Welcome to our Isan - North-East Thailand Guide
Provinces of Isan: Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nongbua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakhon Nakhon, Sisaket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Yasothon.
Isan is the North-East part of Thailand. Covering a third of the countryt area, it is located on the Khorat plateau, bordered in the North and East by the Mekong River and in the south by Cambodgia. Westward, it is separated of the central and northern part by the Phetchabun mountains chain.
Agriculture is the main economic activity in Isan, but because of the hot and dry climate and of the traditional poverty, production is weaker than in other parts of the country. It is the poorest region of Thailand.
Isan culture is mainly Lao, and is very similar to the neighboring country, Laos. This parenthood is obvious in the food, the clothes, the temples architecture, festivals and local art.
The main aspects of Isan culture include Mor Lam music, Thai Bocing or Muay Thaï, Coq fighting and food that includes a lot of sticky rice and hot chilis.
The main provincial capital of ISan is Nakhon Ratchasima, located 255 km North-East of Bangkok.
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North-East (Isan) Thailand Guide
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This area has a double cultural heritage : Khmer and Laotian. In the south of Isan area, many Khmer temples can be visited. The most famous are Prasat Phimai, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Prasat Hin Meuang Tam, Khao Phra Wihan close to the Kampuchea border.You can also find temples hidden in the forest called Wat Pa, with monks who decided to live in the forest in order to be far away from human beings ( Phra Thudong ).
The North-Eastern ancient traditions and customs are still present in fairs and festivals everywhere in Isan. The colorful Bun Bung Fai (rocket festival), the Candle Procession and the Wax Castle Festival are some of the most popular.
This is the biggest elephant gathering in Thailand. A few centuries ago elephants were used as war weapons. So during this feast, tourists can see Siamese war simulations and also elephant work demonstrations in the forest.
Khao Yai National Park is located some three hours northeast from Bangkok ,on Highway 2, west of Pak Chong and has lies on about 2,200 sqkm . It has several mountains, two important rivers, the Lam Thakhong and Nakhon Nayok, and over 20 waterfalls. There are many rare species of fauna and flora. It has accommodation facilities, and also a 18 holes golf course.
Lam Thakhong Dam, Located some 10km east of Pak Chong and about 65km before Nakhorn Ratchasima (Korat) on Highway 2. The lake-like reservoir can irrigate about 38,000 hectares of rice fields.
Ban Chiang Village in Udon Thani, where remains Bronze Age civilization (5,000 to 7,000 years ago) skeletons and tools that have been found, is a touristic spot.
In Udon Thani area can be found the park "Phu Phra Bat". Old paintings drawn before Buddhist era can be found inside the caves. Inside this park, there are strange rocks used by prehistoric people and then by Buddhist monks during the 10th century.
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North East Thailand Guide
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