’s best historic sites, national parks and festivals. Thailand’s tourist trail is at its bumpiest here (English is rarely spoken), but the fantastic attractions and daily interactions could end up being highlights of your trip.

When to Go

Only 1% of foreign travellers who come to Thailand visit Isan, so you don’t need to worry about high and low seasons. The relatively cool dry season from November through February is the most comfortable time to visit, and the Surin Elephant Round-up in November is one festival worth planning your travels around. As the March-to-May hot season (when temperatures can climb over 40°C) comes to a close, towns and villages across the region, most famously Yasothon, launch giant homemade rockets into the sky to call for rain.

Isan is at its most beautiful during the June-to-October rainy season because the forests and rice paddies turn green and the waterfalls run wild. Dan Sai’s Phi Ta Khon Festival (June) and Ubon Ratchathani’s Candle Parade (July) attract hordes of Thai tourists.

Best Places to Eat

» Bao Phradit ( Click here )

» Turm-Rom ( Click here )

» Nagarina ( Click here )

Best Places to Stay

» Ban Kham Pia homestay ( Click here )

» Mut Mee Garden Guesthouse ( Click here )

» Poonsawasdi Hotel ( Click here )

» Kirimaya ( Click here )

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