Known as Isan in Thai, the Northeast consists mostly of a plateau. Some may think that this area is dry and lifeless. But in fact, it has large numbers of tourist spots, especially sites of historical and archaeological significance.
Nakhonratchasima (Korat) (259 km from bangkok),or Korat for short, is the gateway to the Northeast,where are located the Thao Suranari Monument, Khmer-style stone shrine Prasat Hin Phimai and an over 250-year-old banyan tree.
Khon Kaen (449 km from bangkok),one of the northeastern commercial centres famous for the local product -- matmi silk. At Phuwiang National Park, dinosaurs' fossils, which were uncovered at the site, are on show.
Kalasin (519 km from bangkok) is where dinosaurs' fossils were excavated and are now exhibited at Dinosaur Research Centre in Sahatkhan District.
Ubon Ratchathani (629 km from bangkok) is the easternmost province of Thailand, bordering Laos on the east and Cambodia on the south. The renowned Pha Taem and Pha Mon are sandstone cliffs featuring prehistoric colour paintings. Other attractions include beautiful old temples and many rapids and cascades along the Mun and Mekong rivers.
Sakon Nakhon (647 km from bangkok) offers tourists the picturesque scenery of the vast Nong Han Lake and Phu Phan National Park.
Surin (457 km from bangkok), the land of elephants, is world famous for its Elephant Round-up taking place at the third weekend of November.
Sisaket (571 km from bangkok) where the famous Khmer ruins, Khao Phra Wihan, is located on the Cambodian border.There are many other Khmer-style stone buildings in the province which are worth visiting.
Buriram (410 km from bangkok) Comprising plenty of Khmer ruins, this province is where the largest Khmer-style stone temple, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is located.
Loei (520 km from bangkok), a challenging place for nature lovers who want to admire the scenic beauty of Phu Kradueng National Park in the cool season.
Recommend hotels in Chiangkhan (Loei)
Udonthani (564 km from bangkok) is famous for its World Heritage site -- Ban Chiang Village of ancient civilisation, and Phu Phra Bat Historical Park with bizarre rock formations.
Nongkhai (615 km from Bangkok) drive along Highway No.1(Phahonyothin Road), past Saraburi and switch to Highway No.2 (Mittraphap Road) passing through Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani to Nong Khai, a total distance of 615 km and a 9-10 hour drive.
Nong Khai is a border town on the bank of the Mekong River. This province is a gateway to Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR.), and a friendship bridge links the two countries. It is also the site of the famous Naga Fireballs.
Mukdahan (642 km from Bangkok). Driving to Mukdahan, motorists should follow a route from Bangkok through Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amphoe Ban Phai, Maha Sarakham, Amphoe Phon Thong, Roi Et, and Amphoe Khamcha-I to Mukdahan.the pearl on the bank of the Mekong, has been an historical gateway to Indochinese countries, and the population of the province reflects this: 8 different ethnic minorities live in Mukdahan; namely, Thai Isan, Phu Thai, Thai Kha, Kraso, Thai Kaloeng, Thai Yo, Thai Saek, and Thai Kula. Mukdahan has abundant natural beauty and is also famed for its high quality Mudmee silk.
Nakhonpanom (740 km from bangkok) is well known for its Phrathat Phanom, which is a very ancient pagoda containing a relic of the Buddha, and its annual Illuminated Boat Procession Festival, which is held around October or November.
