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Isan isn’t the Thailand from the classic postcards. Things run very differently here. Instead of beach bars and island hopping, you can expect a completely different rhythm: Mekong evenings along the riverside promenade, temples without crowds, local markets, and corners where Thailand still feels very authentic.
We’ve traveled through the Northeast many times and discovered some of the most beautiful places in Isan. That’s exactly why we know this: If you want to escape mass tourism, you’ll find the perfect destinations in Isan.
10 Destinations in Isan That Are Worth Visiting Away From the Crowds
So you can plan your trip to the region more easily, we’ve sorted our highlights by place. A Thailand vacation is very different here but incredibly exciting if you want to really dive into the culture. Isan is a truly huge area. That’s why we’re focusing here on places that are especially worthwhile for a first road trip. Many of them can even be combined very easily. On top of that, we’re including a few Isan day trip tips you can do directly from the cities.
1. Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
Korat, whose full name is actually Nakhon Ratchasima, is the entry point for many people and often the first city in Isan you’ll reach if you make the trip from Bangkok. The city is large, fantastically connected, and yet you’ll quickly notice: Thailand works a little differently here. It’s a great place to ease into this often more rural and less touristy region.
You can start, for example, at the Thao Suranari Monument (Ya Mo), where you can also admire the remains of the city wall. A must-see in Korat. Wat Sala Loi, which was built back in 1827, is another highlight and a temple visit you shouldn’t miss. In the evening, you can end the day at the Wat Boon Night Market and sample some street food and Isan cuisine. Korat is a great base for continuing deeper into Isan.
Here you’ll find even more things to do in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Tip: Day Trip to Phimai Historical Park
Phimai is one of those day trips you won’t forget anytime soon on your Isan journey. The site includes many remains of an ancient Khmer temple complex and dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Definitely very impressive, easy to access, and it feels like a huge piece of history right in the middle of Isan. It’s best to come in the morning. Then it’s more pleasant and you’ll get better photos without backlight.
Plan a few hours among the temple ruins. It’s worth exploring everything in detail instead of just rushing through. If you use Korat as your starting point, Phimai is perfect as a day trip, and for us it’s one of the most beautiful places in Isan. You’ll find all the info, like opening hours, admission, and more, in our article about Phimai Historical Park.
2. Buriram
Buriram (also spelled Buri Ram) is a really great stop if you want to dive deeper into Isan’s history. The region also fits perfectly between Korat (see point 1) and Surin (see point 3). It’s less about “city vibes” and more about day trips that will genuinely amaze you.
If you still want a bit of city time in between, you can stroll through a night market in the evening or, depending on your interests, make a quick detour to the Chang Arena or the Chang International Circuit. If you’re a motorsports fan, you can also watch the MotoGP, which takes place in Buriram every year.
Tip: Day Trip to Phanom Rung Historical Park
Phanom Rung is Buriram’s highlight, no question! The temple sits on top of an extinct volcano, and even the drive up is really fun. Once you get there, you’ll find a site that feels truly impressive, especially if you take your time and don’t just walk along the “main axis.” We’d recommend going early or later in the afternoon. Never underestimate Isan’s midday heat! While you’re there, it’s best to combine it right away with Muang Tam, another historic Khmer temple complex. They pair perfectly.
3. Surin
Surin feels very local, and that’s exactly why it’s such an interesting place in Isan. Many people associate the province with elephants, which is always a very sensitive topic. There’s an Elephant Village here where many mahouts live. To be honest, we haven’t been there ourselves, since elephant shows and similar activities are still offered, and we don’t support that.
Surin is still worth a stop, though, especially for the Khmer sites. There are many along the border with Cambodia, and they’re truly impressive. In town, you can check out the Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang (Pum) Monument or the Surin National Museum. A bit outside the city, a visit to Phanom Sawai Forest Park is worthwhile. And food definitely isn’t lacking either: In the center, you’ll find the Night Bazaar Surin every day starting at 05.00 PM.
Tip: Day Trip to Prasat Sikhoraphum
To come back to all those Khmer sites again, Prasat Sikhoraphum is probably the best known. Not huge, but super photogenic and incredibly relaxed to visit. That’s what makes this place so enjoyable, because you can take in the Khmer architecture in peace without fighting your way through crowds. It’s best early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the site feels more atmospheric. Ideally, plan your visit so you can continue on right afterward. As a quick stop, Prasat Sikhoraphum works perfectly and still feels like a real highlight in Isan.
4. Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen is one of the best-known cities in Isan. Modern, lively, and also a popular student city. It’s also an ideal base if you want to stay in the middle of the region for a few days. During the day, you can visit Wat Nong Wang, then take a lap around Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake, and in the evening grab something to eat at the Ton Tann Night Market. Here you can combine city time, food, and short day trips without spending hours in the car every day. You’ll find a short overview in our article on Khon Kaen highlights and the surrounding area.
Tip: Day Trip to Ubolratana Dam
A bit farther from the city, about an hour by car, you can visit Ubolratana Dam (also spelled Ubol Ratana). It’s a really nice contrast to the city program. You’ll get water, great views, and usually a very relaxed vibe without crowds. On top of that, you can see the large Buddha at Wat Phra Bat Phu Pan Kham and try delicious Isan cuisine in Bang Saen in wooden buildings right by the water. Perfect if you want to get out for a bit without planning a full day.
5. Udon Thani
Udon Thani is a popular spot in Northern Isan. You’ll find everything you need here, and at the same time you’re quickly at some truly beautiful day-trip destinations. In the city itself, you can easily spend a relaxed morning at Nong Prajak Park, later stop by the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center for a calmer culture spot, and in the evening eat at UD Town or stroll through the market. Udon is ideal if you want to stay flexible. From here, you can reach Nong Khai (see the next point) just as easily as the nature spots in the surrounding area.
Tip: Day Trip to Red Lotus Lake (Talay Bua Daeng)
Red Lotus Lake is a sight you’ll want to plan well. If you want to see the blooms, the “cooler” season around the end of the year and the beginning of the year is especially worth it. And you really should be there early in the morning. That’s when the atmosphere is at its best, and the water is still pleasantly calm. You can even rent a boat with a driver on site and cruise through the lotus flowers. Red Lotus Lake is perfect if you want to see something special without a long hike or a lot of crowds.
6. Nong Khai
For us, Nong Khai is one of the most relaxed Mekong towns in Isan. It’s less about a “sightseeing marathon” and more about real atmosphere. An evening at the Mekong promenade with a view is definitely part of it. Depending on the day of the week, the Walking Street is also worth it, because you can eat really well there and the vibe is genuinely pleasant. If you’re in the mood for something completely different, Sala Kaew Ku is a perfect quirky sculpture park. We can only recommend it, and you’ll find more info here in our blog post about the Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park.
In October, the Naga Fireball Festival also takes place every year. Along the entire promenade, food stalls, rides, and lots of lights are set up. There are fireworks, festively decorated boats, and krathongs floating along the water. We’ve been there ourselves, and it’s a real experience. You’ll see thousands of people and very few foreign tourists. It’s a true Isan cultural event.
7. Loei
Loei is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Isan and is a real contrast point with mountains and nature. A lot of it feels greener and often a bit cooler, too. For example, you can head to Chiang Khan, walk along the Mekong there (tip: Skywalk), and in the evening check out the Walking Street.
If you want even more scenery, a detour to Phu Ruea National Park is great for views and nature without needing a strenuous hike. Many places are accessible by car, and staying overnight is worth it as well, because sunrise over the mountains can be absolutely fantastic.
8. Sakon Nakhon
Sakon Nakhon is underrated, and that’s exactly what makes this place so exciting. Here you’ll get a lot of real Thailand. In the city center, you can visit Wat Phra That Choeng Chum or the ruins of Phrathat Narai Cheng Weng. In the north of Nong Han Lake lies the Ban Tharae Catholic Community, which you shouldn’t miss. Here you’ll find some lovely cafés, historic colonial buildings, and a bit of street art.
You can discover more tips in our Sakon Nakhon attractions.
Tip: Day Trip to Wat Tham Pha Daen
Wat Tham Pha Daen is a trip that immediately feels special. The complex is outside Sakon Nakhon and offers not only temple vibes, but also wide-open views and truly beautiful scenery. We wouldn’t plan too tightly time-wise here. This spot works best when you arrive without stress and simply stay for a while. There’s really a lot to discover, from Buddhist statues to small waterfalls, all set within a beautiful, well-maintained complex.
9. Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon is a strong finale in the east because you can combine city and nature really well here. In the city itself, for example, it’s worth visiting Wat Nong Bua, which stands out for its distinctive architecture. If you’re still in the mood for great Isan food and markets, be sure to stop by the Thung Sri Muang Night Market. But the big draw of Ubon is also the surrounding area, because here on the Mekong you’ll feel noticeably “farther away” than in many other places in Isan.
Tip: Day Trip to Sam Phan Bok
Sam Phan Bok is often described as the “Grand Canyon of Thailand.” And yes, that’s pretty accurate. The key is to keep the water level in mind. This spot is most impressive when the Mekong is low (ideally between December and May). That’s when you can see the rock formations really clearly and explore much more. It’s best to plan enough time and come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat.
10. Nakhon Phanom
If you’re in the mood for quiet evenings on the Mekong at the end of your trip, don’t skip Nakhon Phanom. A walk along the Mekong promenade, especially at sunset, is definitely a highlight. Don’t miss the Naga Monument, either. That’s also where Nakhon Phanom’s night market starts at 05.00 PM, where you can find your dinner.
A bit of history can be found just outside the center at the Ho Chi Minh House. The former president of Vietnam lived there from 1924 to 1931. Wat Noi Pho Kham, with its large Buddha statue, is also worth a visit if you’d like to see more temples.
Tip: Day Trip to Wat Phra That Phanom
Wat Phra That Phanom is one of the most famous temples in all of Isan. It’s high on the list for many travelers, and especially for Thais. If you’re traveling around Nakhon Phanom, this is the classic you should plan for. The temple is best known as a pilgrimage site, and that’s exactly why it holds a very special meaning for many Thais. If you like visiting places that don’t just look beautiful but are also culturally truly important, Wat Phra That Phanom is a perfect fit.
How to Get to Isan
When it comes to getting to Isan, you generally have several good options. Which one fits best mainly depends on where you want to go or whether you’re planning a road trip to the most beautiful places in Isan.
The fastest way is often by plane. From Bangkok, there are daily domestic flights, especially from Don Mueang (DMK), to larger cities in Isan such as Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, or Nakhon Ratchasima. Depending on your destination, the flight usually takes only around 1 to 1.5 hours. The easiest way to find routes and prices is via Skyscanner.
Alternatively, you can easily travel by bus. Most long-distance buses depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal and head to many cities in Isan. Depending on the route, you’ll usually be on the road for about 6 to 12 hours, sometimes longer. Within Isan, bus connections are also practical if you want to continue traveling from city to city. You can find tickets and current departures clearly on 12go.asia.
A third option is traveling with your own rental car. Especially for a road trip, this is often the most flexible choice because you can spontaneously stop at viewpoints, temples, or national parks along the way. The major highways are very well developed. From Bangkok, for example, Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) heads northeast and connects important places like Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani. For other destinations in the east and south of Isan, you then branch off onto other main roads depending on your route. We’ve traveled through Isan by car several times and can only recommend it if you want to see many places.
Have you ever taken a trip to Isan? What do you consider to be the most beautiful places in Isan? Feel free to leave a comment below the article here.
