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Isan is the largest region in Thailand and is bordered by the Mekong River
to the East and the Phetchabun mountain range to the West.
Isan emulates a sense of rugged natural beauty, unseen in the densely
populated Bangkok. Unlike the groomed artificiality of the landscaped
gardens in Bangkok, nature runs wild in Isan. It stretches across all
terrains and intertwines into each other in creating a network of lush
tropical vegetation, bearing bulbous
fruits and colourful flora.
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As the gateway into Isan,
Nakorn Ratchasima is the largest province in
Thailand. More commonly known as Khorat, the area is renowned for the Khmer
ruins that scatter the province with ancient shrines and forgotten wisdoms.
Khorat also abounds in natural beauty: the Khao Yai National Park relishes
in picturesque forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls. Khorat also offers
the very best in Isan cuisine, which is well known and loved throughout
Thailand. Popular dishes include
som tam (papaya salad), larb (meat salad)
and gai yang (grilled chicken).
 From Khorat, visitors can travel to neighbouring
Ubon Ratchathani. Ubon was
once an active airbase for the US airforce during the Vietnam War. A major
attraction in the province is the historic cave paintings at Pha Taem Cliff
located in the Phu Phan Mountain Range. Boasting panoramic views over Ubon
Ratchathani and neighbouring Laos, the cave paintings are thought to be over
3000 years old. In addition to household items and fishing gear, the
paintings capture pre-historic animals similar to the modern day catfish,
elephant and tortoise.
Ubon Ratchathani also features several distinct temples such as Wat Thung Si
Muang. Built during the reign of King Rama III, the temple houses
fascinating mural paintings in the main congregation hall. Although the
architecture is traditionally Thai, the multi-tiered roofing structure and
intricately carved gables suggest that the temple has also adopted Burmese
and Laotian influences.
Nakhon Phanom on the other hand, is a city of ravishing beauty, thanks to
the eclectic mix of minority, native and American cultures. Famous for the
cherished Phanom Stupa temple, Phanom Stupa is the birthday stupa for those
born on Sunday or in the year of the Monkey. Gilded in gold, the temple
houses a stunning Buddha statue as well as seven Nagas who protect the
temple and its visitors from harm. Locals believe that by paying homage to
this stupa, one will be blessed in their future ventures.
Nakhonphanom River View Hotel
Sahkon Nakhon is also famous for its religious customs and its Lao style
temples. The province is also home to the renowned Ban Kut Na Kham Arts and
Crafts Centre. Endorsed by the Majesty Queen Sirikit, the centre produces
weaved baskets, metal works and pottery as part of the Majesty King’s Royal
Initiative Projects. These projects have helped improve the lives of Thai
people through elevating poverty, improving health and greater education.
The Ban Kut Na Kham Arts and Crafts Centre has also provided jobs to many
workers in the Sakhon Nakhon area – many of which were unskilled and
economically disadvantaged.
 Up towards the Thai-Laos border, lies the city of Nong Khai (also
affectionately known as the “City of Nagas”). Nong Khai is site of the first
Friendship Bridge between Thailand and the capital of Laos,
Vientiane. The
bridge was a cooperative project between the Thai, Laotian and Australian
governments. Nong Khai’s bustling Talat Tah Sadet markets are also popular
with visitors, touting all sort of cheap wares from clothing to shoes,
souvenirs and toys.
Nongkhai Grand HotelClose by is the province of Udon Thani, which was once a support centre for
a nearby American airbase during the Vietnam War. The province has retained
much of the vibrancy of its past. Udon Thani is renowned for the Ban Chiang
National Museum, located in the outskirts of the province. Dating back more
than 5,000 years, the relics include stone tools, decorative objects,
skeletons and red pottery. These finds suggest that North East Thailand may
have been one of the earliest centres of bronze production in the world.
(see
Thailand History)
Isan transports travellers to a largely undiscovered part of Thailand with
its unique culture, tradition and history. It takes them off the beaten
track and allows them to experience a Thailand they never thought they knew. |
