• Thailand Guide

  • Introduction to Thailand
  • Weather
  • Things Not to Miss
  • Getting around
  • Money
  • Public holidays
  • Entry requirements

• Explore Thailand

  • The central plains
  • The north
  • The east coast
  • The northeast: Isaan
  • Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
  • Southern Thailand: the Andaman coast
  • The deep south

• Cities

  • Bangkok
    
  • Chiang Mai
    
  • Chiang Rai
    
  • Chumphon
    
  • Hat Yai
    
  • Kamphaeng Phet
    
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat
    
  • Pattaya
    
  • Phitsanulok
    
  • Surat Thani
    

Thailand Guide

The northeast: Isaan

Bordered by Laos and Cambodia on three sides, the tableland of northeast Thailand – known as Isaan, after the Hindu god of death and the northeast – comprises a third of the country's land area but is its least-visited region, and its poorest. Its prime destinations are the ruins of the magnificent eleventh-century Khmer stone temple complexes, especially at Phimai and Phanom Rung, constructed as prototypes for Cambodia's Angkorian sanctuaries. The upland trails and waterfalls of Khao Yai National Park are an additional highlight, as is the chance to boat down the mighty Mekong River. Several local festivals also draw massive crowds, especially Surin's elephant round-up.

At Chiang Khan, the Mekong River begins its leisurely course around Isaan with a sprinkling of attractive guest houses. Marking the eastern end of this upper stretch, the border town of Nong Khai gives access to one of the most outlandish temples in Thailand, Wat Sala Kaeo Kou. The most important religious site in the northeast, however, is at That Phanom, way downstream .

The other big draw for travellers are Isaan's border crossings into Laos, the most popular of which is at Nong Khai, with easy road access to Vientiane; the others are Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Chong Mek. It's also possible to travel overland between Isaan and Cambodia via the Thai town of Kap Choeng, in Surin province, to O'Smach (for Anlong Veng and Siem Reap); and via Sa Ngam in Si Saket province to Choam in Anlong Veng.