Tucked away in Thailand’s northeastern corner, Isaan remains one of the country’s most authentic and unspoiled regions.
Far from the tourist hotspots, Isaan offers a glimpse into traditional Thai life and a tapestry of lush rice paddies, winding rivers and ancient ruins to explore. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals and mouth-watering cuisine, Isaan is a destination for travellers seeking an experience beyond the usual.
Despite its off-the-beaten-path allure, Isaan is easily accessible and full of surprises even for seasoned Thailand travellers.
‘For those who are looking for deep cultural roots of Thailand, why not come to experience Isaan? Unlike any other parts of Thailand, the region is free of crowds yet full of lifestyle, culture, traditions and food’, explains Wantipa Patunamon, EXO Thailand Head of Product Development. ‘It’s one of my favourite destinations in Thailand of all time, and an exceptional region for a fun road trip‘!
Read on to learn more about how to get to Isaan and what to explore- find out why the region promises an unforgettable addition to a Thailand holiday.
Introduction to Isaan
Isaan offers a stark contrast to the more touristy areas of Thailand, offering a more authentic and laid-back experience. Although there are mountains, Isaan’s population is based predominantly in flatlands with fertile plains and rice paddies, resulting in a more rural atmosphere with a slower paced, more traditional way of life.
The region boasts a distinct culture, influenced by the traditions of neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. This is reflected in its language, music, dance and, most famously, cuisine.
While a week is ideal to explore Isaan but even a short weekend getaway can provide a taste of its charm. For a more immersive experience, consider extending your stay to explore smaller towns, rural villages and national parks like Pha Taem,
Unique Isaan experiences:
- Stay in a homestay: Get a true taste of local life with an overnight at Wang Nam Mok Homestay, enjoying authentic home-cooked meals and partaking in a special blessing ceremony.
- Phi Ta Khon Festival- Thailand’s Ghost Festival, is a vibrant celebration held annually during the rainy season in Dan Sai. It features colourful costumes and rituals honouring spirits and bears similarities to Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
- Sample local Isaan delicacies: Visit fresh markets to see – and sample- local delicacies and enjoy meals of classic Isaan dishes, such as papaya salad and grilled chicken.
- Explore the Mekong River: Take a small boat along the Mekong, enjoying views of riverside villages and stopping to visit lesser-known sites such as Kaeng Tana, National Park.
- Discover ancient, historic sites: Isaan province is home to Thailand’s first dinosaur fossil, Ankorian-era ruins, Ho Chi Minh’s childhood home, prehistoric settlements and much more.
Where to go?
- Udon Thani: This provincial capital is a great starting point for exploring Isaan. It is home to the Baan Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights the region’s ancient history, and Wat Phra Mahathat, a beautiful Buddhist temple with intricate carvings.
- Bueng Kan: This charming small town is home to the brilliant Living Community Museum, an traditional Isaan home converted into a fully immersive lifestyle and culture experience.
- Surin: Surin offers a great look at the region’s cultural heritage with village workshops specialising in traditional Thai silverware crafting and ancient silk weaving.
- Buriram – Located near the Cambodian border, Buriram and its surroundings are home to extinct volcanoes and an impressive number of ancient Khmer monuments, including Phnom Rung historical Park and Prasat Muang Tam.
- Khong Jiam- This charming small town is the jumping off point to Pha Taem National Park, home to a number of prehistoric paintings.
- Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom & Nong Khai- Based along the Mekong River, these towns provide a deeper understanding of the importance of the river on the lifestyle, cultural blend and economic activities of the region.
Planning a trip:
How to go? Isaan is well-connected to the rest of Thailand, making it easy for travellers to reach this fascinating region. Regular flights link Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Isaan’s main airports, including Udon Thani Airport (UTH) and Khon Kaen Airport (KKC). There are also trains connecting Bangkok to Udon Thani and Bangkok to Nong Khai. However, to fully enjoy the Isaan province, EXO recommends travelling by road with a private car with driver. This allows for ample stops in the small towns and rural areas that define the allure of the region.
When to go? Like Central Thailand, Isaan is marked by three seasons: cool season (November to February), hot/dry season (March to May) and green season (June to October). It is possible to visit throughout the year, although during the hot season it is best to wake up early to avoid outdoor activities during the peak heat.
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