Yasothon

Yasothon, Isan, Thailand

Yasothon province covers the broad valley of the Mae Nam Chi just 100 km before it joins the Mun River on the outskirts of Ubon Ratchathani. Once a district of Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon became a province in 1972. The provincial town on Highway 23 is famous for the Bun Bong Fai or Rocket Festival held each year in early May.This small province has a large Muslim population. Traveling the heartland route from Khon Kaen, Yasothon is the far south-eastern point bordering on Ubon Ratchathani.

Yasothon Attractions:Phra That Yasothon or Phra That Phra Anon is in Wat Maha That Yasothon in Muang district. 1,300 year old chedi spire resembles Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom. Relics of Phra Anon, the closest disciple of the Lord Buddha, are kept here, and a festival to honour the Chedi occurs in March. The century-old scripture hall with its library is built on stilts in the middle of a pond.

The nine-acre Phaya Thaen Public Garden on Chaeng Sanit Road in the town itself is a community park where concerts and plays are hosted. Boat racing, Songkran festivities and events like the "Bun Bong Fai" Rocket Festival also are staged here.
The Phra That Kong Khao Noi at Ban Tat Thong is a distinctive brick pagoda dating back to the late Ayutthaya period (18 century).Dong Muang Toey near the village of ban Song Puay in Kham Kuan Keao district is the site of a community believed to have originated around the 6th century. The ruins of a building at the site bear words which indicate that it was a Brahman shrine.Mae Nam Chee Beach is a 2 km stretch of sand banks at the edge of the Chi River. The area is exposed as the river recedes during the dry season from December to May. Vendors set up food stalls and the sand bank transforms into an Isan style beach.Phu Tham Phra, 16 km from Loeng Nok Tha district, is a famous cave that contains several Buddha images. Other notable caves include Kheng Ngu Chuang, Kliang and Phrom Butr.

Phu Thang Kwian, a rocky peak in the Phu Phan Mountains, 24 km from Kut Chum district, offers a spectacular view of the surrounding country.Ban Si Than Pa Tiu district, 20 km east of Yasothon on Highway 202, isnoted for its handicrafts - khid cloth and triangle-shaped mawh kwan pillows.Bun Bong Fa or Rocket Festival is held throughout Isan in early May, but is at its best in Yasothon where the town turns the ceremony into a two-day celebration. Held to induce the gods to send rain, the traditional giant rockets are fired into the sky to herald the start of rice planting. A contest for the best rocket is held one day prior to the launching. Fireworks display, parades and beauty contests have also been added to make this festival one of the most colourful in Isan.

Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen, Isan, Thailand

Khon Kaen is a bustling, prosperous town in the heart of Isan. Established in 1783, Khon Kaen is today the centre for regional development projects and home to the Northeast's largest university.
Khon Kaen is 450 km from Bangkok and covers an area of 10,886 square kilometres. It has 20 districts and three sub-districts. Khon Kaen is a tourism and transport hub for the heartland and northern provinces of Isan. In addition to its modern airport, the city is a busy junction on Highway 2 and an important station on the northern railway line to Nong Khai.
The province has plenty of tourist attractions to keep visitors occupied, but Khon Kaen geographically is the most central gateway in the region, offering convenient links to the northern and central provinces. In the east, the Mekong River at Nakhon Panom is 295 km from Khon Kaen. Nong Khai is 213 km to the north while Nakhon Ratchasima is 219 km to the south.

Khon Kaen Attractions:

Tourist attractions in Khon Kaen vary from natural scenery to religious and archaeological sites.

Bung Kaen Nakhon, a lake in the southern part of town, is popular spot with food stalls selling local specialities such as som tam (spicy papaya salad) and kai yang (grilled chicken.)
Khon Kaen National Museum has a large collection of artifacts discovered at archaeological sites at Ban Change and Fa Daet Song Yang in Kalasin province.Phra That Kham Kaen is a 19-metre-high chedi at Wat Jediyaphum about 30 km from town. According to a legend, two monks on their way to Nakhon Phanom province spent the night at the site of the current temple where they observed a dead tamarind tree. Upon returning, they saw the tree had miraculously come back to life. They told the villagers to build a chedi over the "kham Kaen" (hardwood log). The province derives its name from this chedi. About 50 km north-west of Khon Kaen is the Ubol Ratana Reservoir. Named after the eldest daughter of HM the King and Queen, it is the biggest multipurpose dam in the Northeast, generating electricity for eight neighboring provinces. There is a restaurant with view of the dam and reservoir. Boat trips are available too.

Udon Thani

Udon Thani, Isan, Thailand

Udon Thani is on the main rail line to Nong Khai and an important commercial centre on Highway 2. This arterial road cuts through the centre of Isan and links Nong Khai on the northern border with Laos, Khon Kaen, the gateway city in the heart of Isan, the southern gateway Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok 560 km due south. The city also has modern airport capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft.
Considered one of the more prosperous provinces in the Northeast, Udon has thrived as a transport hub and agricultural market centre for northern Isan. As overland travel to Laos expands in combination with trips of northern Isan, Udon's airport will play a more significant role. Udon is just 56 km south of Nong Khai and the Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River.Most of the tourist attractions are out of the city itself which has a modern bustling ambience. Without doubt, the most important site is Ban Chiang where excavations revealed a civilization dating back 7,000 years.

Udon Thani Attractions:

Nong Prachak is a sprawling park in the north-west suburb of Udon. A gently rolling landscape, large ponds and picturesque footbridges make this park a delightful retreat from the surrounding bustle.

Udon Sunshine Fragrant Orchid Garden was established as horticultural centre for orchid-raising 10 years ago. One of its success is a new species called "Miss Udon Sunshine"

Ban Na Kha village in Muang district is well known for "kid", an intricate cloth-weaving technique used to make cotton fabrics and decorative items. Reasonably priced products are on sale. Another village, Ban Thon, also specialists in kid products.

Ban Chiang, a village 56 km east of Udon, is the site of an ancient culture in Thailand. Theagrarian people who inhabited Ban Chiang 5,000 to 7,000 years ago were adept at making bronze tools, but their clay pottery has attracted the most attention. The vases, urns and assorted pots are characterised by distinctive burnt orange swirl patterns. A museum was established at the site near Wat Po Sri Nai and is open daily from 0900 to 1600. Admission is Bt 10. An exhibition hall displays an extensive collection of Ban Chiang artifacts. An outdoor section was set up adjacent to where the Fine Arts Department continues the excavations. In December 1992, Ban Chiang was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Both genuine Ban Chiang and fake pottery can be found at small road side stalls. Note: It is illegal to export genuine Ban Chiang artifacts. Even fake pottery could be confiscated. Even fake pottery could be confiscated at the airport too, so it not advisable to buy either.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is on the foothills of the Phu Phan Mountains in Ban Phu district, 68 km north-west of Udon. The park is full of bizarre rock formations and shrines built around the boulders. A rocky plain called Non Sao Eh stone was the inspiration for a local tale "Nang Usa and Tao Baros"Several temples and Buddhist shrines are located in the park. Sema stone markers and high relief sandstone Dvaravati-era Buddha images can also be seen. Evidence of prehistoric cultures can be found in a number of caves where there are wall paintings of humans and animals.

shrine at Wat Phra Buddha Bat Bua Bok, near the entrance of the park, contains the Bua Bok Buddha footprint. Two caves south-east of the monastery- Tham Lai Meu and tham Non Sao Eh - and another two to the west - Tham Khon and Tham Wua are important places to visit for Isan residents. The wall paintings and the nearby art of monastery illustrate the progression of art forms over centuries.

Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani, Isan, Thailand

Ubon Ratchathani, literally called the Royal City of Lotus is the largest of the southern or lower Isan provinces with an area of 15,819 square kilometres and a population of 1.6 million. It has a 100 km is shared with Cambodia.The Mun and Chi rivers join 10 km west of the provincial town and flow east to the Mekong that marks the border with Laos.
The border checkpoint, however, is at chung Mek some distance from the river which sweeps east in to Laos towards Pakse. Settled by people of mainly Lao extraction in the late 18th century, the provincial town is a bustling commercial centre linked by road, rail and air.
It is 575 km from Bangkok by rail and 629 km by road. Yasothon is 100 km to the north-west while Si Sa Ket, its neighboring province, is 80 km to the west. Pakse, the southern Lao town, is a one-hour drive by car and ferry from the border town Chong Mek situated on Highway 217, 80 km east of Ubon.Ubon figures as the final or start of a lower Isan tour. Sometimes called the Emerald Triangle, a reference to its forests and borders with Laos and Cambodia, it is best known for its candle wax sculptures that are paraded through the city in late July. Ubons' airport, the highways and rail system also means it is now figured as a gateway to southern Laos, using either the ferry crossings on the Mekong River or the land route via Chong Mek to Pakse.

Ubon Ratchathani Attractions:

Wat Suputtanaram Woraviharn, on Somdej Road, was the home of the Dharmayuthi sect in the mid-19th centruy. The architecture of the main chapel is a mix of Thai, European and Khmer styles. In front of chapel is a huge wooden bell.

Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Tong) on Uparat Road was built in 1855. The ordination hall, an imitation of the Mrble Temple in Bangkok, houses a topaz Chiang Saen Buddhan image. This image was brought to Thailand form Vientiane at the same time as the Emerald Buddha, which was later enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

Wat Maha Wanaram on Sapphasit Road is the principal temple of Ubon. Built in 1807, it houses the Phra Chao Yai Indra Plang, a Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara.

Ban Pa-ao, 21 km from Ubon, is a handicraft village noted for its cloth-weaving, bronze ware and silverware. A crafts centre has daily demonstrations and wide selection of goods for sale. Kaeng Saphu is a beautiful set of rapids on the Mun, 75 km east of Ubon, as the river approaches the Mekong. The best time to visit the area is between January and May.

Ubon Ratchathani National Museum on Khuen Khan Road was formerly a palace of King Rama VI. The museum's collection ranges from ancient bronze tools and Ban Chiang-style pottery to fine examples of Southeast Asian art produced since the Dvaravati period. There is also an exhibition of Ubon crafts and culture. Many of the exhibits have English sub-titles.

Wat Pa Nanchat Bung Wai, also in Warin Chamrap district, is a branch of Wat Nong Pa Pong. Most of the monks here are Americans, Europeans or Japanese. English is the main language spoken. Men who wish to stay more than three nights at the temple are required to shave their heads. The temple is opposite Beung Wai village on the road to Si Sa Kat.

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon, Isan, Thailand

Sakhon Nakhon is well-known amongst Thais for its association with two of the counry's most famous Buddhist monks. Achan Man Bhuritatto and Achan Fan Ajaro both attained a high level of meditation while living in this peaceful province. A museum is dedicated to Achan Man at Wat Suthawat Achan Fan Ajaro established a cave hermitage at Tham Kharm on Phu Phaan mountain. A museum commemorating his works is found at Wat Pa Udom Somphon, a monastery linked to his early ministry, located 37 km from the town.
The province is also home to Phra That Choeng Chum Sanctuary, Nong Han, Thailand's largest fresh-water natural lake, and culture of Phu Thai tribe. It is 647 km from bangkok and 207 km north-east of Khon Kaen. Just 85 km to the east, at the banks of the Mekong River, Nakhon Panom has emerged as an important gateway to Laos.

Sakhon Nakhon Attractions:Somdej Phra Srinakarin Park, near Nong Han, has 50 acres of lawns and gardens surrounding a pond named Sa Pang Pong.

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, near Nong Han, has a prominent Lao-style chedi. The 25-metre-high chedi was built in the Ayutthaya period over a 11th century Khmer prang. An annual celebration is held at the temple in January.

Wat Pa Suthawat, opposite the government service centre in town, has a small museum displaying the belongings and relics of one of Isn's most revered monks, Phra Achan Man Bhuritatto.The Phra That Narai Cheng Weng Castle was built by Phra Nang Cheng Weng, the wife of a 10th-11th century Khmer ruler. Local people now call it "Phra That Na Weng". Originally part of a Khmer Hindu complex, the prang has exquisitely carved lintels portraying Shiva and a reclining Vishnu.

Nong Han, the largest fresh-water lake in Thailand, is located in the town's eastern suburbs. Boat races are held on the lake at the end of the Buddhist Lent. It is not safe to swim in the lake or eat the snails that breed here due to the presence of parasites known as liver flukes, that can cause the liver infection opisthorchiasis.

Sakon Nakhon Cultural Centre is located at Sakon Nakhon Teacher's College, 6 km from town. The centre focuses on the art and culture of Sakon Nakhon from its earliest days to the present. There are also exhibits on the culture of several of the province's minority peoples.

Phu Phan National Park covers parts of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Kalasin. Monkeys, bears, elephants and several species of wild fowl inhabit the park. Tigers have been spotted there. Tad Ton and Kham Hom are two of the park's more attractive waterfalls.

Pre-historic rock paintings, estimated to be 3,000 years old, can be seen at Phu Pha Yont in Muang district. The paintings depict humans, animals and various patterns and shapes.

Wat Pa Udom Somphon, located in Phanna Nikhom district, 37 km from town , was the residence of Phra Achan Fan Acharo, a prot? of Phra Achan Fan Acharo, a prot? of Phra Achan Man and a revered monk in his own right. In the temple there is a wax figure of the monk and an exhibition of his monastic possessions.

Nam Un Dam is one of the larger dams in the region. Many species of water brids can be found at the upper reservoir. Boats can be chartered for fishing, cruises around the lake or excursions to Mae Un Waterfall.

Huai Huat National Park in Tao Ngoi district, 35 km from Sakon Nakhon, is the latest park established under a royally sponsored project to promote tourism.The Thai so Culture Centre is dedicated to the preservation of the culture of the Thai So, a minority people who migrated from Laos to Kusuman district in 1842. The Thai So still retain their unique language, custom and culture. The centre is located in Kusuman, 39 km from Sakon Nakhon.

Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani, Isan, Thailand

Ubon Ratchathani, literally called the Royal City of Lotus is the largest of the southern or lower Isan provinces with an area of 15,819 square kilometres and a population of 1.6 million. It has a 100 km is shared with Cambodia.The Mun and Chi rivers join 10 km west of the provincial town and flow east to the Mekong that marks the border with Laos.
The border checkpoint, however, is at chung Mek some distance from the river which sweeps east in to Laos towards Pakse. Settled by people of mainly Lao extraction in the late 18th century, the provincial town is a bustling commercial centre linked by road, rail and air.
It is 575 km from Bangkok by rail and 629 km by road. Yasothon is 100 km to the north-west while Si Sa Ket, its neighboring province, is 80 km to the west. Pakse, the southern Lao town, is a one-hour drive by car and ferry from the border town Chong Mek situated on Highway 217, 80 km east of Ubon.Ubon figures as the final or start of a lower Isan tour. Sometimes called the Emerald Triangle, a reference to its forests and borders with Laos and Cambodia, it is best known for its candle wax sculptures that are paraded through the city in late July. Ubons' airport, the highways and rail system also means it is now figured as a gateway to southern Laos, using either the ferry crossings on the Mekong River or the land route via Chong Mek to Pakse.

Ubon Ratchathani Attractions:

Wat Suputtanaram Woraviharn, on Somdej Road, was the home of the Dharmayuthi sect in the mid-19th centruy. The architecture of the main chapel is a mix of Thai, European and Khmer styles. In front of chapel is a huge wooden bell.

Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Tong) on Uparat Road was built in 1855. The ordination hall, an imitation of the Mrble Temple in Bangkok, houses a topaz Chiang Saen Buddhan image. This image was brought to Thailand form Vientiane at the same time as the Emerald Buddha, which was later enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

Wat Maha Wanaram on Sapphasit Road is the principal temple of Ubon. Built in 1807, it houses the Phra Chao Yai Indra Plang, a Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara.

Surin

Surin, Isan, Thailand

Surin's heritage is linked to elephants, silk and the ruins of a Khmer empire. Suay, a tribe of elephant catchers, were domiciled in the forested mountains of this province bordering on Cambodia. Their skills at taming and training elephants is demonstrated annually at the Elephant Round-up which takes place during the third week of November.
Silk weaving is a traditional skill of the province while several Khmer monuments provide the historical attractions. The Bantad Mountains from Surin's southern border with Cambodia. Surin is 45 km from Bangkok and 420 km by train. The province cabers 8,124 square kilometers and has a population of 431,5000 Chiang Khan on the Laos border.

Surin Attractions:Ban Ta Klang, in Tha Tum district, 58 km from Surin, off Highway 214, is known as the Elephant Village. Elephant that perform in the annual round-up are resident here, living with their mahouts. Most of the villagers are from the Suay tribe, who have their own dialect and customs. They have been associated with elephants for centuries, training them to perform rather than work in the forests as was the case with elephants in northern Thailand. The stars of Surin's Elephant Round-up learn their routines here. A museum and elephant educational centre at the village documents the history of elephants, the traditional round-up and their training. An elephant show is held every Saturday from 0930 to 1100. Admission is Bt100 per person.

Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Chang Wang, a monument to Surin's first ruler, stands in the southern part of town. Constructed in 1984, the 2.2 metre-high bronze statue shows Phraya Surin in full battle dress, carrying a mahout's hook in his right hand and a pair of swords tucked into his belt. It reminds visitors of Surin's strategic role as a source of elephants trained for war.

Prasat Muang Thi was built by Phraya Surin at the site of the original town, 16 km from present day Surin. The site originally had five prangs of which only three remain.

Ban Buthum, a centre of basket weaving, is located 12 km from Surin on Highway 2080. About 70 households in the village produce rattan baskets.

Ban Khao Sinarin, once famous for its hand-woven cloth, is now noted for its silver ornaments. The village is about 20 km from Surin on Highway 214. Artisans in nearby Ban Chok also specialise in silver products.

Prasat Sikhoraphum consists of five prangs, the principal one reaching a height of 32 metres. The Khmer ruins are noted for their carvings of Hindu deities on the lintel and doorways of the main prang. The site is 34 km northeast of Surin Huai Saneng reservoir, 9 km from town, has been turned into a recreation are with accommodation.