Thailand Travel - Regions of Thailand - The North-East
It is a region with great history, and a strong Laotian influence in its
architecture, customs, and language. Evidence of prehistoric settlements can
be found along the Mekong River, in cliff paintings and at archaeological
sites like Ban Chiang. The lower Northeast was part of old kingdom of
Angkor, with ruins of impressive Khmer sanctuaries scattered across the
countryside.
These Khmer prasat hin (stone castles) throughout Buri Ram, Nakhon
Ratchasima, Surin and Si Sa Ket are popular tourist attractions,
particularly the superbly restored sites at Phimai and Phanom Rung, both
historical parks. The great temple complex at Khao Phra Viharn on the
Cambodian border is also now accessible to visitors after a long period of
isolation.
Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat , city (1990 pop. 204,121), capital of
Nakhon Ratchasima prov., S central Thailand, on the Mun River.
Strategically located near the mountain pass leading from the central
plain to NE Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima is the administrative, economic,
and transportation center of the Korat plateau. Copper deposits are
nearby. Founded in the 17th cent., the city grew rapidly after the
construction (1890) of the railroad from Bangkok. The nearby Royal Thai
Air Force Base was an operation center for U.S. planes during the
Vietnam War .
Greenery Resort Khao Yai
Located in the city of Khao Yai, Greenery Resort is the first boutique hotel
with modern interior design and the harmonious touch of beautifully luxurious
home. All the rooms are well designed and ensure refined service and exquisite
contemporary style of living.
Tourist Attractions
Monument of Thao Suranari or Khun Ying Mo is situated in front of
the old gate of ''Pratu Chumpon'' on the west side of the city. Prasat Hin Phimai is the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand
almost situated in the center of Phimai Ancient city which carries a
rectangular shape of 665 meters wide and 1,030 meters long. The
Sanctuary has been magnificently restored and renovated ruins and has
been preserved as a National Historical Park. Khao Yai National Park at km.165.5 on Highway No. 2. covers an
area of 2,168 sq.km. in four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok,
Sara Buri and Prachin Buri. The Park comprises various mountains, two
important rivers of Lom Takhong and Nayok, with many species of fauna
and flora and over 20 waterfalls.
Khao Yai National Park If you are looking to get away from the city and all that goes with it
then a tour to one of Thailand’s beautiful national parks comes highly
recommended. Khao Yai is the best known of Thailand’s National Parks,
covering 2172 square kilometers of protected forest, jungle and
grassland. Come and lose yourself in its beauty. Click here for more information and Booking Details »
Wat Phra Narai Maharat on Prachak Road houses an image of
Narayana (Hindu God) made of sandstone. Maha Viravong National Museum opposite the city hall, exhibits
various art objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Viravong such
as sandstone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya periods, bronze Buddha
images, different sized ceramics and wood carvings from ancient
monasteries. Wat Sala Loi is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River, about
400 meters off the Northeast of the town.
Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen is the commercial, administrative an educational centre of the
Northeast, which is often used by travellers as a base for visiting many
parts of upper Isan.
Khon Kaen National Museum houses objects from the Dvaravati period and
bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang. Kaen Nakhon Lake in the centre of town is
a popular spot for picnics and dining, while Wat That on its bank features
typical Isan spires.
Khon Kaen is the centre of the northeastern silk industry with numerous
villages producing their own mudmee designs. Chonnabot is noted for its
quality silks. Every December the city hosts a Silk Fair, when all the best
materials are on sale.
Sofitel Raja Orchid Khon Kaen
Offering pleasing accommodation and various facilities, the Sofitel Raja Orchid
Khon Kaen caters to the needs of both business and leisure travellers.
Sofitel Raja Orchid is located at the centre of Khon Kaen, capital of the
Northeast, traditional home of Isan. The Ratchadanusorn Park and Kaen Nakorn
Lake are some of the area attractions here.
The hotel features 244 rooms and 48 suites, surrounded by the warmth of
woodcarving and hand-woven silk, the stylish Thai decor comes with the full
range of comforts.
The hotel offers a plethora of restaurants ranging from Thai, Vietnam to many
other international restaurants. The Sushi Bar, a unique place where you can
enjoy traditional Sake and classical Japanese Sushi, and Nigiri and Maki, which
are prepared in the open, show kitchen.
The hotel boasts 15 well-appointed meeting rooms, which is an ideal venue to
host your various business events. Leisure facilities include an outdoor
swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, aerobics room and a beauty salon.
Click here for last minute offers Click here for more information and Booking Details
520 kilometres from Bangkok and approximately 400 meters above sea level,
Loei province was only relatively recently established as a tourist
destination. As a result, it remains authentic and pristine. Bordering Laos,
this northeastern province bears many similarities to the north of Thailand,
even to the extent that people confuse its location. A place of great
natural beauty and natural and cultural attractions, Loei has a rugged
landscape featuring low mountains, waterfalls and vast tracts of open,
fertile land forming plains that house the province’s municipality and the
River Loei (which flows into the Mekong). Loei is also a province of extremes, not least its climate! Loei gets
cold… sometimes very cold! The temperature can drop to 0°C in the cool
season prompting the fogs and mists more associated with northern parts of
the Kingdom. In stark contrast, during the hot season temperatures go off
the chart and Loei becomes Thailand’s warmest province. Agriculture drives
Loei’s economy and its rural communities remain intact tending crops as
diverse as highland rice, Arabica coffee and lychees. As well as physical
similarities with the north, Loei shares many cultural similarities that
have blended to make the province a culturally unique part of Thailand. The
province has excellent National Parks in Phu Kradung and Phu Reua making
Loei an excellent place for hiking from mid-October to February. Loei is
also home to the famous Bun Phra Wet Festival.
Loei Palace Hotel
The newly opened Loei Palace Hotel, offers first class accommodation, of an
international standard, in the heart Loei City. Located next to the city park,
with pleasant garden views, the hotel has 161 stylishly furnished guest rooms
and suites. Click here for more information and Booking Details »
Udon Thani is a northeastern
province covering an area of 15,589 square kilometers. The provincial
capital is 564 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Udon Thani is probably best
known for its archaeological wonders, paramount among them the hamlet of the
Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze Age civilisation is believed to
have flourished more than 5,000 years ago.
Nong Khai is located on the banks of the Mekong river, 630 km north-east
of Bangkok. Across the river
is People's Democratic Republic of
Laos. This is a good base
from which to explore Isan,
the North-East of Thailand, and the only place at which you can cross the
river into neighboring Laos by using the so-called friendship bridge.
The scenery around Nong Khai and along the Mekong river is very beautiful
and worth to check it out. Outside of Nong Khai is Wat Khaek, a
Buddhist-Hindu temple worth a visit. The city is also a good place to buy
handicraft of the region and neighboring Laos.
Royal Mekong Nongkhai Hotel
The Mekong Royal Nongkhai Hotel, an exciting opportunity to discover paradises
galore... and the magical Mekong River. The Magnificent 9 storey, 208 rooms
hotel, the Mekong Royal Nongkhai Hotel dominantly graces Thai-Laos beautiful
skyline. All facilities and services are selector just the best to service our
customer. Our friendly and profession trained staff offer you a large variety of
service, making your stay with us a pleasurable one. We will do our best in
providing for all your need - - be it for business or relaxation, by offering
outstanding personalized service. Click here for more information and Booking Details »
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani the largest province in the Isarn (Northeastern of
Thailand) is rich in history and diverse in cultural attractions. Isarn
ploudly presents our 4,000 year-old culture, custom, tradition and arts.
Ubon Ratchathani or "Lotus City", a major province in the northeastern part
of the country combines prehistoric culture, ancient customs, traditions and
arts with picturesque scenery in an attractive and distinctive ambience. It
is where you can see the sunshine before others in Thailand, the Emerald
Triangle - the gateway to Laos (Chong Mek) and Cambodia (Chong And Man). The Lenten Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani: this special event is
appreciated by tourists, and is supported by the Tourism Authority of
Thailand. The beautifully embellished beeswax candles form the center of
activities. There are parades and processions, folk dances and general
merriment before the candles are presented to local temples.
Recommended hotel:
Laithong
Hotel Ubon Ratchathani
Welcome to Laithong Hotel, the 5 star and most modern hotel in southern
Isan,
located in center of Ubonratchathani, the “Lotus City”. The hotel is
situated in easy traveling distance of Ubonratchathani International Airport
and in close proximity to essential facilities such as shops, markets,
banks, schools, hospital and the central business district. And best of all,
close to the stunning sunset over the “Mool River” Laithong Hotel is
committed to service excellence. You can see the smiles of all hotel
personnel, the efficient room service and the faces of the friendly waiting
staff.
