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Experience Travel Group

The Isan Province of northeast Thailand sees few tourists, and it is the least developed region in the country. However, Isan can be a strikingly original vacation for those looking to explore the culture of Thailand and escape the tourist crowds.

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    • Loei
    • Nakhon Phanom
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    • Phanom Rung

The province has a much lower level of English spoken, and there are few tourist amenities. However, the cultural activities are spectacular, especially if you can make it to one of the major festivals at one of the more substantial Buddhist or Khmer temples.

Located mainly in the southern part of Isan, the Khmer temples are reasonably far apart making it difficult to see more than a few of them. We'd recommend Phanom Rung as it is large, partially restored, and sits on top of an extinct volcano. Some people say that it's the original blueprint for Angkor Wat, and few would deny that it's awe-inspiring (plus there are far fewer tourists!).

In many villages in the province, there is a small weekly festival - or "mor lam" - every Friday and Saturday night in a field or a temple. The celebrations are a mixture of a multiplicity of traditional songs, dances, and costumes are broken up by original skits or small speeches. Though they're a great deal of fun, many tourists miss them when taking a holiday in Thailand because they're off the beaten path.

The food is excellent too and is famous in Thailand for being spicy and its incredible and unique flavours are not found elsewhere in the country. While there are no beaches, few English speakers, and even fewer tourists, the historical and cultural experience visitors can have makes the Isan province well worth considering for your holiday in Thailand.

Hidden Thailand Holiday Ideas:

Classic ETG Thailand

Classic ETG Thailand

A gentle way to take-in the more well-known sights. Charming and relaxing accommodation combined with unique insider experiences.

Natural Beauty and Local Life

Natural Beauty and Local Life

Immerse yourself in Thailand's natural beauty, rich culture and unique traditions before relaxing on a quiet beach.

Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures

Hidden Hotels and Secret Adventures

A thoroughly unique and rewarding take on Thailand. Explore in depth way beyond the typical tourist route.


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Experience Travel Group

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Thailand
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Hidden Thailand
    • Multi-Country Holidays
  • Guide to Thailand
    • Thailand Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Thailand Travel Blog
  • Info on Thailand
    • Northern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Chiang Mai
      • Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
      • Mae Hong Son
      • Pai
    • Isan
      • Overview
      • Loei
      • Nakhon Phanom
      • Udon Thani
      • Phanom Rung
    • Central Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
      • Erawan National Park
      • Khao Yai National Park
      • Lopburi
      • Phitsanulok
      • Sukhothai
    • Central Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Hua Hin & Cha-Am
      • Koh Chang
      • Koh Kood
      • Koh Samet
    • Southern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ao Phang Nga National Park
      • Khao Sok National Park
      • Trang
    • Western Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Phuket
      • Koh Lanta
      • Koh Lipe
      • Koh Phi Phi
      • Koh Yao
      • Khao Lak
      • Koh Jum
      • Koh Ngai
      • Krabi
    • Eastern Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Khanom
      • Koh Samui
      • Koh Pha-Ngan
      • Koh Tao
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog