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Isan - Northeast Thailand

Introduction
	Just a few hundred kilometers north from the Gulf of Thailand, a narrow mountain range forced rivers to carve a channel due east through an arid sandstone plateau towards the Mekong River basin. In contrast to the north-south flow of most Thai rivers, the Mun and Chi seek out the Mekong River in the east Thailand's last travel frontier and Isan's ultimate key to prosperity the "Gateway to Indochina" Culture, traditions and travel routes flow like the rivers towards the mighty Mekong.
Nature has blessed the Northeast plateau with a unique opportunity to become the gateway to Laos and Cambodia. But it is a distinct travel destination in its own right. To the west and south of this ancient plateau, the narrow mountain ranges of Phang Hoei and Dangrek are the natural borders that separate the Northeast from the central and northern regions of Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia.

To the east and north the mighty Mekong River winds southward marking the border between Laos and Northeast Thailand. In between these natural barriers, a culture and way of life has emerged that is known as Isan. A rich mixture of Lao and Khmer influence emerges in the language while a love for fiery salads and spicy food is seen in the cuisine. Even though Isan is known for an unhurried life- style, its festivals are noted for their colour & zest.

The Northeast, through a network of highways, provides the land bridge to explore Laos and beyond to the coastal resorts of Vietnam. This new found role as the "Gateway to Indochina" is accelerating the growth of tourism throughout the Northeast, creating new tour options and itineraries that will eventually extend beyond the Mekong River through Laos and Vietnam. A journey through the Northeast leads travelers to four border checkpoints on or close to the Mekong River.

Visitors can cross the river or travel by road to fascinating towns in neighbouring Laos. The Northeast beckons travelers who need to explore and step beyond the traditional tourist resorts. Highway 2 begins at Saraburi, 90 km north of Bangkok, where the road swings eastward from the north-bound trunk route towards a narrow gap in the mountain range that separates the Northeast plateau and its 19 provinces from the rest of the country.

Beyond the stark limestone hills stands Nakhon Ratchasima the gateway to Isan. As travelers approach the city, the landscape change from rolling hills to arid red soil plains. On the southern horizon are the mountains of Khao Yai National Park that eventually merge with the Dongrek range the spans the border with Cambodia.

Close to the national park's hilly terrain stands the 992-meter-high Khao Lamang, where the Mun River starts its journey to the Mekong basin 400 km in the east. Rivers like the Mun and Chi are the lifelines for the sandy arid plateau - the cultural link with neigh- bors is through festivals and sports. From Nakhon Ratchasima travels can also head due east on pro- vincial highways towards Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani following the Mun River basin on a fascinating tour of the lower region.

Or they can head north-east on Highway 2 to Khon Kaen, the heartland of Isan and preferred gate-way for a tour covering the upper region. By using a combination of road, rail and air transport it is possible to unlock the attractions of the upper and lower regions or combine them into one magnificent journey. Occupying 170,000 square kilometers, the Northeast represents a third of the country's land mass.

It is this vastness that appeals to travelers while creating a logistical challenge for tour planners. Busy gateway city Nakhon Ratchasima is in stark contrast to the sleepy backdrop that the Mekong River basin presents. From the road that clings to the border and river bank, there are view of Laos - forested hills and village communities trading and fishing on the river. To the north-west of the region Udon Thani and Nong Khai provide yet another profile - national parks and the mountains of Loei. High up in the parks of Phu Kradung, Phu Luang and Phu Rua the landscape and diversity of the vegetation is impressive.

Rural towns like Buri Ram, Surin and Chaiyaphum demonstrate yet another feature of the Northeast tapestry - cattle herders, silk weavers, rice and farmers. All 19 province have their own unique charms and attractions, but certain routes have emerged as the most practical for overseas visitors.

The flow of the Mun River towards the Mekong basin provides one natural tour route from Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon Ratchathani. Khon Kaen acts as another natural gateway for a tour route to Udon Thani, Ban Chiang and two Mekong River towns, Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai. A combination of the two routes using air-conditioned buses, two domestic flights and a rail trip allows tour operators to offer five - to seven-day itineraries that highlight a fascinating mix of natural, cultural and historical attraction to introduce the Northeast to travelers.

The future beckons the Northeast on both the trading and tourism fronts. As road links improve and key routes are opened to Cambodia and Laos, the regions' economy will expand beyond agriculture. Aviation, communication, and tourism are all poised to make an impact in the Northeast as the era of Mekong River basin trade dawns. Borders have opened to overland travel allowing tour plan- ners to link Northeast itineraries with destinations in Laos and eventually Vietnam.

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