CNN recently named Issan, Thailand’s northeastern region, as one of the top world destinations to visit, and for good reason.
Thailand’s most rural and remote region is often overlooked by travelers in favor of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, but with a unique and distinct culture, amazing food, and beautiful sites to see, Issan is an unmissable destination when planning a trip to Thailand. Head to Issan in 2018 for a look at old Siam, a land of tradition and history hiding just beyond the popular destinations in Thailand. From ancient Khmer temples and magical lotus seas, to dramatic waterfalls and incredible cultural festivals, don’t miss these top five amazing destinations in Issan!
Issan (Northeastern Thailand)
Top 5 Destinations in Issan
Khao Yai National Park, Pak Chong
Thailand’s first and most famous National Park is Khao Yai, literally meaning “Big Mountain”. From camping, trekking, and night safaris, there is a lot to do and see in Khao Yai. If you are lucky, you might even see some of the park’s famous wildlife; monkeys, deer, and wild elephants roam the kingdom’s third-largest national park.
It’s best to go to Khao Yai by motorbike or hired car. Admission is 400 baht. There are lots of wonderful accommodations and restaurants in the area, and the cooler hilly region is also perfect for growing grapes, making it one of Thailand’s few wine regions. Khao Yai is located near Pak Chong, only about three hours away from Bangkok. The sleepy little town is known as the “Gates of Issan”, and is the perfect place to begin your northeastern adventure.
The Red Lotus Sea, Udon Thani
“Udon”, not to be confused with “Ubon”, is best visited in the cool season, from about mid-November through February, when the large lake outside of the town runs low and thousands of beautiful crimson lotus flowers begin to bloom. It is best to visit the Red Lotus Sea in the morning or on an overcast day, when the flowers will be open and at their most impressive. You can hire a private boat for just 300 baht to cruise along the stunning lotus lake. Although popular with Thais, the Red Lotus Sea is still relatively unknown to foreigners, making it an exciting and unforgettable site to see.
Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram
An outpost of the ancient Khmer Empire (as in: Cambodia’s Angkor Wat), Phanom Rung is a sandstone Hindu temple built upon a long-extinct volcano. It’s one of the several examples of Angkor-style architecture in Thailand, and one of the best preserved. The central prang of the ruin is one of Issan’s most iconic sites, and is best identified as the logo for the popular Buriram United FC. Admission to the historical park is only 40 baht.
traditional Issan mask
Issan is the most rural and least developed region in Thailand. The economy is largely tied to rice farming and other agriculture. The region’s remoteness may have helped to preserve its unique culture.
Most famous of Issan culture, however, is the food! Well-known Thai dishes such as sticky rice, papaya salad (som tam), and larb (spicy minced pork) all originate in Issan!
spicy minced pork
LB convert 