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About isan
The northeast holds a rather distinct place for most Thais. Its something akin to the nation's heartland. This is where much of the nation's rice and other staple crops are grown. The region has a specific name, which is Isan. Isan also has a specific regional cuisine which is quite distinct from the central Thai food you will find in most western Thai restaurants.
Isan also has a rich history, with evidence of occupation going back at least 5,000 years. The region is near the heart of the old Khmer kingdom, and the ruins of Khmer Hindu and Buddhist temples are found throughout the area. In recent years, some rich fossil finds have also sparked keen interest, with a few "Jurassic Parks" to be found here and there.
Isan is probably the least tourist area of Thailand. Its an excellent place to spend time trying to see the real Thailand.
Northeast Thailand, also known as Isan, is home to 20 provinces. Sharing borders with Laos and Cambodia, it is Thailand’s largest region. There are four main cities, often collectively referred to as “The Big Four”: Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen.
Main Attractions in Isan
Buriram
Prasat Hin Phanom Rung
This historical park contains some of the most extensive Khmer era ruins in Thailand. A new visitor center will be opened in 2002 to facilitate more visitors.
Loei
Phu Kradung
National park which contains and surrounds the highest mountain in the northeast. Its a popular hiking and camping spot among Thais.
Nakorn Ratchasima
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex; a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, covering 5 protected areas from Khao Yai to Cambodian border. The other protected areas are; Pang Sida National Park, Thap Lan National Park, Ta Phraya National Park and Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Surin
Elephant Roundup
About the only thing worth seeing in this town. The annual roundup is held every November.
Udon Thani
Ban Chiang
About 35 miles east of Udon Thani town, this archaeological dig has become a tourist attraction. Artifacts dating back 5,000 years have been found here.
Ubon Ratchathani
Sam Phan Bok
The river bed features many holes, caused naturally by the flow of water. Spreading across a large area, it’s definitely an unusual sight. There are also towering cliffs, leading to the area having been nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Thailand.
Bueng Kan
Tham Naga
Naka Cave is a cave located in the area, Phu Langka National Park Bueng Khong Long District, Bueng Kan, the boundary between Bueng Kan and Nakhon Phanom.
The highlight of Naka Cave is that inside the cave you will find a rock shaped like a giant snake or the body of a serpent. It looks like the scales of a large snake.
According to folklore or local beliefs, some people believe that the Naga that the villagers called Pu Aue Lue was cursed to become a stone trapped in this cave.