Northeast Thailand, known as Isaan, is one of Thailand's most rural and agricultural regions. Isaan is one of the most authentic areas that is often overlooked when traveling Thailand. Discover the best tourist destinations in Northeast Thailand, most popular cultural & natural attractions, and the best places to visit in Isaan.
Northeast Thailand Destinations
If you want to experience Thailand as it once was, you should include some of the Northeast Thailand destinations in your trip itinerary.
Nakhon Ratchasima / Korat
Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, is a province in Northeastern Thailand (Isaan). Locating a few hours away from Bangkok and called the Gateway to Isaan. The province is rich in Khmer culture and has a long history. All ranges of tourist attractions can be found throughout the province from beautiful landscapes, many waterfalls, forests and mountains.
Top attractions in Nakhon Ratchasima include Phimai Historical Park, Ban Prasat Archaeological Site, Thung Samrit Memorial, Prasat Phanom Wan, Thao Suranari Monument, Khao Yai National Park, Jim Thompson Farm, Farm Chokchai, Wat Ban Rai.
The best accommodations in the province are listed here: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotels.
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is one of the most unique areas to visit in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima province in the northeast of Thailand. The name of Khao Yai, meaning "big mountain", is the name of the national park, covering an area of 2168 square kilometers. Khao Yai is an ideal destination for tourists and locals who want to relax within natural and a peaceful environment. There are different types of accommodations with hotels, resorts, bungalows, and cottages set along the road to Khao Yai National Park. If you are planning to overnight there, discover the best Khao Yai National Park hotels.
Udon Thani
Udon Thani, sometimes shortened to 'Udon', is another big province in Northeast Thailand. Located on the north side of Korat, it serves as another center of transportation and tourism in Isaan of Thailand. Udon Thani is located about 50 km from the Lao border about 560 kilometers north-northeast from Bangkok. The city is surrounded by agricultural areas, while many prehistoric ruins with ancient history such as Ban Chian which included in the UNESCO heritage list remain.
Top attractions in Udon Thani include Ban Chiang Museum, Phu Phrabat Historical Park, Nong Prajak Public Park, Sea Of Red Lotuses, Phu Foi Lom Eco-park, Udon Thani Provincial Museum and Wat Tung Toomkam Temple.
The best accommodations in the province are listed here: Udon Thani Hotels.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is set down itself on a mountain called Phu Phra Bat, It is a part of sandstone mountain range of Phu Phan which is on the west side of Udon Thani Province, Referring to the past archeological examination, the area on Phu Phra Bat mountain has been proved for some activities of prehistoric humans taken place around 2,500 – 3,000 years ago. As for the sample of over 54 sources of art paintings that were uncovered on this mountain. Besides, the traditional rock shelters were also found and consequently adapted to be places of worship for people from Dvaravati, Khmer, Lan Chang and Rattanakosin cultures.
Chiang Khan
Chiang Khan is a small peaceful town in Loei province, located on the bank of the Mekong River with Laos on the other side of the river.
Chiang Khan is an old town and a very popular destination for Thai tourists. The town is famous for its simple wooden houses adapted to be guest houses, coffee shops, and souvenir shops.
Other Destinations in Northeast Thailand
Fourth largest city in the country, Khon Kaen plays an important role as the center of the commercial, education and political in the northeastern region. The city is one of the off-the-beaten-path Thai destinations.
Nong Khai is the town where the First Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge and Thailand - Laos border crossing is located.
Surin is a province in the lower Northeastern region or "Southern Isan". It is a quiet and peaceful local city except for the Elephant Festival held in November every year. Surin is also home to Khmer influences where various Khmer ruins can be found.
Si Sa Ket is located in lower northeastern Thailand. As Si Sa Ket borders Cambodia, the city is rich with Khmer Ruins, it is another interesting destination for tourist.
Northeast Thailand Transportation
Transportation options for a trip in Northeast Thailand can be found and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.
Weather in Northeast Thailand
In the Northeast Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry with little rain expected throughout the region for much of this time. The dry season here is broken up into the periods of cool season (November to February), when it can get quite chilly at night, and hot season (March to May), when it is not unusual for the temperature to reach even 40°C.
The wet season in the Northeast Thailand is from May to November. The region is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall is at its heaviest. The rain usually comes in the form of short showers, lasting an hour or two. As the rainy season progresses, the rain can become heavier and more constant, traditionally reaching peak levels in August and September.
For the best time to visit Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Chiang Khan and other destinations in Isan region check our Northeast Thailand weather ratings chart.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
After visiting Isan you are planning to continue your trip down south or to the central area? Check when is the best time to visit Thailand's other destinations and choose destination with the best possible weather conditions wisely.
