Not too many tourists travel up to Thailand’s northeastern region – the area known as Isan. Lacking the city glitter of Bangkok and the white sand beaches of the South, Isan is primarily a rural agricultural area. However, the northeast is not all rice fields and Isan holds several gems not to be found anywhere else. So leave behind the traffic jams and travel past the water buffalo for a unique adventure experienced by few very tourists.

Find Ancient Cave Paintings in Ubon

Ancient cave paintings depicting how people lived three thousand years ago can be found in the national parks surrounding the city Ubon Ratchathani. Ubon, in a province of the same name, is in the easternmost part of Isan and about 60 miles from the city is Pha Taem National Park. The cliffs of Pha Taem overlook the Maekong River as the cliff surfaces tell how people in the area once lived. Depictions include pictures of animals, farms, and people fishing. Also be sure to look for the bizarre rock formations – rocks naturally piled on top of each other to look like mushrooms.

Find Nature in Isan’s National Parks

Travelers driving through Isan will surely see their share of rice fields and buffalos, however not all of Thailand’s northeast has been turned towards agriculture. Isan has several beautiful national parks including the Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve in Nong Khai province. This park covers roughly 70 square miles and is home to an abundance of wildlife including elephants, leopards, monkeys, and birds. The park also has several breathtaking waterfalls including the Chet Si or Rainbow waterfall which lives up to its name causing beautiful rainbows, and the Chanaen waterfall which is an awe inspiring 900 feet in height.

Finding Ancient Civilizations and Khmer Temples

Udon Thani province is home to what UNESCO considers the most important prehistoric settlement in Southeast Asia. Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 was occupied from 3600BC to 200AD. Visitors can visit the museum to see ancient artifacts – including the earliest farming tools and metals in the region. Meanwhile, in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima there is the Pimai National Park, home to Thailand’s finest Khmer temples. Completed in the early 11th century the Pimai temples are thought to be the template used for the famous Angkor Wat built 100 years later.

A Visit to Isan Will Not Disappoint

Isan is usually ignored by visitors to Thailand which is unfortunate considering the historical and natural wonders the region holds. Listed here is just a sample of Isan’s offerings to highlight its beautiful parks and the remnants of ancient civilizations that it holds. A visitor to Isan is sure to find many more treasures with just a little effort.