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.

Si Sa Ket

Si Sa Ket, Isan, Thailand

Si Sa Ket was originally called Muang Khu Khan with its origins in the Khmer empire between the 10th and 12th century. Its modern history dates back to 1759, during the Ayutthaya period, when it was upgraded from a town to city.
It was officially named Si Sa Ket in 1938. Twelve restored Khmer ruins have secured this province a place in the popular lower Isan itineraries that start in Nakhon Ratchasima and conclude in Ubon Ratchathani, 75 km to the east.The province covers 8,839 square kilometres and is divided into 14 districts and six sub-districts. Located 517 km from Bangkok, the town is on the Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani railway line and 55 km north of Highway 24 on Highway 22.

Si Sa Ket Attractions:

Somdej Phra Srinakarin Park was established to commemorate the Princess Mother's 80th birthday. Teh 100-acre park is located at the Si Sa Ket Agriculture College, 2 km from town. From early March, when the city celebrates with a festival, to late April the park's Lamduan flowers are in full bloom.

Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Noi is an ancient Khmer building dating back to the reign of the Khmer King Suryavaraman in the 12th century. The sanctuary, which may have served as a hospital at one time, is located 10 km from town on Highway 226.

Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai in Uthumphon Phisai district, 28 km from Si Sa Ket on Highway 226, is believed to have been built in the 11th century. The original Khmer sanctuary was used for Hindu ceremonies before becoming a Hinayana Buddhist temple.

Prasat Prang Ku is made up of three ancient Khmer pagodas located 10 km from town is Prang Ku district. Once the site of Brahman rituals, the pagodas probably date back to the 11th century.

Prasat Khao Phra Vihan, 106 km from Si Sa Ket town, is a splendid Khmer ruin just across the border in Cambodia. Perched on a 600 metre-high hill, the complex was built by a succession of Khmer kings between the 10th and 12th centuries. Constructed in Papuan and early Angkor styles, Khao Phra Vihan originally served as a Hindu temple.Even though Thailand and Cambodia have concluded travel agreements, tourists should consult the TAT before making any plans to visit Khao Phra Vihan. The nearest town in Si Sa Ket is Kanthralak, 11 km from Khao Phra Vihan.

Roi Et

Roiet, Isan, Thailand

The provincial town of Roi Et lies 100 km south-east of Khon Kaen. This sun-baked arid land is typical of the heartland where for centuries life revolved around the single crop of rice planted in May and harvested in November. Often ravaged by flash-floods just before harvest, farmers were at the mercy of the elements. New techniques and irrigation are changing the life-style of farmers, but Roi Et is still synonymous with traditional Isan culture and values. Roi Et is 512 km from Bangkok.
Roiet Attractions:Somdej Phra Srinakarin Park in the centre of Roi Et is filled with flower gardens and trees. The park's lake known as Bung Phlan Chai, is one of Roi Et's best known landmarks. A large island in the lake with landscaped gardens is a favorite place to relax. Boat rentals are available. The park, which is located in front of the municipal hall, also contains a library, a monument of a former governor, the city pillar and fountains.
Wat Klang Ming Muang predates the founding of Roi Et. Its ordination hall, built in the late Ayutthaya period, has beautiful wall paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist history. Once used for ceremonies pledging allegiance to the King, the temple now is a Buddhist school.
Wat Sra Thong houses the Luang Pho Phra Sankatchai, a Buddha image of obscure origins, worshipped by the town's residents. The first ruler of Roi Et discovered the image and enshrined it in Wat Sra Thong. Civil servants were ordered to swear their allegiance to government service in its presence.

Wat Buraphaphiram on Phadung Phanit Road houses the world's tallest Buddha image. At the base of the 68-metre-high image, known as Phra Buddha Rattna Mongkol Maha Munee, there are several rooms containing relics and historical objects.
Thung Kula Rong Hai or flat lands is a famous part of Isan that suffers from harsh climatic conditions.
Covering parts of Roi Et and four other provinces, Thung Kula Rong Hai literally means the "Crying Fields of Kula". Legend has it that a band of vagabond merchants known as Kula wept as they journeyed through this sun-baked land. Government projects are underway to irrigate the region and introduce agriculture.
Pha Nam Yoi Forest Park, 62 km from Roi Et on Highway 2136, noted for its cliff and waterfalls. The forests of the 8,000 acre park sustain a healthy wildlife population. There is also a pagoda that stands 101 metres high and is 101 metres wide at its base.
"Literature" Botanical Garden is in Dong Mae forest reserve in Nong Phok district, 85 km from town. The garden has plants mentioned in classical Thai literature as well as medicinal herbs.
Ku Phra Ku Na in Suwannaphum district, 74 km from town on the Roi Et - Surin (Highway 214), is a set of three Khmer pagodas built in the Lopburi period.
Ku Ka Sing, another Khmer pagoda, is located in Kaset Wisai district. The Prasat Nong Du, and ancient Khmer laterite building, is located 8 km from town on the Roi Et-Yasothon highway. The building is the subject of a ceremony that is held annually during the Songkran festival.
Roi Et Phawet Fair is held annually during the first weekend in March at Somdej Phra Srinakarin Park. The festival has a religious element involving 13 processions telling the story of the Buddha's 13 incarnations.

Nongkhai,

Nongkhai, Isan, Thailand

Perched high above the southern bank, residents of Nong Khai have a panoramic view of the Mekong River and Laos on the opposite shore. Opened 1994, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge shifted the focus to Nong Khai and its potential as a gateway for overland trips to Laos. Trade too shifted from markets in the town centre to the vicinity near the bridge, just
outside of town. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is just 25 km away. Nong Khai is 615 km from Bangkok and 56 km from Udon where there is an airport. Nong Khai is at the end of Highway 2 and the northern rail line of Isan. Ferries still ply the Mekong, although the bridge has taken over as the main conduit for trade and travel. The province is narrow and long with a 300 km border with Laos and the Mekong River in the north while it is just 50 km at its widest point.
Nongkhai Attractions:Luang Pho Phra Sai the main Buddha image of the province, is enshrined at Wat Pho Chai. It is believed to have been cast in the Lan Chang period. Every year on the fullmoon day of the seventh lunar month (June), the Bang Fai Festival is held to pay homage.
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge The first bridge across the Khong River linking Nong Khai with Tha Na Laeng in Laos, 20 kilometers from Vientiane. The bridge measures 1.2 kms. long. Foreigners wishing to visit Laos are required to have a passport and visa and travel with an authorized agency only. Traveling on one's own is not allowed in Laos.
Prap Ho Monument in front of the city hall was erected in 1876 to commemorate the suppression of a rebellion by Ho Chinese tribesmen. It contains the remains of officials who lost their life in the conflict.

Nong Bua Lam Phu

Nong Bua Lam Phu, Isan, Thailand

Nong Bua Lamphu, formerly part of Udon Thani, became a province in December 1993. The new province has a population of less than 500,000 and is divided into five districts and one sub-district covering an area of 3,860 square kilometres wedged between Loei and Udon Thani provinces. The provincial town is located just 50 km west of Udon Thani on Highway 210. Loei is 102 km due west on the same highway.
Nong Bua Lam Phu Attractions:Wat Tham Klong Phen, located in the foothills of the Phu Phan Mountains, is a well-known meditation centre. Visitors pay homage to the shrine of the late abbot Luang Pu Khao. The temple also contains an ancient drum and the Phra Buddha Banthon Nimitr Buddha image.
Wat Tham or Wat Suphanna Khuha, 52 km from town, bears an old inscription indicating King Chaichetha of Vientiane built the temple in 1572.
Tham Erawan is a large cave in a hill which can be reached by climbing a winding staircase. The main chamber has an impressive array of stalactites. The cave is about 47 km from town just off Highway 210.
Noen Wat Pa is an old monastery in Non Sang District, 51 km from Nong Bua Lamphu. The principal attraction is a laterite Buddha image seated under a five-headed naga. Artifacts from the area indicate Noen Wat Pa was originally built in the Khmer period.

Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima, Isan, Thailand

Nakhon Ratchasima, 260 km from Bangkok, is the first Isan province on Highway 2 that rises over the hills that separate central Thailand from the northeastern plateau. With a population of 2.4 million, the province dominates Isan. The modern provincial town spreads out on all sides of the old rectangular moat, and the reconstructed city gates remain with the former centre, turned into a bustling market, while the rest of the new town is the commercial and business hub for the lower Northeast region.

Nakhon Ratchasima Attractions:Khao Yai National Park is part of the mountain chain that divides the Northeast Plateau from the central plains and Cambodia to the southeast. Khao Yai, which means "Big Mountain", was established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park. The park has over 20 waterfalls, the most famous of which is the 25-metre-high Haeo Suwat. The park headquarters stands 40 km off a road running southeast from Highway 2, 165 km from Bangkok and approximately 100 km from Nakhon Ratchasima.

Prasat Hin Nang Ram has the ruins of a structure thought to be a hospital. Built as early as the 11th century, the site is in Prathai district, 88 km from Korat.
Pak Thong Chai, a small town known for its silk weaving, is located 32 km south of town. Pak Thong Chai is famous for its beautiful hand-dyed mudmee silk. The town has seen resurgence in productivity since Queen Sirikit established her Support Programme to help local weavers. Tourists can see weavers practicing their art and pick up some good bargains at the same time.

After shopping, an excursion to Wat Na Phra That, 5 km away, is highly recommended. Built in the reign of Rama III, the temple's main chapel has some exquisite mural paintings of the Buddha's 10 incarnations. In the middle of a pond, standing on piles, is the temple's library. The woodcarvings on its doors are particularly well done. Lam Phra Phloeng Dam, also in Pak Thong Chai district, is a popular place for relaxation due to its beautiful scenery. Boats can be rented for cruises on the reservoir. A pleasant side-trip to nearby Khlong Ki Waterfall is an option. Numerous small open-air restaurants in the area are ideal for relaxing meals.

Ban Prasat is an archaeological site in Non Song district, 45 km from town. It is the second site in the Northeast to be developed as an outdoor museum by the government. Parts of 60 human skeletons have been unearthed there along with earthenware and assorted bronze ornaments. Ban Prasat seems to have been first inhabited 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. There is also evidence of later settlements that existed during the Dvaravati and Khmer periods.

Kalasin

Kalasin, Issan, Thailand
Comparatively small among its sister provinces of the Northeast, Kalasin was once relegated to the status of an Amphoe before being restored its present administrative entity. Depite its smalless, Kalasin is a busy agricultural province with considerable attractions. Kalasin is 519 kilometers from Bangkok.
Kalasin Attractions:Phu Poh Buddhist Structure, a reclining Buddha image of the Dvaravati period carved on a stone slab is located 28 km north of kalasin.
Wat Klang, in the town centre, has a beautiful black and bronze image dating from the reign of King Khoonakham. During the dry season, local residents parade the highly venerated image around the town in the hope of bringing rain to arid province. The temple also holds a sandstone replica of a Buddha footprint believed to have been made in the Lopburi period.
Lam Pao Dam, about 35 km from Kalasin in Yang Talat district, is worth a visit. Spanning the Lampao and Huai Yang rivers, the dam is set amidst the lush scenery of Lam Pao National Park.
Sahatsakhan district, adjacent to Yang Talat, has several important religion sites. Phu Khao, a reclining Buddha image at a small local temple, is unusual because the Buddha is reclining on its left side, instead of the traditional right side.
Phu Sings located on Phu Singh Mountain 32 km north of town at Sahatsakhan, is a shrine for the impressive Phra Phrom Phumipalo Buddha image. There is a splendid view of the district's rice fields and villages as well as Lam Pao Dam in the distance.
Phu Phra national Park, in Tha Khan Tho sub-district, is known for its wealth of stone formations located in the midst of a hardwood forest.
Muang Fa Daet Sung Yang, an ancient city located near Sema Village, 13 km from Roi Et, is considered the provinces best attraction. The city flourished in the Dvaravati period (700 to 900 AD), according to discoveries found in its area, such as sandstone carvings depicting the life of Buddha.

Chaiyaphum

Chaiyaphum, Isan, Thailand

Chaiyaphum is 332 km from Bangkok. Northbound, Highway 201 links Chaiyaphun with Loei and ends at Chaiyaphum is a mountainous province with two main ranges: The Dong Phaya Yen Mountains in the east and the Khao Khieo Mountains in the north.
The province lies at the western edge of Isan or Northeast region, separated from Thailand's central region by the Phang Hoei Range that runs north to south with peaks rising 1,000 to 1,500 metres high. Transport, however, is not a problem as the province has a well-developed road network. Highway 225 cuts through the mountains due west to Nakhon Sawan, while Highway 201 runs south-west to connect with Highway 2 just south of Nakhon Ratchasima. Chiang Khan on the Laos border.
Chaiyaphum Attractions: The Phraya Phakdi Chumphol Statue is the province's best known landmark. Standing in a circle at the centre of town, it was built from local donations to honour the founder of Chaiyaphum. Another monument to him, called San Chao Pho Phraya Lae (the title bestowed on him by the people), is located 3 km from the town on the site where he was killed by invaders from Vientiane. Prang Ku, about 2 km from town, is an old religious structure built of sandstone. A Dvaravati Buddha image, revered by the local people, is enshrined there. A bathing rite for the Buddha image is held every year.
Tat Ton National Park, 21 km north of Chaiyaphum town, is situated on a 500 to 800-metre-high plateau. There are several waterfalls of which the most popular is Tat Ton Waterfall, a 50-metre-high cascade. Another waterfall, Tat Fa, and Kaeng Cliff where the statue of Phra Phutachai Phumiphitak, the symbolic guardian of the province stands, are close by. Accommodation in the park be can obtained through the National Park Service of the Forestry Department.

Buri Rum

Buri Ram, Isan, Thailand

Buri Ram province is an important link on the historical tour known as the Khmer route that takes travellers due east from Nakhon Ratchasima to where the rivers Chi and Mun join the Mekong River east of Ubon Ratchathani.
Khmer ruins constitute the most important historical sites of the lower region of Isan. They start with Phimai and continue with equally impressive sites in Buri Ram province such as the Khmer temple of Prasat Phanom Rung close to the Cambodian border. Another is the large Buddha image on Khao Kradon mountain. Buri Ram is 410 km from Bangkok, with an area of 10,300 square kilometres. The majority of the interesting tourist sites are a half- to one-hour drive from the provincial town. Traditionally tours stay overnight in Nakhon Ratchasima or Surin. During his reign there was prosperity and happiness. There was water in the paddy fields and fish in the water. A stone inscription reads in part, "This Muang Sukhothai is good. In the water there are fish, in the field there is rice. The ruler does not levy a tax on the people who riding their horses on the way to sell. Whoever wants to trade in elephants, so trades. Whoever wants to trade in horses, so trades.. Whoever wants to trade in silver and gold, so trades"

Buri Ram Attractions:Khao Phanom Rung Historic Park is located 53 km from Buri Ram town off Highway 24. Built at the same time as Angkor Wat, Prasat Phanom Rung was originally a temple glorifying the Hindu deity Siva. Standing on an extinct volcano, the complex holds an extraordinary collection of Khmer art. Three magnificent Naga bridges in the park are the only examples of their kind in Thailand, with the exception of one in Phimai. The lintel carvings of the main prang display a superb execution of detail. One of the lintels, the well-known "Narai Bontomsin" which depicts a reclining Vishnu, was recently returned from a museum in the United States.

Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen, Isan, Thailand

Amnat Charoen, one of Thaialnd's newly established provinces, lies adjacent to Ubon Ratchathani in the south and Yasothon to the west.
It borders on the Mekong River for approximately 40 km. covering an area of over 3,000 sq km, the province has six districts and one sub-district. The provincial town is 54 km from Yasothon and 71 km from the Mekong River on Highway 202. Usually travelers pass through this province on the road that follows the meandering Mekong River valley from Phra Tham Cave, noted for its wall paintings.

Amnat Charoen Attractions:

Huai Pla Daek Reservoir, 3 km from Amnat Charoen, is a pleasantly scenic area with bungalows and restaurants close to the shore.

Wat Tham Saeng Phet is about 15 km from town. Similar in style to Wat Nong Pa Pong in Ubon Ratchathani, the hilltop monastery has a large pavilion called "Sala Phan Hong" or "Pavilion of a Thousand Rooms". North of the pavilion is a cave containing a Buddha image.
Buddha Utthayan Park, 3 km from town, is noted for its Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang Buddha image sculptured in the attitude of subduing Mara. It is 20 meters high and 11 meters wide at the base. Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit in Phana district, built in 1720, has a beautiful ordination hall which houses the "Phra Lao Thep Nimit", a Buddha image built of bricks with a gilded lacquer surface.

Buddha Utthayan Park, 3 km from town, is noted for its Phra Mongkhon Ming Muang Buddha image sculptured in the attitude of subduing Mara. It is 20 meters high and 11 meters wide at the base. Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit in Phana district, built in 1720, has a beautiful ordination hall which houses the "Phra Lao Thep Nimit", a Buddha image built of bricks with a gilded lacquer surface.

Trat

Koh Chang, Trat, East Of Thailand

Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, about 400 kilometers from Bangkok. Hemmed in by mountains, the Khao Banthat range serves as the natural boundary with Cambodia. There are many islands and islets with delightful natural sceneries.How to get there Both air and non-conditioned buses leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) Non airconditioned buses leave many times daily.

Trat Attractions:Namtok Khao Salat Dai is about 32 kilometers from town on Chintakanon (Sean Tung-Bo Rai) road. It has dense wood and good place for relaxation.

Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Khlong) is 2 kms. from town, noted from the late Ayutthaya Period. This temple is noted for relics of the Buddha, Buddha images as well as praying Hall, Wooden Vihara, Bell Tower and small typical monk's quarters (Kuthi).

Wat Muang Kao Saen Tum situated in Tambon Pranit about 38 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Saming. It is famed for its dark brown stones weighing 10-100 kilograms. They are varied in shape and size and produce deep resonant sounds when being knocked.

Gem Markets The districts of Bo Rai and Khao Saming have been developed as the region's major gem mining industry, specially Bo Rai is noted for being the site of the world-famous "Tab Tim Siam" or King Ruby. The gem market of Bo Rai at Hua Tung Market takes place between 7.00-10.00 A.M. Other markets such as Nong Bon Intersection, Ban Sa Yai Market, Ban Nonsi and Ban Ta Ngam open whole day long.

Hat Banchun is about 58 kms. before Khlong Yai, take a right turn and proceed for 5 kms. It has white sandy beach with clean water. Bunglaows are available at the beach.

Rayong

Rayong, Eastern Thailand

The province of Rayong is known for its fine beaches, tasty food and delectable durians. About 220 kilometers from Bangkok on Highway No. 3 or 179 kilometers on Highway No. 36 with its short-cut, Rayong offers some interesting sight-seeing and pleasure.
How to get thereBoth air and non air-conditioned buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai). The trip takes 3 hours approximately.Non air-conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes, starting from 7.00-18.00 hrs. Fare is B 47 (Tel. 3912504) Air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes, starting from 05.00-22.00 hrs. Fare is B 85 (Tel. 3914990)

Rayong Attractions The King Taksin Shrine located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon commemorates the occasion when he was rallying Thai fighters to liberate the country from Burmese occupation. It is highly revered by the people, · particularly those of Chinese ancestry, and draws large worshipping crowds during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Chonburi

Chonburi, Central Thailand

Less than one hundred kilometres from Bangkok on Bang Na-Trat Highway, Chonburi is not only a well-known seaside destination, it is also major agricultural and industrial producer, with extensive sugar-cane, tapioca and coconut plantations, shallow and deep water fishery, as well as manufacturing plants.

How to get thereThere are several buses both air and non air-conditioned leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai), Sukhumvit Road.Non air-conditioned buses leave every 15 minutes, starting from 05.30-20.00 hrs. Fare is 22 Baht. (Tel. 66-2-3912504).

Chonburi Attractions:

Ang Sila Ang Sila a small fishing village about five kilometers from Chonburi Town, has been one of the oldest seaside vacation spots noted for its products in stone mortars.
Sam Muk Hill Sam Muk Hill is situated mid-way between Ang Sila and the Bangsaen Beach. The Chao Mae Sam Muk Shrine atop the hill is widely revered by the local people.

Hat Bangsaen Hat Bangsaen is a well-known beach only 10 kilometers from Chonburi on a right-turn at km. 104. Highly popular with local tourists, a part of the beach front area is set aside for vendors of local foods and snacks. Canvas chairs and inner tire tubes are available for rent, as well as shower room facilities. Eminently suitable for a one-day outing from Bangkok. Accommodation can be reserved at Bangsaen Beach Resort Tel: 66-2-(038) 381675-7, Bangsaen Villa Tel: 66-2-(038) 382088, Saensuk Resort Tel: 66-2-(038) 381009, Seaside Palace Tel: 66-2-(038) 381117, S:S. Bangsaen Beach Tel: 66-2-(038) 381670.

Nong MonNong Mon is the central market one kilometer further on from the entrance to Bangsaen. Here can be found all types of fresh and dried sea food, local sweets and fruits (both fresh and preserved) as well as fine rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Phanatnikhom.

Marine Science Institute Marine Science Institute located on the campus of Burapha University at the entrance to the Bangsaen Beach, is divided into three components: Marine Aquarium, Marine Science Museum and Marine Science Laboratories. The Aquarium has a large selection of fish and other marine animals which are to be found in the waters around Thailand. The museum is devoted to fish and fishing in Thailand. Open daily from 8.30-16.00 hrs. on weekdays, 8.30-17.30 hrs. on public holidays and closed on Monday. Admission fee is 20 baht per person.

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi, Eastern Thailand

Commonly called Muang Chan, Chanthaburi is another Eastern province which has played an important role in the history of the nation both before and during the Rattanakosin Period. It is wealthy and rich in natural resources, particularly gems in addition to the plentiful field of tropical fruits including rambutan; Durian and mangosteen. Products from the seas are also extensive. It is also blessed with natural beauties and attractions equal to any sister provinces. Chanthaburi is bout 291 kilometers from Bangkok on Highway 3, or 245 kilometers on Highway 36, taking a right turn at km. 323.
How to get thereBoth air and non-conditioned buses leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) Non airconditioned buses leave every hour, starting from 05.00-16.00 hrs. Fare is 60 baht (Tel. 391-2504)Air-conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes, starting from 07.00-24.00 hrs. Fare is 108 baht. (Tel. 391-4164).

Chanthaburi Attractions:King Tak Sin The Great's Monument located on Tha Luang Road in Amphoe Muang, opposite to the old governor office. Built in 1893 the building houses a bronze statue of the King.

Si Chan Road also known as gem road, an economic route of the province. Cut gems are put on sales here. On Firdays, Saturdsys, and Sundays, gem trading in Trok Krachang or Krachang Lane lends a very informal stmosphere.

Underwater Achaeological Museum is the place where antiques taken from the ancient junks lying in the seabed of the Gulf of Thailand are well stored. Most of the objects are earthenware and Sangaloke china. The office is situated in Khai Noen Wong, a military camp built in the reign of King Rama III as a barrier against violating enemies from Vietnam. At present, some traces of wall and bulwark are still left to be seen at the camp site which is on the route to Ban Tha Chalap, 8 kms. away from town to the west.

Laem Sing (cape), a likeness of a lion facing the sea, is about 31 kilometers from Chanthaburi town on Sukhumvit Highway, with a right turn at km. 347 On the Laem Sing hill are the remains of one of the two forts built during King Rama III's reign. The Laem Sing beach itself is not very appealing at present as it serves as the leading pier for fishing boats.