Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Northeastern Thailand
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-rick-
shaw drivers pull passengers down city streets. If you have a penchant for authentic experi-
ences, it will surely be satisfied here.
Spend even 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 high-
lights of your entire trip.
When to Go
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Only 1% of foreign travellers who come to Thailand visit Isan, so you don't need to
worry about high and low seasons.
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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.
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As the hot season (March to May, 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.
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Isan is at its most beautiful during the rainy season (June to October) when 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.
