Joanna James
Isaan, the largest region in Thailand might lack beaches, but it more than makes up for this with its spectacular landscapes, remarkable food, beautiful temples, and its welcoming people. Here are some top things to see and do while on a visit.
Just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the centre of Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest city in Isaan, the Saveone Night market is the biggest open-air bazaar in Isaan. Consider aiming to spend a day or better yet a night exploring the many stalls and kiosks. The best part about this market is that Saveone comes alive after dusk, and is an after-work hub for delicious street food. Here a plate of Pad Thai will literally cost you mere coins. The same goes for the clothes and souvenirs that are sold here. It's a great spot to stock up on gifts to take back home to friends and family back at home. The market can be reached from many a hotel in Khon Kaen including the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre with ease.
With verdant forests, gushing waterfalls, flocks of macaques, wild-gibbon calls, wandering elephants, and even the promise of a glimpse of a tiger or clouded leopard, the Khao Yai National Park is easily one of the best wildlife spots in Thailand. Tours are extremely easy to organise via agencies in the closest town which is either Bangkok or Pak Chong. A tour will usually include an exciting waterfall swim and light treks. A top tip to consider is to bring plenty of insect repellent and to wear trousers tucked into long socks, as the forest undergrowth is rife with leeches.
Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring temples in Southeast Asia, the Phnom Rung is a magnificent remnant of the Khmer empire. A former Hindu temple, the place of worship traced its origins to the 10th century and is built entirely of pink sandstone. The temple is balanced on the rim of an extinct volcano while, the intricate architecture is quite reminiscent of Angkor Wat in Thailand's neighbor, Cambodia. Here visitors can observe lavish carvings and spiritual scenes which have been carved onto the walls by craftsmen of the old.
Northeastern Thailand is certainly not short on its natural beauty. Located just beyond Isaan, in quite close proximity to the Mekong River, the Than Thip Waterfall is great for a day trip. Than Thrip is immersed in the lush atmospheric Thai jungle and is supposed to be the highest waterfall in the province. The journey to the top is guaranteed to be hot and tiring, which is all the more reason to jump in to cool off.
Known as the Temple of the Mountain, Wat Phu Tok rises more than 1,000ft into the sky. Do make sure to get here before the day gets too hot and humid, so you can tackle the seven levels of the mountain -which symbolizes the levels of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
