A high, semi-arid plateau used mainly for cattle and growing crops such as rice and maize. This is the poorest region of Thailand mainly due to bad droughts in the past, the sprawling Northeast Plateau is bordered to the north and east by the Mekong River and Laos and to the south
largely by Cambodia.
The pace of life in the north eastern region, known as Isaan (pronounced ee-san) is generally more relaxed than in other areas and the people often appear more friendly, with its colourful inhabitants, who speak their own tuneful dialect and a hospitable vibrant folk culture.
Isaan food is famous for its variety of ingredients, pungency and highly spiced cuisine. Particular favourites are som tam (a spicy papaya salad) and gai yang (roasted spiced chicken).

Many Isaan people come to Bangkok to earn a living as taxi drivers and street vendors and usually speak their own dialect which is very
different from Bangkok Thai.
If you want basic rural life, head to Isaan and visit some of the smaller villages. Northeastern Thailand does have some urban centres like
Khon Kaen , Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchasima, and Nakhon Ratchasima(Korat). while these are important towns, there size does not compare
to the Bangkok metropolis.
Udon Thani and Nong Khai are often visited by people on their way to Laos across the Friendship bridge.
The best silk in Thailand is said to come from the areas around Roi Et and Korat. This is certainly the place to visit for bargains or an insight
into silk weaving techniques.

Rice Farming Issan’s lowland rice yield begins about May and ends around September. This normal rice cultivation season may vary from place to place, depending on the land and climate conditions. Two basic requirements for growing rice are even land that gently slopes and a well-equipped irrigation system. Most importantly the land must be able to maintain 2-3 inches of water depth across the rice field area throughout the rice growing season

Friendship Bridge Nong Khai is located on the banks of the Mekong river, 630km north-east of Bangkok. Across the river is People's Democratic Republic of Laos. This is a good base from which to explore north-east Thailand and the only place at which you can cross the river into neighbouring Laos. Ideal for visa runs.

Sala Kaeo Ku, or Wat Khaek

Slightly east from Nong Khai town, this Temple offers a sculpted interpretation of the Hindu and Buddhist mythologies created in the 1950s.

	The sights are often strikingly bizarre, with huge serpents appearing over the treetops and oddly shaped domes. The central structure is peculiarly fashioned, with domes of extremely unusual design and weird columns; as the rest of the site, it was constructed in grey, solid concrete.

Ban Muang

is a minor district Amphoe of Sakon Nakhon Province, northeast Thailand it is about 220km south east of Nong Khai and 250km north
east of Udon Thani. Ban Muang is a small local village with a few shops and a nice temple.

Pa dong wai temple set in the jungle area outside Ban Muang.

Khum Chanod

Is near to Ban Dung which is about 60km's from Udon Thani, this religious small forest area in the middle of nowhere is supposed to be Haunted by spirits living in the trees and a dragon comes out of the pond at night!!

The forest entrance to the temple is quite eerie or even magical. You are required to remove your footwear before starting the 2 minute walk to the temple down the winding concrete footpath lined with 2 large green dragons. Once there - you will see some beautiful trees, all twisted and quite unique and the temple with 3 large bells suspended on rope, if the bell begins to make a sound after you begin rubbing it - your wish will come true. Apparently, this is the only place in Isaan where this particular palm tree grows
	There are some fish ponds which are supposed to be bottomless, this is where the Dragon lives. Drinking the water from the pond is also supposed to bring you good fortune. If you receive good luck you are supposed to tie a 7 coloured ribbon around the tree or one of the Buddha statues within the grounds.

Phra Luang Phor Toh Temple

Located in Sikhiu this is the largest temple in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) delicated to one of the most famous and beloved ancient monk during
Thailand’s Rattanakosin Period, Phra Somdej Toh Buddhacharn Phomarangsi (1788 - 1872).

The temple has taken several years to build and is still under-construction. It is surrounded by a landscaped garden where orchids and red roses blooming profusely on every corner.  Beside the main temple, there are many resting places and outdoor cafe for people to relax. It also provides free food and drink.
	The temple enshrined the largest Phra Somdej Toh statue  in Thailand Phra Somdej Toh was born in 17 April 1788 he studied the Buddhist scriptures with several Buddhist masters. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut, later King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Rama IV’s reign Somdej Toh was given the ceremonial name Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi. He was noted for the skill of his preaching and his use of Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism and for making amulets called “Somdej”, the most famous Thai amulets. These holy amulets are very powerful and highly desirable by amulet collectors from all over the world. He died on 22 June 1872 at the age of 85.

Buriram

known as the City of Pleasantness, is one of the largest and most populated provinces in the north east. About 410 kilometres from Bangkok,
it has a number of leading attractions, including the Prasat Hin Phanom Rung.

The Phanom Rung Historical Park has the Khmer-style monument called Prasat Hin Phanom Rung as its main structure and is one of the most ancient monuments in the northeast, as well as one of the most beautiful historical sites in Thailand. The monument stands majestically on top of Phanom Rung Mountain an extinct volcano. The first thing visitors see when they arrive at the site is the grand stairway from the foot of the hill up to the top. Most of the buildings of the sanctuary are made of laterite and sandstone, all with elaborate designs. The buildings are lined all the way to the main pagoda. This layout is according to Hindu belief of the layout of the heaven of the god Shiva.
	The main pagoda is a large one with a square base and facing east. The designs on the pagoda, columns, doorway, and lintels are exquisite, most telling a story of gods in Hinduism. From these designs and the architecture, it is surmised that the pagoda, the stairway and the Naga bridge were built during the 17th Buddhist century. Each building has descriptive designs telling people the purpose for its construction, its usefulness and the beliefs of ancient people.
In 1988 the historical park was officially opened after being beautifully restored and now Phanom Rung serves for educational purposes as well as for tourism.     The photos below show a Temple entrance and Temple in Buriram Town just before sunset.

Khao Yai National Park

This is the oldest national park in Thailand and one of the best in the world. Khao Yai has large areas of rain forest, an abundance of wild life,
and over 500 km of hiking trails. The park is located in the north-east 205km from Bangkok and can be reached by bus or train.