What to do in Isaan?

Located in the northeast of Thailand, Isaan is the largest region in the country… and the least touristy. Here, there are no beaches or unbridled parties, but a raw, rural, authentic Thailand. You can discover Khmer temples, living agricultural traditions, and a population of disarming hospitality.

🌄 Little-known temples and historical sites

🏛️ Phanom Rung & Prasat Hin Phimai

Two masterpieces of Khmer architecture, dating from the same empire as that of Angkor in Cambodia:

• Phanom Rung : Perched on an ancient volcano, this temple offers stunning views and a mystical atmosphere.
• Phimai : more accessible, in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima, it looks a lot like a mini Angkor Wat.

⛩️ Wat Phra That Phanom

One of the most sacred places for Buddhists in the northeast, on the banks of the Mekong River. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual, with pilgrims coming from all over the country.

🧭 Local Experiences & Rural Immersion

🥢 Isaan’s Cuisine

Get ready to sweat: Isaan is the kingdom of som tam (very spicy green papaya salad), larb (minced meat salad) and sticky rice. To be enjoyed in the markets or village restaurants.
👉 You can also offer a typical Isaan cooking workshop if you find a local affiliate partner (e.g. in the Ubon or Khon Kaen region).

🐃 Sleeping with locals

In small villages like those around Chiang Khan, Nong Khai or Kalasin, you can have a unique experience: sleeping in a traditional house, helping on the farm or learning how to cook glutinous rice.

🧶 Local crafts

Silk weaving in Surin province or traditional pottery in Dan Kwian are skills that have been passed down for generations. Some villages offer demonstrations or workshops.

🌿 Nature, river and landscapes

🌅 The Mekong, a living border

The river forms the natural border with Laos. Along Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan or Chiang Khan, you can take riverside bike rides, river cruises or simply watch the sublime sunsets.

🌾 Phu Kradueng National Park

One of the most beautiful parks in the country, with green plateaus, waterfalls and a cooler climate. It takes several hours to hike to the top, but the view and atmosphere are worth it.

🛶 The “3,000 holes” (Sam Phan Bok)

A natural canyon in the bed of the Mekong, spectacular in the dry season. Explore by boat or on foot at sunrise. This is the “Great Wall of the Mekong”.

💡 Practical information to visit Isaan

• 📍 How to get there?
  🚗 Ideal car rental to explore freely
  ✈️ Domestic flights to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani
  🚍 Long-distance buses from Bangkok (be careful, it’s long)
• 🕰️ How long should I expect?
  👉 Minimum 5 days to get a good overview (Phimai, Mekong, rural immersion).
  Ideally 10 days if you want to explore multiple provinces.
• 🗓️ Best time?
  November to February: dry and pleasant weather
  Beware of extreme heat in April and rainfall in August-September
• 💰 Budget?
  Very affordable! Accommodation from 8-10€/night, meals at 1-2€, cheap local activities.
  👉 Ideal for backpackers and slow travelers.