Northeast Thailand

The Northeast ofThailand, a vast plateau covering nearly one third of the country, is usually known as Isan. It is known to be an arid region with soil of poor quality, but for tourism, Isan is one of the country's most intriguing destinations with many Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings and artifacts, and several significant temples that are a legacy of the great Khmer empire.

The sandstone shrines are popular tourist attractions, particularly the superbly restored sites at the historical parks of Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phanom Rung in Buri Ram.

The Bronze Age settlements at Ban Chiang in the province of Udon Thani provide fascinating evidence of the work of the local potters some 5,000 years ago. Two of Thailand's best-loved national parks, Khao Yai, Phu Kradung and Phu Rua in Loei, are in Isan.

The Northeast consists of 19 provinces are Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yasothon.