Provinces

Amnat Charoen (อำนาจเจริญ) is a mainly agricultural province in Northeastern Thailand. The province is situated along the Mekong River and it borders Laos. Tourism attractions here are mainly around culture, temples, handicrafts, and agricultural tourism, including organic farms.

Bueng Kan (บึงกาฬ) was split off from Nong Khai province in 2011 to become Thailand’s newest province. It features a wildlife preserve along the Mekong River and a quiet border crossing into Laos. The province’s most famous attraction is Wat Phu Tok, a temple built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mekong plain that is accessible only by a steep and difficult climb. Monks come from all over Thailand to meditate in the various huts and caves that dot the mountain.

Buriram (บุรีรัมย์) is a Northeastern province famous for its Khmer Empire archeological sites, its football team, a world-class motorsports racetrack, and an epic party at Thai New Year in April. The name Buriram means ‘city of happiness’.

A mountain range divides Chaiyaphum (ชัยภูมิ) province between the Isaan region to the east and the Central region to the west. Chaiyaphum Province has four different national parks!

Kalasin (กาฬสินธุ์) is a rural and mainly agricultural province in Northeastern Thailand. It is split in two by a large reservoir that is important for flood control and irrigation. A mountain range along the edge of the province holds one national park, and the province is known for the numerous dinosaur fossils discovered there.

Khon Kaen (ขอนแก่น) is one of the major provinces of Issan with one of the four main cities in the region. It sits along the railway and main highway that connects Bangkok to Nong Khai and on to Vientianne Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.

Loei (เลย) is a great place for outdoor adventure travelers. The province is covered in high mountain peaks and foggy valleys making it ideal for trekking. Geographically and culturally, Loei is in between Northern Thailand and Issan (the Northeast).

Maha Sarakham (มหาสารคาม) is a Central Issan Province. It is home to the Northeast’s largest university, but beyond that the province consists mainly of flat plains, rice fields, and a closeup look at Issan culture.

Mukdahan (มุกดาหาร) was a fairly sleepy Issan province along the Mekong River until the opening of the second Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Now it’s an important commercial route for trade between the countries.

Nakhon Phanom (นครพนม) is a Northeastern Province that sits along the Mekong River opposite Laos. The town is a pleasant surprise of great food, friendly people, coffee shops and local living with a very small number of tourists.

Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา) – <em>otherwise known as Korat</em> – is the first major city in Issan as you travel from Bangkok. The Province features a major city, important universities, festivals and two stunning national parks. Korat is Thailand’s largest province.

Nong Bua Lamphu (หนองบัวลำภู) is a Northeastern Province on the Korat Plateau. The area is mainly agricultural so tourism is mostly limited to temples and getting an up close look at Issan life. There is also a national park.

Nong Khai (หนองคาย) is a Northeastern Province along the Mekong River Valley. It is a common passing through point for overland travel between Thailand and Vientianne, Laos which is just over the river from Nong Khai City. The best-known tourist attraction is the strangest sculpture park you’ve ever seen.

Roi Et (ร้อยเอ็ด) is a province in Central Issan. It is mainly agricultural, though it has a charming capital city centered around a manmade lake with large park on an island in the middle.

Sakon Nakhon (สกลนคร) is a Northeastern Province on the Korat Plateau not far from the Mekong River Valley. It is a mainly agricultural province where most of the tourist attractions are temples and local culture. There is a nice lake near the provincial capital that’s worth a visit for a picnic.

Sisaket (ศรีสะเกษ) is a Northeastern Province along the Cambodian border. The province has some national parks and numerous ruins and archeological sites from the Khmer Empire.

Surin (สุรินทร์) is a Northeastern Province bordering Cambodia to the South. It has an interesting blend of Thai-Issan (Lao) mixed with Khmer culture. The province has always been caught in the middle between the cultures and empires of Laos, Khmer and Siam making for fascinating history and culture.

Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี) is Thailand’s easternmost province. It borders both Cambodia and Laos, and features virgin rainforest, stunning waterfalls, misty mountains, and wildflower blooms.

Udon Thani (อุดรธานี) is one of the regional hubs for Northeastern Thailand. There is not a lot of outdoor adventure travel in Udon, but the province makes up for it in charming Issan culture and a nice provincial capital.

Yasothon (ยโสธร) is a mainly agricultural Northeastern Province. There is not a lot of outdoor adventure travel, but there are some nice local cultural features, especially the famous Rocket Festival held every May.