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Instead of endless fun on beaches, Northeastern Thailand (also known as the Isan region) brings a more peaceful atmosphere. A real Thailand, with a mix of Laos. This 10-day Isan itinerary will let you fully experience that unique charm. Keep reading Asia King Travel’s guide to uncover this hidden gem.
The beauty of Isan lies in its tranquility and cultural fusion
The northeastern region of Thailand may seem underrated, but that’s part of what makes it so special. While most tourists are heading to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or the islands, Isan quietly flies under the radar.
This Isan travel guide aims to highlight what makes the region stand out. Thai-Lao culture in Isan is exactly what makes the region so unique and rewarding to explore. You’ll hear a different dialect, eat dishes that are spicier and tangier, and stumble upon traditions and festivals you won’t see anywhere else in the country.
In short, if you’re looking to slow down, eat insanely good food, and see a side of Thailand most tourists miss, Isan is calling. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously underrated, and that’s exactly why you’ll love it. “Is Isan worth visiting?” The answer is a big yes.
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Your journey into Thailand’s underrated northeast begins with a drive from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, more commonly known as Korat. It takes around 3 to 4 hours by car, and the roads are in good condition for an easy ride.
Once you arrive, visit Phimai Historical Park, one of the most significant Khmer temple complexes in Thailand. This ancient site predates even Angkor Wat and is remarkably well-preserved. While you're in the area, don’t miss a peaceful walk under the sprawling canopy of Sai Ngam, the largest banyan tree grove in Thailand.
In the evening, explore Phimai town's local markets, where you can nibble on authentic Isan street food. Stay the night in Korat to rest up for more adventures tomorrow.
Phimai Stone Castle is the largest Khmer structure in Thailand
On the second day, make a short stop at Dan Kwian Pottery Village just outside Korat. This charming village has been producing distinctive, reddish-brown ceramics for generations. You can watch or even try your hand at making pottery.
From there, head east toward Buriram, but make sure to stop at Wat Khao Angkhan along the way. Sitting atop an extinct volcano, this rarely visited temple features an eclectic mix of ancient Dvaravati-style relics and modern Buddhist structures, all surrounded by peaceful forest views.
After midday, you’ll arrive at the highlight of the day, Phanom Rung Historical Park. Perched on another extinct volcano, this breathtaking Khmer temple complex was built to align perfectly with the rising sun on certain days of the year.
The first days take us through Khmer culture before we reach Lao culture
Wrap up the day by settling into a local guesthouse or boutique hotel in Buriram, and perhaps treat yourself to a fiery Isan dinner. Buriram’s grilled chicken is legendary.
This stretch of your Thailand northeast itinerary is all about cultural immersion. In Surin, your first stop is Ban Taklang Elephant Village. Visitors can feed, bathe, or simply observe and snap photos as they go through their training routines. You’ll start to feel the strong thread of Thai-Lao culture in Isan that flows through everyday life here.
From there, continue to Surin Silk Village, where you can watch skilled weavers at work using age-old techniques to produce some of Thailand’s most beautiful silk textiles. This is a great place to buy high-quality Thai souvenirs. If you're still asking what to do in Isan Thailand beyond temples, this province offers a real taste of tradition and culture.
In the evening, try Surin’s version of larb, a spicy minced meat salad that’s punchier than the northern version, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this lesser-visited province. Stay overnight in Surin, where boutique stays and quiet guesthouses offer warm hospitality.
People and elephants live together in Ban Taklang
Day 4’s drive to Ubon Ratchathani is relaxed and scenic. Once you reach the town, you can’t miss Wat Nong Bua, a stunning golden chedi inspired by Mahabodhi Temple in India. Afterward, visit Ubon Ratchathani National Museum for a crash course in the region’s archaeology, art, and ethnic history.
As the sun sets, behold the magical light at Wat Sirindhorn Wararam. Parts of the floor and the walls light up due to the fluorescent paint that is used to decorate the temple. The most beautiful sight is the "Tree of Life" carved on the back wall of the main hall, which glows as the sun begins to set, offering one of the most memorable visual moments of your Thailand northeast itinerary.
The glowing, magical patterns when the light goes out
Still an easy drive to Kalasin, a province that may not be on most travelers’ radar. But it should be, especially if you’re into dinosaurs. Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum is built right beside a real excavation site and features life-size skeletons and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages. Nearby is Phu Kum Khao, a hill where real dinosaur fossils were first discovered in the region. Maybe you will walk among the excavation sites.
Later in the day, take a detour up to Wat Phutthawat Phu Sing, a serene hilltop temple that offers gorgeous views over Kalasin’s green landscapes. By nightfall, you'll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure in Thailand’s northeast. Stay overnight in Kalasin, where the pace is slow and the charm is real.
Start your morning with a simple, authentic breakfast: grilled chicken and sticky rice. Then, head west to Khon Kaen, a lively university town with a youthful energy. The first destination to visit is Khon Kaen Zoo, located a bit outside the city, complete with a hilltop cable car and panoramic views. Back to the city, have lunch at the scenic Bueang Kaen Nakhon Lake.
In the afternoon, just a short drive away is Chonnabot Village, famed for its handwoven silk. Here you can watch weavers in action and shop for beautiful, affordable textiles. At night, explore Khon Kaen’s buzzing night market scene and dig into a plate of spicy grilled pork salad or Isan-style grilled sticky rice.
The next day is a visit to the largest city in Isan - Udon Thani. If you're up for a sunrise adventure, take a slight detour to Red Lotus Lake. It’s best visited early in the morning when thousands of blooming pink lotuses float on the surface of a freshwater lake, even better if you're there in season (usually November to February).
The lake gets its name from being covered in a pink hue of lotuses and water lilies
Once in Udon Thani, never forget Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the world’s earliest Bronze Age civilizations. The museum here is small but packed with ancient pottery, burial sites, and artifacts over 5,000 years old.
Udon Thani also has a strong Vietnamese influence, so don’t miss trying a bowl of pho or Vietnamese-style pork sausage known locally as moo yor. The best places to try those are at UD Night Market or Vietnamese food stalls.
From Udon Thani, it’s a short and scenic drive to Nong Khai. Along the way, you can make a stop at the Red Lotus Lake if you didn’t get a chance to visit yesterday. In Nong Khai, a must-visit spot is Sala Keoku, an extraordinary sculpture park filled with towering, surreal Buddhist and Hindu-inspired statues.
In the afternoon, cycle along the bank of Mekong River, the most loved activity here by backpackers. You can actually see Vientiane - the capital of Laos on the other side. After that, sit down at a riverside restaurant and sample your dinner. Everything will be better with some cups of Beerlao.
Let yourself relax in the cool breeze by the river
After breakfast by the river, hit the road toward Nakhon Phanom. The drive is long but rewarding, about 4 to 5 hours, so consider stopping in Sakon Nakhon for lunch. Once in Nakhon Phanom, the pace slows to a gentle rhythm. The riverside promenade here is gorgeous.
In Nakhon Phanom, there's a large Vietnamese community, and President Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked here for two years. So if you're a history enthusiast, be sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House. It feels like you're traveling through both Vietnam and Thailand at the same time.
The memorial site is built next to the thatched house where President Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked
On your final day, how about having a Vietnamese-style breakfast with coffee and banh mi? If you have time before departure, explore the colonial-era buildings and quiet streets that make Nakhon Phanom so charming. Depending on your travel plans, you can either fly back to Bangkok from Nakhon Phanom Airport or extend your Isan adventure even further. Perhaps explore more of the Mekong River towns or cross into Laos for a seamless Thakhek Loop.
Traveling through Isan is like uncovering a side of Thailand that few tourists take the time to see. It’s not exciting experiences, it’s a slow discovery. So if you’re ready to go beyond the usual beach-and-temple route, hit the road and give northeast Thailand a chance. Contact Asia King Travel to let us be your Isan travel guide!
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