Isan (Northeast)
🦕 Dinosaur fossils, ancient ruins, and authentic rural culture
Isan, Thailand's vast northeastern plateau, is the country's most authentic and least touristy region, making it a rewarding destination for families seeking culture off the beaten path. Bounded by the Mekong River to the east and north, the landscape is a mix of rice paddies, buffalo farms, and sandstone plateaus. The vibe here is significantly more relaxed than Bangkok, with a strong emphasis on music, festivals, and distinctively spicy food.
For children, the biggest surprise in Isan is often its prehistoric past. The region is known as the "Dinosaur Belt" of Thailand. The Sirindhorn Museum in Kalasin and the excavation sites in Khon Kaen offer world-class paleontological exhibits where kids can see real dinosaur fossils discovered in the area. It is an educational highlight that rivals any museum in the capital.
History buffs will appreciate the Khmer influence visible in the architecture. Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) features a spectacular temple complex connected by ancient road to Angkor Wat; it allows families to explore impressive ruins without the massive crowds found in Cambodia. Nature lovers should head to Udon Thani to witness the Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng), a lake that turns vibrant pink with blooming flowers during the cool season mornings (December to February).
Khao Yai National Park, while technically overlapping central and northeastern borders, is the primary nature gateway for Isan. Here, families can join guided night safaris to spot wild deer, porcupines, and potentially wild elephants. Culturally, Isan people are incredibly welcoming to children. While the local cuisine (Som Tum, Laab) is famous for its heat, sticky rice and grilled chicken (Gai Yang) are staple kid-friendly comfort foods found everywhere. Renting a car is often the best way to explore this expansive region at your own pace.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Home to the world-class Khmer temple circuit (Phimai and Phanom Rung) which rivals Angkor in architectural detail and authenticity. Peak months offer the cool, dry climate (18-30°C) necessary for comfortable exploration of massive stone complexes; the off-season is characterized by extreme heat (>35°C) and monsoon rains that hinder photography and site navigation.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features highly authentic, world-renowned events such as the Yasothon Rocket Festival and the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival. Peak months provide ideal weather for outdoor spectacles like the Surin Elephant Round-up; shoulder months host major festivals (May, July) but are impacted by high humidity and the onset of the monsoon.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique ecosystems in Khao Yai and Phu Kradueng National Parks with authentic wildlife viewing and rugged hiking trails. Peak winter months provide dry conditions and cool nights (18°C) perfect for trekking; the off-season sees trail closures and difficult conditions due to heavy monsoon rain (up to 267mm) and peak tropical heat.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Features the UNESCO-listed Ban Chiang archaeological site, offering a world-class look at prehistoric bronze-age civilizations. The site and surrounding rural craft villages are best experienced in the cool season; extreme temperatures in March and April (>34°C) and heavy summer rains make travel to remote archaeological outposts challenging for families.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Mekong River loop provides a spectacular and authentic scenic driving route through traditional villages and dramatic river landscapes. Peak months offer clear skies and excellent visibility; the off-season brings heavy rain and occasional flooding which can make rural roads less predictable and diminish the scenic value.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
While lacking the high-density luxury spa infrastructure of Southern Thailand, the region offers exclusive boutique retreats along the Mekong for quiet, authentic reflection. Low humidity (54%) in peak months is essential for outdoor relaxation; the high humidity (66%) and extreme heat of the remaining months are poorly suited for wellness travel.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers high-quality cycling routes and regional golf courses that benefit from the vast, open landscape. The very narrow peak window provides the only temperatures (avg 24°C) suitable for sustained physical activity; the rest of the year is either too hot for international safety standards or significantly too wet.
Attractions (54 total)
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Udon Thani
A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing prehistoric settlements and world-famous red-painted pottery.
Visit website →Phanom Rung Historical Park
Buriram
An impressive Khmer temple complex built on a dormant volcano, featuring grand stone stairways and intricate carvings.
Visit website →Phimai Historical Park
Nakhon Ratchasima
One of the largest and most significant Khmer temples in Thailand, marking the end of the ancient Khmer Highway.
Visit website →Phu Phrabat Historical Park
Udon Thani
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique rock formations that served as ancient shrines and prehistoric rock art sites.
Visit website →Wat Phra That Phanom
Nakhon Phanom
The most revered historic landmark in Isan, featuring a stunning 53-meter high Laotian-style pagoda.
Prasat Sikhoraphum
Surin
A boutique Khmer temple featuring five brick towers and the most beautiful sandstone lintels in Thailand.
Muang Tam Sanctuary
Buriram
A beautifully preserved Khmer temple known for its unique L-shaped ponds and exquisite stone lintels.
Sala Keoku
Nong Khai
A surreal park of massive, intricate concrete sculptures depicting Buddhist and Hindu mythologies.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village
Surin
The world's largest elephant village where the Kui people demonstrate their traditional lifestyle and centuries-old bond with domesticated elephants.
Farm Chokchai
Pak Chong
Southeast Asia's largest dairy farm offering educational wagon tours, cow milking demonstrations, and a petting zoo in a scenic countryside setting.
Visit website →Aura Farm
Khon Kaen
An English-countryside inspired dairy farm featuring milk processing tours, animal feeding stations, and manicured floral gardens.
Visit website →Bonanza Exotic Park
Pak Chong
A well-maintained zoo and farm experience featuring a circular walking trail to interact with giraffes, lions, and colorful exotic birds.
Visit website →Primo Piazza
Pak Chong
An Italian-themed village square where visitors can feed alpacas, merino sheep, and donkeys amidst Mediterranean-style architecture.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Flora Park
Wang Nam Khiao
A large-scale floral destination featuring intricate geometric gardens, a rose zone, and a viewpoint overlooking the scenic Wang Nam Khiao hills.
Visit website →Play La Ploen Flora Park
Buriram
A major floral park and educational center with diverse themed greenhouses showcasing temperate and tropical plants in Buriram.
Visit website →Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden
Udon Thani
A famous botanical garden specialized in the research and cultivation of unique scented orchids and musical dancing flowers.
The Bloom by TV Pool
Pak Chong
A massive formal flower garden with European-style landscaping, statues, and diverse floral displays set against the backdrop of Khao Yai's mountains.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Khao Yai National Park
Pak Chong
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering lush jungles, waterfalls like Haew Narok, and diverse wildlife including wild elephants.
Visit website →Phu Kradueng National Park
Phu Kradueng
A famous bell-shaped plateau popular for its scenic pine forests, diverse flora, and the rewarding sunrise trek to its summit.
Visit website →Phu Ruea National Park
Phu Ruea
Known as one of Thailand's coldest locations, featuring a summit with a distinctive boat-shaped rock and winter flower gardens.
Visit website →Pa Hin Ngam National Park
Thep Sathit
Renowned for its vibrant fields of pink Siam Tulips blooming in the rainy season and surreal limestone rock formations.
Visit website →Pha Taem National Park
Khong Chiam
Famous for its 3,000-year-old prehistoric cliff paintings and spectacular sunrise views overlooking the Mekong River and Laos.
Visit website →Three Whale Rocks (Phu Sing)
Bueng Kan
Unique 75-million-year-old rock formations protruding from the forest canopy that resemble a family of whales swimming through the trees.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Khon Kaen National Museum
Khon Kaen
Known for its impressive collection of Dvaravati-era sandstone sema stones, this museum offers a fascinating look at early Buddhist art in the Northeast.
Visit website →Phimai National Museum
Nakhon Ratchasima
This museum houses an exceptional collection of Khmer stone sculptures and lintels found throughout the region, providing deep insight into ancient Southeast Asian art.
Visit website →Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
Ubon Ratchathani
Located in a beautiful historic building, this museum displays significant religious art, bronze artifacts, and traditional textiles unique to the Khorat Plateau.
Visit website →Udon Thani Museum
Udon Thani
Set in a restored vintage building, this museum uses creative art and immersive displays to showcase the history, culture, and archaeology of the Udon Thani province.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Khon Kaen Zoo
Khon Kaen
Features a scenic mountain-top setting with an impressive skywalk for viewing African wildlife from above in large natural enclosures.
Visit website →Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
Nakhon Ratchasima
A sprawling zoo known for its successful big cat breeding programs and a large integrated water park for family entertainment.
Visit website →Elephant Study Center
Surin
The heart of the local Kuy culture, this facility provides a large sanctuary for elephants and educational exhibits on their history.
Ubon Ratchathani Zoo
Ubon Ratchathani
Designed with a 'jungle zoo' concept where visitors take tram tours through dense forest enclosures to see animals in naturalistic habitats.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Red Lotus Lake (Talay Bua Daeng)
Kumphawapi
A seasonal natural lake that transforms into a vast field of blooming pink water lilies, best explored by boat tours.
Mor Hin Khao
Chaiyaphum City
Called the Stonehenge of Thailand, this site features several massive, naturally occurring white sandstone pillars and boulders.
Hin Sam Wan (Three Whale Rocks)
Bueng Kan City
75-million-year-old rock formations protruding from the forest canopy that resemble three whales swimming side-by-side.
Sam Phan Bok
Pho Sai
Known as the Grand Canyon of Thailand, this river reef features over 3,000 holes and rock pools carved by the Mekong River.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Scenical World
Pak Chong
A premier adventure and water park destination in Khao Yai featuring world-class slides and a variety of thrilling mechanical rides for all ages.
Visit website →Dino Water Park
Khon Kaen
A massive dinosaur-themed water park offering giant wave pools and prehistoric-themed slides that provide an immersive adventure for families.
Visit website →Thongsomboon Club
Pak Chong
A Wild West-themed adventure park offering unique activities like mountain luges, flying foxes, and horseback riding amidst scenic rolling hills.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Sirindhorn Aquarium
Nong Khai
The largest freshwater aquarium in Northeast Thailand, showcasing exotic species from the Mekong River with a spectacular walk-through tunnel.
Visit website →Mekong Underwater World
Nakhon Phanom
A specialized aquatic center focusing on the unique biodiversity of the Mekong River, offering educational displays and large observation tanks.
Sisaket Aquarium
Si Sa Ket
Features a 24-meter underwater tunnel where families can view a wide variety of freshwater and marine fish in a modern, climate-controlled environment.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Wat Phrathat Phanom
Nakhon Phanom
The most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the Northeast, standing as a symbol of the Mekong river culture with its distinct Lao-style architecture.
Visit website →Prasat Muang Tam
Buriram
A beautifully preserved Khmer temple complex featuring four L-shaped ponds with Naga sculptures, located near Phanom Rung.
Thao Suranari Monument
Nakhon Ratchasima
A revered urban landmark honoring Ya Mo, the local heroine who saved the city from an invading army in 1826.
Wat Sirindhorn Wararam
Ubon Ratchathani
Known as the 'Glowing Temple,' this hilltop sanctuary features a stunning phosphorescent 'Tree of Life' mural that illuminates at dusk.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Fantasia Lagoon
Nakhon Ratchasima
A unique rooftop water park atop The Mall Korat that combines shopping convenience with themed pools and castle-like water play structures.
Visit website →The Splash Water Park
Ubon Ratchathani
The largest water park in Ubon Ratchathani, featuring vibrant multi-lane slides and a variety of family-friendly aquatic activities.
Korat Zoo Water Park
Nakhon Ratchasima
A spacious and affordable water park located inside the city zoo, offering a long lazy river and interactive splash zones for children.
Visit website →Usotel Water Park
Udon Thani
Udon Thani's leading water attraction providing a clean environment with various thrill slides and a dedicated kids' pirate-themed pool.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Had Kham Somboon
Bueng Kan
A bustling recreational beach on the edge of the Bueng Khong Long lake, famous for its water sports and scenic sunset views over the water.
Pattaya 2
Khon Kaen
A popular freshwater beach on the shores of the Ubol Ratana Dam reservoir, offering family-friendly swimming and floating dining rafts.
Pattaya Noi
Ubon Ratchathani
A major freshwater beach destination on the Sirindhorn Dam reservoir, featuring numerous floating restaurants and aquatic recreation facilities.
Hat Chom Dao
Ubon Ratchathani
A stunning geological site featuring white sandbars and uniquely eroded rock formations in the Mekong River, visible during the dry season.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Chiang Khan Old Town
Loei
A peaceful historic town along the Mekong River known for its traditional wooden shophouses, morning alms-giving, and cultural night market.
