Making Northeastern Thailand Better Known among International Visitors

Campaigns have been stepped up to make northeastern Thailand better known among international tourists.

Commonly referred to as I-san, the northeastern region comprises 20 provinces and is famous for its cultural richness and colorful festivals and traditions. Several northeastern provinces share borders with neighboring Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Thawatchai Arunyik said that during the rainy season, Isan is at its best for tourism activities, offering pleasant weather and fresh green scenery. The region is also deemed as the most important learning center of Thailand’s prehistoric era dating back to the dinosaur age.

In Thailand, the distinctive evidence of dinosaur fossils has only been found in Isan. The region is also Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur excavation and palaeontological sites. There are several museum establishments of international standards worth visiting, such as Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum and Excavation Site in Kalasin and Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum in Khon Kaen.

Local residents are known for their silk-weaving skills; their culture is a mixture of Thai, Lao, and Khmer traditions. Most of Thailand’s jasmine rice, or Hom Mali, is produced in this region. Sticky rice is a staple food in the Northeast.

The region is rich in uniquely celebrated festivals, such as the Bun Bungfai Rocket Festival in Yasothon, Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani, Silk Festival in Khon Kaen, Elephant Round-up in Surin, and the Naga Fireballs in Nong Khai.

Isan also boasts a host of natural wonders, such as Phu Kradueng in Loei, Red Lotus Lake in Udon Thani and many national parks, including Khao Yai which is Thailand’s third largest national park.

Sam Phan Bok or the Grand Canyon of Thailand in Ubon Ratchathani, is another important natural wonder. When the water level of the Mekong River in a village is on the decline at the end of the year, huge rocks emerge and more than 3,000 holes are revealed. Some holes are as large as a swimming pool, while others are smaller, in many different shapes.

The power of the river has eroded these rocks into stunning natural sculptures. Recognized as the Grand Canyon of Thailand, Sam Phan Bok has become the Mekong’s largest breeding source for freshwater animals. It also helps maintain the ecological system and balance the extending freshwater creature breeds.

When compared with other regions of the country, the Northeast seems to be less familiar to many international visitors, although this area is noted for being the center of an age-old civilization and culture dating back to pre-historic times.