How to travel in Isaan Thailand
A few weeks ago I wrote about my research and love for the underrated Thailand Isaan region. Most travelers simply skip just this region on their way to Laos. The area is mostly farmland and small towns and lacks a real "attractions", so that travelers only pass through or go elsewhere in Thailand. But this region is proof that even in a country as touristy as Thailand, there can still be seen an off-the-beaten-path area.
I loved Isaan and think that it's a shame that most people neglect visiting. If you want to take a look at what every day life in Thailand is like away from the crowds, Isaan is the place to go. I loved away from it all and feel really getting Thailand "explore". The country feels too light and Westernized, if you are on the main tourist routes, but in Isaan, I felt as if I knew no one else in a secret location peering.
During my previous post listed some of my favorite places, I want to get this week in the tiniest and to how you are planning a trip and explore the region.
path
First, what route you should take talk the region? This is the path I followed:
Bangkok - Korat - Nong Kong - Surin - Ubon Ratchathani - Laos - Nong Khai, Khon Kaen - Bangkok
I went through Laos, because I wanted to see the famous 4000 Islands and traveling back up through Vientiane. That made for a simple loop, and I did not double back. With this route, I explored the edges of Isaan, but do not go "deep" in the region.
If you really embark on an intense Isaan hike wanted to avoid while doubling back, I would recommend this trip way:
Bangkok - Korat - Nong Kong - Surin - Sisaket - Ubon Ratchathani - Yasothon & Roi Et - Sakon Nakhon - Nong Khai - Udon Thani - Khon Kaen - Bangkok
this route you deep into the region dip by about the middle of Isaan cut that you will see, many national parks such as Phu Phan Phu Pha Yon or can, the monkey temple (Ku Phra Ko Na) outside Roi Et, small rural communities, and beautiful rivers. You can be and some of Thailand's most enjoy off-the-beaten path destinations, the only foreigner!
If you do not want to do the loop, one of these legs would be wonderful on its own. You would have to double back to get Bangkok, if you do not move Laos to when.
If you planned to follow the entire route, you would need at least a month, but 6-8 weeks is a much more reasonable pace and one that does not, you will grab every third day your pockets. I crossed my shorter distance in 2.5 weeks (not counted Laos).
6 Tips for Isaan Travel
Isaan not huge tourist infrastructure, it is difficult to get from the big cities to smaller attractions, and English is not so far common, but these "challenges" actually make it much more exciting. Here are six things you should know before you travel Isaan:
1. You do not need to book in advance - As the region not to see not many tourists, only to pensions shows and bus stops is fine. I did not book my trip in advance, everything and never had any problems. They are not fighting for space.
2. Try to have your own transportation - Isaan is one of those parts of the world (such as Ireland, the south of France or Iceland), the best explored with your own transport. To really get out and see everything it has to offer the area, rent your own bike or drive around by car. My fondest memories were always off the main roads on the back of my taxi driver and I want bicycle had my own journey.
3. The driver can be hired and prices divided - Since I do not have my own transportation, I had the driver a lot to rent. This is expensive, but it was the only way to get to the national parks and ruins I wanted to see how most of the parks and ruins are far outside the cities. However, the drivers all charge set prices, so you can tuk tuk or car hire costs with new friends!
4 share. There are a lot of expats who can help on CouchSurfing - Isaan with English teachers filled (and old men and their Thai women), so if you want to break into the local scene, you can see many computer CouchSurfing and people you. to show (foreigners or Thai!)
5. National parks are far away from cities and day trips are difficult to organize -. See points # 2 and # 3 for this
6. English is not widespread - there are fewer tourists, it's going to be a major language barrier. You will be able to get to, but do not expect to use more hand gestures, pointing, and language dictionaries!
How much does Isaan costs?
to other parts compared from Thailand, Isaan is super cheap and pretty good deal, especially compared to the other parts of the country. I average around 00 baht ($ 25 USD) per day. These private rooms only to take me around the setting motorcycles were (see item above), and drink a few too many beers with my friends who live in the region. Here are some common prices:
- Dorm bed: 100 Baht
- private room with bathroom: 300 baht
- bike rental for the day: 300 Baht
- Short distance train rides: 50 baht
- Phimai Historical Park: 100 Baht
- National Park fees: 50-0 baht
- car for the day: 10 Baht
- Som tam and rice: 40 baht
- soup from a street vendor: 35 baht
a daily budget of $ 15-25 USD would be plenty for Isaan, if you were to dorms rooms ( or to hold occasional cheap private rooms) street food, and buses (or your own transportation had). If you were driving the setting, more Western dishes wanted a few beers, or private rooms with A / C, I would budget $ 25-35 USD per day. For all that is known as the higher spending They are simply too much money for no reason!
I wish I had spent more time in Isaan. I loved it and I strongly encourage you to go there to see what Thailand filled as away from the massive tourism industry and the "Banana Pancakes" Trail with hikers. It is to use the cheapest area of Thailand and a cliche, the most "authentic".
Visit it.
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