Excursion trip to isan thailand. What do we know about the north of Thailand and its poorest region, Isan

Isan- the northeastern region of Thailand, located on the arid lands of the Khorat sandy plateau, and bordering the Mekong River with Laos, is considered the poorest region of the country. Traditional communities of Thai peasants live here, making up about 1/3 of the country's population.

They cultivate rice, cassava and cotton, and grow mulberries whose leaves serve as food for silkworms.

In Isan, they do not speak Thai, but Lao (16 million Laotians live in Isan, although Laos itself has a population of only 6 million people) and, in some provinces, Khmer. Isan is the main producer of Thai rice. This is an agricultural land and the poorest region in the country. It is from here that more than 90% of prostitutes in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket come from. At the same time, Isan is famous for its sights. Thais believe that here is the spiciest cuisine and the most beautiful nature.

The city of Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) is the unspoken capital of the northeastern part of Thailand - Isan. There are several notable places in and around Korat:

• Phi Mai temple complex - by the way, one of the centers of the ancient Khmer state and one of the largest partially preserved and reconstructed in Thailand architectural ensembles of this kind. This is the second largest Khmer temple after Angkor Wat. But Phi Mai was built earlier and it was here that inscriptions were discovered that made it possible to decipher the ancient Khmer alphabet.

• national park Kao Yai. Perfect place for jungle exploration and ecotourism.

• One of the best zoos in Asia is the Korat Zoo with a Jurassic Park and a water park for children.

• The historical center of Korat: a monument to Yamo, the savior of the city, to whom everyone comes to pray locals. Young people gather near Yamo in the evenings, demonstrating various tricks on bicycles. There are also playgrounds and evening cafes with all kinds of Thai dishes and special Korat cuisine. This is the real heart of the city, uniting its inhabitants.

• Wat Po is an important place for Buddhists, one of the most revered temples. There are many temples in Korat, beautiful and well-groomed.
• A special treat can be a visit to the Chinese temple in the city center, where costumed musical performances are regularly held. You can enjoy the music from this temple without even leaving your hotel. A couple of these hotels overlooking the temple are located on Suranari Street.

The Thai cuisine of Northeast Thailand is heavily influenced by Lao and Cambodian gastronomic traditions. One of the most popular dishes in the region somtam“, a green papaya salad that combines the four main tastes of Thai cuisine - sour lime, hot chili pepper, salty fish sauce, sweetness of palm sugar. Today, somtam is a favorite dish for many not only in Isan, but throughout Thailand, and is becoming more and more famous in the world due to its unique taste and ease of preparation.

Northeastern Thai cuisine in general terms represents relatively simple peasant dishes (in the Thai concept). The classic dish of Isan is considered "lab"- minced spicy meat, it is served with salad and raw vegetables. Some of the region's other dishes that will surprise you rather than make you want to try are fried red ant larvae, fried or stewed rice rat, curry gecko. Sticky rice accompanies any meal, the northeastern version is a little different from glutinous rice in Bangkok or in the South, it is served in small bamboo baskets.

Very popular in the region "pla raa“, literally rotten fish - in addition to several traditional technologies for preserving fish - smoking, drying. The product is often added to salads, including somtam. Pla raa is used as an ingredient in fish sauce. A rather dubious condiment with an unforgettable aroma from which it is impossible to “hide” is a key ingredient in Isan cuisine. Although the methods may vary slightly from area to area. Freshly caught river fish (small and medium sized) are descaled (sometimes the heads and entrails are removed). A few days later, the fish is again cut into fillets and packed in airtight containers, overlaid with rock salt and sprinkled with rice bran. Ripening time lasts several months.

Many have heard the word Isan, but do not even know what it is. This is the name of the northeast of Thailand, which includes 20 provinces. But we will visit only Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest in the country and the most saturated with various interesting sights. The trip is designed for 2 days and 1 night, but if you want to visit one of the largest and most interesting national parks at the same time, then you can travel longer.

On the first day we will visit the Chachoengsao province, see many interesting sights, and spend the night in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. The next day we travel through this province in the morning and return to Pattaya in the evening.

Our journey begins with a visit to the majestic Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, which is located on the west bank of the Bang Pakong River. The temple is always crowded with worshipers who come from faraway parts of Thailand to pay their respects to Luang Pho Sathon (Honorary Father Sathon) as well as 20 other Buddha images. In this temple, it is customary to present chicken eggs to the Buddha, if on your previous visit to this temple, the Buddha heard and fulfilled your requests and prayers.

Then we go to the largest exhibition of sand figures. The exhibition is located on the territory of 20,000 sq. meters and on this area of ​​4000 tons of sand, the world's leading sculptors have created many architectural compositions, recognizable characters from films and myths.

We visit the ancient Chinese temple Thep Thawi Chaivaphon, which is over 100 years old and was built during the reign of the great king Rama 5. In the temple, antiquity is seen in everything, in architecture, in statues, in paintings and other things.

We go to the so-called pink Ganesha at the Wat Saman Rattanaram temple, on the way we look at the dam on the Bang Pakong River. In the temple on the banks of the river stand unusual statues Erawan (three-headed elephant), pink Ganesha and Vishnu (gods from Indian mythology), the goddess Guanin (Chinese goddess of well-being). The fencing of the river is made of their huge dragons, and a giant lotus floats on the river.

Our next stop is the Parrot and Palm Park!!! Most big park birds and palm garden in Thailand with hundreds of beautiful tropical parrots, as well as other birds and animals from all over the world. In the farm's incubator, you can see the whole process of the birth of parrots, and you can buy one of them in a local store. The territory is quite large, there are many aviaries with parrots and other birds, various reservoirs with waterfowl, beautiful palm gardens, a hotel under construction from Thai-style houses, so you can walk around the park, and you can also rent a golf cart.
Parrot park website http://www.suanpalmfarmnok.com/

On the way to the golden temple, we stop at an unusual temple to the statue of the black multi-armed Ganesha, this temple is still under construction, but the monumental statue, which can be seen from afar in the area, is worth a visit!

The golden temple of Wat Pak Nam is notable for the fact that it is covered with golden paint everywhere inside and out. Very unusual for Thailand and will certainly make an unforgettable experience.

And the last point of our visit today will be the extraordinary temple of Wat Pho Bang Khla, where hordes of flying foxes hang around on all the surrounding trees. It is amazing that foxes live in trees inside the temple and nearby, and nowhere else can they be found in such numbers! Then we move to the city of Nakhon Ratchasima for an overnight stay.

Day 2
In the morning of the next day, a walk through the historical center of the city, visiting the museum in the remains of the city wall, visiting royal temple in this province of Wat Phayap and sightseeing of the stunning man-made cave made by the monks on the territory of the temple.

We are going to the village of Baan Prasat, where archaeological excavations were carried out and it will be very interesting to see how archaeologists have designed this extraordinary place. We visit a small museum and several archaeological sites that are left as they were found. A very unusual performance.

After admiring the bones and shards, we go to the ancient temple of Phimai, built by the Khmers (Cambodia today) when in those days this current territory of Thailand belonged to the Khmer Empire. The Phimai Temple occupies a decent territory, the impressive Prang and other buildings on the territory, although this building is already quite a few years old. The beginning of the construction of this temple dates back to the 6th century and was completed in the 14th century AD, but the Thai people look after and make sure that everything does not fall apart completely.

And now, our next point of visit, one of the most beautiful mosaic temples, built in 2013 and where smart cards are used to pay for donations. One of the most famous and revered monks in Thailand lives here and this beauty was built under his patronage. You can talk about the temple itself, the history of its construction and what the mosaics and paintings inside tell about for a very long time, so admire the photos, and if you decide to go there, then I will tell you all this.

Driving along the highway from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, the eye clings to the spiers of the Wihan Luang Pho To Pheom Ransi temple peeking out of the greenery. As you drive closer, you are left speechless at the sight of the “chic” temple, which sparkles like a diamond jewelry. Unlike any other traditional Thai temple, it regally sits amidst a luxurious park with meandering canals, swan ponds and green arches. Interior decoration of the temple is rather ascetic: in the central part sits a huge statue of a revered monk, to which parishioners bring alms in an endless stream.

Museum of Iron Figures
On the opposite side of the road from the Wihan Luang Pho temple, a powerful dragon figure, assembled from many steel parts from old cars, motorcycles and bicycles, attracts attention - with its grandeur, it lures drivers and their passengers to the Museum of Iron Figures. Being on the territory of the museum, you are lost from the abundance of popular movie heroes and characters made in the style of "dragon". All these gears, radiators, bolts, nuts, shock absorbers… merge so harmoniously that the figures seem to be alive.

Cost: trip for 2 days (1 night) 8000 baht for a group of up to 4 people (without the cost of hotels, meals and entrance fees). The approximate cost of all entrance tickets is 450 baht per person. The minimum cost of living in hotels is from 400 baht for double rooms, depending on the location and season.

Any trip should start with getting some information about the country, the trip to which is included in the nearest plans. Travelers to Thailand, in addition to information about attractions, transport system and national cuisine, it is important to find enough data on the regional division of the Kingdom.

The provinces of Thailand are not just parts of one country, but unique cultural units. Chumphon and Trang, Phang Nga and Chonburi provinces, Rayong and Prae differ from each other not only in the region of location and climate, but also in culture and lifestyle. Officially, 77 provinces and a separate district of Bangkok are united into six large regions.

Location on the map of Thailand

▣ The map does not show the new province of Bungkan, part of Nongkai Province, created in 2011.

Traveling not through major tourist centers, but through remote areas allows you to get acquainted with the culture and way of life of the country, to see real Thais who are not spoiled by the thirst for profit from tourists and are ready for open communication.

Northern provinces

It is the north of the country that is considered the very region that has preserved the authenticity and national characteristics of the country. Of the 17 provinces in this part of Thailand, Lampang and Phre stand out, well-preserved bright historical features.

▣ Lampang Luang.

This is manifested in the perfect preservation of architectural monuments, and in the opportunity to join the past: for example, ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the old city.

In the city of Lampang, tourists from all over the world are attracted by temple buildings in the Thai and Burmese style: sacred places believed to have supernatural powers.

The northern provinces of Thailand are attractive for their historical part: a trip to these regions is worth planning for those who are classically beach holiday prefers educational excursions and trips.

Equally attractive to tourists are the landlocked Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: Thailand in this region appears in all its unique beauty. Numerous temples, of which the White Temple stands out, the unique Night Market, museums and gardens - all this real paradise for the keen tourist.

Northeast region

The north-east of the country is almost a third of the territory and a third of the population. This poorest and least visited region of the country has an equally grim name - Isan - after the Hindu god of death. Non-tourist region tourist thailand does not speak Thai and does not favor travelers: the majority of the population employed in exhausting agricultural work is not distinguished by a good disposition.

▣ Non-tourist region of tourist Thailand.

Poor soils, minimum wages, poor city planning and a poor intercity communication system - all this repels not only avid tourists, but also the indigenous people of the country from visiting Isan.

▣ Pier on northeast Thailand.

Among the cities of Isan, only the unspoken capital, Korat, stands out, attracting tourists with a zoo with a water park for families, as well as a historical center in which everyone will find something interesting. Cafes with amazing national cuisine, youth recreation areas, historical monuments and museums - relaxation for every taste.

▣ Park of fantastic sculptures in the northeast of Thailand.

Among other noteworthy objects of this province, it is worth mentioning temple complex Phi Mai - Khmer ruins, partially preserved and partially reconstructed.

Khao Yai National Park is of interest for its unique untouched nature, which you can enjoy while hiking along one of the 15 trails or during a night safari.

Central provinces

It is the central provinces of Thailand that are considered the heart of the country: 19 unique regions, not similar to each other, but united by history and culture. Untouched nature in the depths of the provinces, a developed economy, historical monuments, farms and industries, regular festivals and floating markets - this is Thailand in its true beauty.

▣ The central provinces are considered the heart of the country.

When talking about the center of the country, the capital is usually mentioned first - Bangkok, an ancient and rapidly developing city that combines not only old temples and high-rise office buildings but also people of different nationalities.

Two or three days spent in this city inexorably change a person, making him a part of Thailand, a part of ancient culture and future achievements. The monasteries and temples of the city center make you think about the frailty of life, and the facades of skyscrapers descend from heaven to earth.

Western provinces

The west of the country is a combination of unique nature reserves and preserved intact monuments of antiquity. Most often, tourists visit this region, attracted by the glory of the country's national park in the province of Phetchatburi.

▣ Phraya Nakhon Cave — business card province of Phetchatburi.

Almost half of the province is virgin rain forests, excursions through which turn out to be not only interesting, but extremely exciting for naturalists. Fans of a more educational holiday will be interested in visiting the complex of palaces and temples of Nakhon Khiri, which is a concentration of the best examples of Thai and Chinese architecture.

▣ Phra Nakhon Khiri — summer palace King Mongkut.

No less interesting is another part of the country - Kanchanaburi. This province is considered a fairy tale region, famous for its waterfalls, Golden Temple Triangle, Tiger Cave Temple and other attractions.

In addition, this part of the country is not so popular with tourists, so the low population and tranquility of this province creates a special mood for a relaxing holiday.

Eastern provinces

The east of the country is a tourist paradise, which, in addition to numerous historical and natural attractions, includes amazing beauty beaches that delight not only travelers, but also the local population with white sand and ultramarine sea. For example, Rayong province is attractive with almost a hundred-kilometer beach line and.

▣ Samet is an island paradise for lovers of untouched nature.

Island with clean beaches and coral reefs, caves and gardens ideal for comfortable rest. The Eastern Provinces are considered to be the ideal concentration of all kinds of interesting tourist relaxation and amazing service.

▣ Chonburi is more of an industrial city than a tourist one.

Chonburi province is convenient for tourists not only for its proximity to Bangkok, but also for its special local flavor, carefully guarded by the local population. One of the most famous resort towns country - Pattaya - is located in this region. In addition to traditional tourist walks along Walking Street (the city's busiest street at night), visitors to this region can visit livestock farms, botanical gardens and temples.

- a beautiful place, sacred to Buddhists of all countries. Therefore, a visit to this attraction should be included in the list of must-haves.

Chanthaburi is a province bordering Cambodia, attractive for active tourists who prefer hiking and rafting, as well as for fans of local culture and religion. Comfortable hotels, friendly staff and local people, entertainment for every taste - a classic for tourist country the set is also presented in this province.

Southern provinces

The southern provinces of Thailand are the embodiment of the country's tourist beginnings in a unique variety of nature and architecture: the beaches here are adjacent to ancient temples, and secluded islands boast impenetrable jungles.

▣ The south of the country is a unique variety of architecture.

Trang Province is islands, beaches and mountains, guaranteeing peace and privacy to all guests. It is peace and relaxation that ideally characterize holidays on the islands of Muk, Lebong and Kradan. Chumphon (or Chumpon) Province is known for its beaches, islands, waterfalls and parks. Nature lovers will be pleased with the view from the window of their hotel, and the proximity of attractions will not let you get bored in the bosom of an ideal landscape.

▣ Trang Province is located in the south of Thailand, and almost borders with Malaysia.

Phang Nga Province attracts tourists with pristine beaches and the world-famous "", featured in the film about the famous spy. comfortable hotels, marine entertainment and tours of national park Ao Phang Nga - all this is the south of the country.

List of provinces of Thailand

№	No. (on the map)	Provinces	Administrative center	Population	Square,	Density
North
1	1	Kamphaengphet	Kamphaengphet	783 379	8 608	91,01
2	2			731 710	12 534	58,38
3	3	lamphun	lamphun	406 178	4 509	90,08
4	4	Mae Hongson	Mae Hongson	193 005	12 681	15,22
5	5	Nakhon Sawan	Nakhon Sawan	975 632	9 598	101,65
6	6	Nan	Nan	443 484	11 472	38,66
7	7	Phayau	Phayau	407 822	6 335	64,38
8	8	Phetchabun	Phetchabun	931 337	12 668	73,52
9	9	Phitsanulok	Phitsanulok	896 095	10 816	82,85
10	10	phichit	phichit	530 754	4 531	117,14
11	11	phrae	phrae	417 689	6 539	63,88
12	12	Sukhothai	Sukhothai	617 157	6 596	93,57
13	13	So	So	514 259	16 407	31,34
14	14	Uttaradit	Uttaradit	427 917	7 839	54,59
15	15	Uthai Thani	Uthai Thani	290 204	6 730	43,12
16	16	chiangmai	chiangmai	1 708 564	20 107	84,97
17	17	Chiang Rai	Chiang Rai	1 157 302	11 678	99,10
Northeast (Isan)
18	1	Amnatcharen	Amnatcharen	278 893	3 161	88,23
19	2	Buriram	Buriram	1 265 020	10 323	122,54
20		Bungkan (established in 2011)	bungkan		4 305
21	3	Kalasin	Kalasin	814 768	6 947	117,28
22	4	Khon Kaen	Khon Kaen	1 735 096	10 886	159,39
23	5	ley	ley	537 226	11 425	47,02
24	6	Mahasarakham	Mahasarakham	817 778	5 292	154,53
25	7	Mukdahan	Mukdahan	356 312	4 340	82,10
26	8	Nakhon Phanom	Nakhon Phanom	578 363	5 513	104,91
27	9	Nakhon Ratchasima	Nakhon Ratchasima	2 522 251	20 494	123,07
28	10	Nongbualamphu	Nongbualamphu	479 905	3 859	124,36
29	11	Nongkai	Nongkai	809 431	3 027	267,40
30	12	Royet	Royet	1 074 283	8 299	129,45
31	13	Sakonnakhon	Sakonnakhon	932 315	9 606	97,06
32	14	Sisaket	Sisaket	1 044 965	8 840	118,21
33	15	Surin	Surin	1 112 330	8 124	136,92
34	16	Ubon Ratchathani	Ubon Ratchathani	1 735 803	15 745	110,24
35	17	Udon Thani	Udon Thani	1 280 696	11 730	109,18
36	18	Chaiyaphum	Chaiyaphum	953 124	12 778	74,59
37	19	Yasothon	Yasothon	479 453	4 162	115,20
Central Thailand
38	1	angthong	angthong	252 828	968	261,19
39	2	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	869 539	2 557	340,06
40	3	Greater Bangkok Special District	Bangkok	8 249 117	1 569	5257,56
41	4			799 655	19 483	41,04
42	5	Lopburi	Lopburi	769 213	6 200	124,07
43	6	Nakhon Nayok	Nakhon Nayok	244 873	2 122	115,40
44	7	Nakhon Pathom	Nakhon Pathom	942 610	2 168	434,78
45	8	Nonthaburi	Nonthaburi	1 333 623	622	2144,09
46	9	Pathumthani	Pathumthani	1 326 589	1 526	869,32
47	10	Prachuap Khiri Khan	Prachuap Khiri Khan	464 711	6 368	72,98
48	11	Phetburi / Phetchatburi	Phetchaburi	470 467	6 225	75,58
49	12	Rathburi/Ratchaburi	Ratchaburi	794 593	5 197	152,89
50	13	Samut Prakan	Samut Prakan	1 828 044	1 004	1820,76
51	14	Samut Sakhon	Samut Sakhon	885 564	872	1015,56
52	15	Samut Songkhram	Samut Songkhram	184 256	417	441,86
53	16	Saraburi	Saraburi	715 404	3 577	200,00
54	17	Singburi	Singburi	198 607	823	241,32
55	18	Suphanburi	Suphanburi	844 962	5 358	157,70
56	19	Chinat	Chinat	303 940	2 470	123,05
East
57	1	Prachinburi	Prachinburi	546 065	4 762	114,67
58	2	Rayong	Rayong	819 604	3 552	230,74
59	3	Sakeu	Sakeu	555 236	7 195	77,17
60	4	Trat	Trat	246 175	2 819	87,33
61	5	Chachoengsao	Chachoengsao	715 180	5 351	133,65
62	6	Chanthaburi	Chanthaburi	482 370	6 338	76,11
63	7			1 554 365	4 363	356,26
Southern Thailand
64	1	Chumphon	Chumphon	466 030	6 009	77,56
65	2	Krabi	Krabi	359 368	4 709	76,32
66	3	Nakhon Si Thammarat	Nakhon Si Thammarat	1 449 387	9 943	145,77
67	4	Narathiwat	Narathiwat	668 863	4 475	149,47
68	5	Pattani	Pattani	605 208	1 940	311,96
69	6	Phangnga	Phangnga	255 188	4 171	61,18
70	7	Phatthalung	Phatthalung	477 853	3 425	139,52
71	8	Phuket	Phuket	525 018	543	966,88
72	9	Ranong	Ranong	247 192	3 298	74,95
73	10	Satun	Satun	272 886	2 479	110,08
74	11	Songkhla	Songkhla	1 480 468	7 394	200,23
75	12	Surat Thani	Surat Thani	1 005 475	12 892	77,99
76	13	Trang	Trang	596 183	4 918	121,22
77	14	Yala	Yala	432 245	4 521	95,61

Phanthipha Residence 3 * is located in Thailand in the city of Khon Kaen. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Central Plaza shopping mall. Thanks to the hotel's convenient location, you can easily reach the most popular tourist spots in the city.

Yellow House Khon Kaen 2*

The Yellow House Khon Kaen 2 * hotel is located in Thailand, in the city of Khon Kaen. The hotel is located in the city center, a 5-minute walk from Central Plaza and the local bus station, and a 15-minute drive from Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake.

Katowa Homestay 1*

Thailand, Northeast Thailand (Isan)

Hotel Katowa Homestay 1 * is located in Thailand in the city of Pak Chong. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Khao Yai, Palio Shopping Mall and 10 km from the night market. Thanks to the hotel's convenient location, you can easily reach the most popular tourist spots in the city.

Baan Ton Mai Rim Nam Resort 3*

Thailand, Northeast Thailand (Isan)

Hotel Baan Ton Mai Rim Nam Resort 3 * is located in Thailand, in the city of Khon Kaen. The hotel is 405 km from international airport Bangkok. Thanks to its convenient location, you can easily get to the most popular tourist spots in the city.

Na Loei Boutique Resort

Thailand, Northeast Thailand (Isan)

@ Sign Hotel 2*

Thailand, Northeast Thailand (Isan)

Hotel @ Sign Hotel 2 * is located in Thailand, in the city of Nakhon Phanom. The hotel is located in the city center of Nakhon Phanom, close to the Mekong River, Nakhonpanom Downtown and Nakhonpanom Ratchanakarin Hospital.

Gold Mountain Wangnamkhiao Resort 3*

Thailand, Northeast Thailand (Isan)

Gold Mountain Wangnamkhiao Resort 3 * is located in Thailand, in the Wangnamkheo district of Nakhon Ratchasima province. The hotel is 5 km from the city center and 204 km from Bangkok International Airport.

Fortune River View Nakhon Phanom

Thailand, Northeast Thailand (Isan)

The famous Luang Prabang. However, these are all Lao adventures. And we travel around Thailand by car and explore the province of Lei (Lei), so rich in sights. The route of the trip passes through the Mekong valley. And the program of our tour includes a waterfall, views of the Mekong and embankments, rural Thai villages, fishermen and a beautiful sunset. Let's start the journey!

The amazing Mekong River, which begins its journey on the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, flows through China. And then, separating two states - Thailand and, carries its troubled waters across Cambodia, so that, finally, the Mekong Delta collapses into the South China Sea in Vietnam. The long path of the river is amazing - it flows over the surface of the planet for 4350 km and takes 11th place in the list of the longest rivers in the world.

Mekong map

Isn't it worth getting to know this river better, if possible? We decided to go on a tour of the Mekong and observe its course and change.

Isan - eastern Thailand

The tour passes through two provinces - Nong Khai and Loei, which are located in a special region of Thailand. Eastern Thailand is called Isan, or Isaan. Why is he special? This area has historically been closer to Laos, and was once part of Laos. And in more ancient times, it was part of the great state of Lansang with the capital Luang Prabang, and once a valuable statue was kept there, which now lives in the Royal Palace of Bangkok.

In Isan, everything is different - people are closer ethnically to the Laotians, they speak in dialects of Lao. Travelers to Isan should ideally know both Thai and Lao, as the locals themselves very rarely speak English. By the way, in South Isan, closer to the border with, people already speak dialects of the Khmer language. Thus, Isan is the most non-Thai region of the country. And if they say about Northern Thailand that it is there that Thailand is real, then here it is not only not real, it is not Thailand at all.

Isan cuisine is also famous, it differs from the usual Thai. Folk costumes are more like Laos. For example, I bought a beautiful skirt here, exactly the same as I once wore in Laos when visiting temples.

Read also:

Me in a Laotian skirt in Kammouan province in Laos. the same skirts are worn in Isan

Girls from Isan

There is another feature of Isan, much more piquant. Most of the girls who work prostitutes in Pattaya, come precisely from the poor families of Isan. This is how their fate develops, that apart from offering their services to wealthy European and American tourists in the hope of marrying someone who, captivated by the magic of Thailand, wants to leave everything and stay, they do not.

Here is such a different and controversial Isan, so let's get acquainted with its northern part, driving along the road along the Mekong.

Tour route along the Mekong River

• The tour passes through two provinces - Nong Khai and Loei
• Tour length - 120 km on route 211
• Buses run between cities
• The distance between Chiang Khan and Pak Chom can be covered by river by hiring a longtail boat
• All cities on the Mekong River and even between them have restaurants where you can dine
• In Chiang Khan, Pak Chom, Sangkhom and Si Chiang Mai there are guesthouses where you can spend the night.

A typical route along the Mekong as follows:

• Chiang Khan (Chiang Khan) is a sleepy, but beloved by Thais, town with an excellent walking street and a promenade, where tourists tired of the heat come to relax, enjoy the coolness and admire the Mekong and, of course, buy a ton of souvenirs and have a good meal.
• Pa Baen (Pha Baen) - people come to this picturesque village for the chance to see wooden architecture and impressive views of the river.
• Pak Chom (Pak Chom) - this town was marked by a large camp for refugees from Laos in the 70s and 80s, when people began to leave Laos after the overthrow of the monarchy in 1975. Now this typical village, like all others, is remarkable for its wooden houses and views of the main river of Southeast Asia.
• Ban Mueang (Ban Muang) - here it is customary to watch fishermen who cast their nets and rejoice that this fate has escaped travelers and they can buy fish either from the same fisherman, or in a supermarket, or by ordering it in a restaurant.
• Waterfall Tang Type (Than Thip Falls) is a pretty waterfall near the city of Sangkhom, with several pools where you can stop and cool off during an exciting tour.
• Sangkhom (Sangkhom) is a favorite village of backpackers who like to settle in bamboo huts on the banks of the river.
• Tan Tong Waterfall (Than Thong falls) 10 km east of Sangkhom in easy accessibility from the highway.
• Wat Hin Mak Peng Temple (Wat Hin Mak Peng) is a forest monastery popular with pilgrims right on the river bank.
• Si Chiang Mai (Si Chiang Mai) - a feature of this city is the presence catholic cathedral where Laotian Christians and Vietnamese refugees pray. Si Chiang Mai also gained fame as the largest manufacturer of wrapping leaves for spring rolls.

Travel route along the Mekong

There is always a reason to celebrate in Thailand

Mekong tour on public transport

Traveling is much easier if you have a car, but how do you get from one city to another without one? It turns out that this path can be done by public transport. It's all about the desire, the availability of time, readiness for adventure and openness.

• To Chiang Khan can be reached from Loei, as well as from Bangkok and from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. Buses mostly depart early in the morning around 6 o'clock, and also in the evening after 18.00.
• From Chiang Khan to Pak Chom songteos go. You can also get to Pak Chom from Loei, the bus leaves at 6.00.
• The buses are coming to Sangkhom from Nong Khai(at 7.30, 11.00 and 15.00) and from Loy. Buses heading towards Loei pass Songkhai at 10.30 and 14.00. The third bus, which passes here at 18.00, does not reach Loei, but stops at Pok Chom, which can be used when moving between cities on the Mekong River. Bus from Songkhom to Nong Khai leaves at 6.30, 11.30 and 16.00. Its cost is 60 baht, you will need to spend 3 hours on the way. He stops in Si Chiang Mai.
• To Si Chiang Mai from Nong Khai can be reached by buses that run here several times a day between cities. They leave at 7.30, 11.00 and 15.00. A distance of 40 km can be covered in an hour and 40 baht. 60 baht to Sangkhom. The same buses actually go to Loei, except for the last one, which stops at Pak Chom.

The beginning of the route along the Mekong River on the map

Travel around Isan along the Mekong River by car

We also decided to drive along Isan along the great Mekong. However, we did not start our journey from Chiang Khan, but from Si Chiang Mai, as we had just visited one of the most amazing sights in Thailand historical park Pu Prabat, located in the province of Udon Thani. So we're going in the opposite direction. We start from Si Chiang Mai and drive along great river and see all the interesting things that we meet along the way.

Si Chiang Mai - views of Vientiane

And we start from the town of Si Chiang Mai, known for the fact that its embankment offers views not only of the Mekong separating Laos and Thailand, but also of the capital of a neighboring state, Vientiane. Before, before it was built Bridge of Friendship between Vientiane and Nong Khai, the only way to get to Laos was from here, by boat from Si Chiang Mai.

Sunny promenade in Si Chiang Mai

And on the other side of the river is the capital of Laos Vientiane

Retro installation on the embankment. That's what they've been living here lately

Video from the waterfront of the city of Si Chiang Mai with views of the Lao capital Vientiane

Sangkhom - a pleasant promenade

People come to Sangkhom with the intention of hanging out here for a week and living the leisurely life of the locals. There are several simple guesthouses in the city (especially praised Buoy Guesthouse), including the river. Fresh fish from the Mekong and homemade Mekong whiskey are what backpackers who come here are busy with.

This part of the country is still living in the past. There are no huge supermarkets here, the life of people is simple and unpretentious. One of the best photographers in my opinion Beboy, found his inspiration precisely in the landscapes and people of Sangkhom. After all, visiting here is like being transported many years ago in a time machine, to the idyll of rural river life.

Antique columns on the waterfront of Sangkhom

The Lao hills are visible in the distance

Tang Type waterfall in dry season

Tan Tip Waterfall is located 13 km from the city of Sangkhom. You need to turn off the main road at the sign to the left towards the mountains and drive 3 km through the villages. At the end of the road will be the entrance to the waterfall. Tan Tip is hidden in the jungle and banana groves. Two levels of the waterfall are available, to which a path leads, and then a staircase.

The first level of the waterfall is 30 meters. However, the second one falls off a 100 meter high cliff. But the third - from 70 meters. More experienced travelers can see the third one, hidden at the top of the hill. But for this you need to be an experienced hiker and skillfully climb mountains. They say that in fact the waterfall has five levels, but no one has definitely seen this.

In the dry season, the waterfall did not show all its beauty, but it was still very pretty.

The second cascade of Tang Tip waterfall in Isan

Restaurant overlooking the Mekong

The nice owner made us rice with vegetables in a friendly manner, although he did not speak English. His prices are very democratic: for a large portion - 40 baht. And most importantly, it was nice to sit at a wooden table, look at the slow Mekong and enjoy everything that was happening. We also tried real coming from isan.

Lunch with a great view

Isan lunch with a view of the Mekong

Viewpoint Nong Pla Buek (NongPla Buek) near Ban Mueang village

Here mekong river shows a stone bottom, which is especially impressive during the hot season, when the bottom is almost completely exposed. We saw a similar picture during our trip to, which flows between and Thailand.

Stones at the bottom of the river

ghostly mekong

Photos of the Mekong turned out to be especially successful in the rays of the setting sun. We stopped in a village without a name for us, where local residents gathered under a sprawling tree and walked along the river embankment. We also could not resist and admired the main artery of Southeast Asia once again. And why not, since she is so beautiful?

Having stopped under the magnificent spreading bank, we went to look at the beauty of the main river of Southeast Asia

Lonely boat in the middle of the Mekong River in Isan

Throughout the Mekong there are islands of different sizes - from small ones, as shown in this photo, to huge ones where you can live, like in Laos

And on the other side of the small Laotian village

ghostly mekong

Fishermen in the river

Stopping again, we finally saw the promised fishermen, who were doing their usual thing - throwing a net into the river or sitting quietly with a fishing rod, falling asleep in their boat.

A fluffy island and a peaceful worker and family breadwinner at work

Fog descends on the Mekong River

Beautiful sunset in Chiang Khan

Arriving in Chiang Khan just in time for sunset, we saw how many Thai tourists are resting here. We all gathered on the embankment and saw how the muddy waters of the Mekong turned to gold and how the sun melted into a haze. Boats with happy vacationers drove along the river, and we stood and watched, thinking that another beautiful day had ended.

Sunset in Chiang Khan

golden mekong

Our impressions of the trip on the Mekong

Ride along Great Mekong seemed to us a worthwhile enterprise. Plunge into the unique atmosphere of the Thai-Lao hinterland, get acquainted with Isan region in eastern Thailand, ride along the Mekong Valley, stopping at beautiful viewpoints on the river - all this left an indelible impression. We took many photos along the way. But still best photos- these are not those that were on the tape (flash drive), but those that remained only in memory. There was no way to capture. They slipped only for a moment, but it is these shots that will remain the best memories of the trip.

Despite the fact that, it would seem, we were driving and saw the same landscape - the waters of the Mekong and a strip of land in Laos on the other side, it should be noted that the embankments in each city are completely different. And this is their special charm.

Everywhere we were surprised. Apparently not used to farangs here in Isaan. Especially on the border with Laos, where travelers do not often get. The owner of the restaurant tried very hard to please and was glad that we liked his dish.

It was very exciting to get to know the Mekong again and see its new hypostasis, calm and beautiful.

Is it bad to do the same way 120 km on a bike?