Issan: An Introduction
The entire north-east of Thailand is known as Isaan and borders both Cambodia and Laos. Visitors will find a culture rich in influences from its neighbours; Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, spicy papaya salad, and a local dialect that is more accessible to Vientiane residents than to Bangkok locals.
Scattered through Isaan’s 19 provinces, some of the poorest in Thailand, are some of the country’s most magnificent monuments. Near to the province of Nakhon Ratchasima is the historical site of Prasat Hin Phimai, believed to be the pre-cursor for the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap and built from the late 11th to late 12th centuries. It is a much smaller version of Angkor Wat and easily the most sophisticated and best preserved temple complex outside Cambodia, thanks to the restoration efforts of Thai and French joint projects and the management of the Fine Arts Department. The long walkway that takes you to the main entrance of the temple, lined with four dug out ponds, also takes you to a main road that leads directly to Angkor Wat.
The nearby Prasat Phnom Rung temple complex, although less spectacular than that of Pimai, is more appealing for its hilltop location on the rim of an extinct volcano. The complex houses three bridges guarded by statues and small structures of sandstone, laterite and brick.
You can access the Isaan region by train from Bangkok or by utilising the small regional airports at Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani or Ubon Ratchathani.
If you're looking for the Shangri-La of 'Thailand 20 years ago', then stay in Thailand. Issan is it!