Northeastern region   (Isan)

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Known as Isan or Esarn, the northeast is the least changed part of Thailand and offers a fascinating mix of traditional rural life and culture, mountain sceneries, Mekong river life and spectacular Khmer temple ruins from the Angkor period. Traveling through the Isan region is like traveling back in time. The people of the Isan pursue agrarian lifestyles dictated by the annual cycle of the farming seasons and unchanged by the passage of time. The region’s ancient cultural traditions and customs in music, folk dances, legends and festivals are better preserved here than anywhere else in Thailand and the population is friendly and charming, even though it is among the poorest of Thailand.

The lower Isan was part of the old Angkor kingdom. Ruins of Angkor temple sanctuaries are scattered across the countryside. The most impressive examples of these "Prasat Hin" (stone castles) are the superbly restored sites at Phimai and Phanom Rung, both historical parks, and the great temple complex at Khao Phra Viharn on the Cambodian border which is also now accessible to visitors after a long period of isolation. The region is home to some of Thailand’s best loved national parks Khao Yai and Phu Kradung. The region's most precious treasure, however, is its charming people as you can experience for yourself during a homestay when you will stay a few days at home with a Thai host family in a small Isan country village in Khonkaen and take part in authentic daily country life.