Find authenticity and adventure in the big Isaan cities
Have you ever looked beyond Thailand’s popular tourist haunts for something far more authentic? Hidden from the typical hustle and bustle of the more central cities, Thailand’s northeastern region is a treasure trove of culture, history, and delectable cuisine. Here lies the raw, unfiltered charm of the country rarely experienced by the average tourist as the Isaan city offers great diversity of experience.
Isaan’s Big 4: highlighting the major Isaan cities
1. Khon Kaen: At the heart of Isaan
Khon Kaen serves as the commercial and political hub of the region. In your visits, you will find that this city beautifully blends modernity with tradition, seamlessly weaving together just like its top industry. With that, the city is well known for the silk industry where tourists and locals alike are drawn in by their intricate patterns and delicate feel.
But more than the booming industry that the city has, Khon Kaen also has the famed Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, a remarkable nine-story stupa situated at the city’s heart, as Khon Kaen’s crown jewel. This stupa reflects an architectural marvel that reflects Buddhist roots but also gives you a panoramic view of the city as well.
2. Udon Thani: The Isaan historic hub
Another big city inside the stunning province of Isaan is Udon Thani, a city that is brimming with history and culture. This city is full of natural attractions that span from the Songkhram River, a tributary river that fertilizes the Mekong River, and the Phu Phan mountain range which rises above the plateau of the province and provides a nice spot to enjoy the sunset while overlooking the valley.
Another natural phenomenon to witness there is the Red Lotus Sea, a spectacle where millions of crimson lotus cover the water surface southeast of Udon Thani. But where Udon Thani can provide a natural spectacle, it is also home to the UNESCO-listed Ban Chiang Archeological Site, which houses some of the most important prehistoric discoveries in Southeast Asia. Here you can gaze upon many items, sights, and exhibitions that are older than civilisation itself.
3. Nakhon Ratchasima: A sports and shopping delight
Nakhon Ratchasima is a city known as the gateway to Isaan, also known as Korat, that claims tourists with its unique blend of traditional and modern allure in Thailand. One of the things that the city boasts is impressive night markets, like the SaveOne Night Market, which showcases a variety of street food, handmade items, and a lively atmosphere that anyone can immerse themselves in.
Furthermore, this city finds itself as the centre where a variety of international or national sports events, like the IWAS World Games, which makes itself a great hub for experiencing the top athletic performances. Other than the modernity experienced in Nakhon Ratchasima, you will also see the historical crown jewel of the Phimai Historical Park. This park serves as one of the largest Stone temples in Thailand that showcases the rich archaeological and architectural wonders of the ancient Khmer empire.
4. Ubon Ratchathani: An Isaan cultural capital
Ubon Ratchathani stands as the largest city in Isaan and radiates its charm through its rich cultural heritage. This Isaan city is renowned for its vibrant annual candle festival where the streets glow with an array of intricately designed, colourful candles. This illustrates the city’s dedication to their tradition and craftsmanship as this started as a method of ‘merit-making’ to the monks long before electricity and persists to this day.
Other than the craftsmanship, Ubon Ratchathani has the temple Wat Thung Si Mueang which is a serene sanctuary that reflects the city’s spiritualism. If you prefer more natural sights in this city, you can also visit the Pha Tarm National Park where you can witness a magnificent sunrise over the Mekong River, ancient rock art, and diverse wildlife.
Isaan offers an intensive trip into Thailand’s genuine culture and rich past, not merely a pleasant diversion from the country’s gorgeous beaches and busy cities. Everywhere in this underappreciated area, from the top attractions to the four major cities in Isan, you can feel the pulse of Thailand. Every journey becomes an off-the-beaten-path adventure with Isaan, bringing to life Thailand’s most breathtaking, wild beauty.
