Travel Issan
Sharing a border with Laos and Cambodia, Thailand’s northeast region is known as Isaan (Isan). This mostly rural area is generally overlooked by most travelers and visits here are a great way to get well off the tourist path. Some say the Issan is the “real Thailand”, or that one has not really experienced the country without seeing the northeast.
Three of the best-known cities in northeastern Thailand are; Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), Buriram City and Surin. These places are on the railway line between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani. Reaching them easy and inexpensive. These are working cities that do not rely on tourism but still offer adventure travelers things to do and see. Best of all; they are within striking distance of ancient Khmer temple ruins.
Three of the best-known cities in northeastern Thailand are; Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), Buriram City and Surin. These places are on the railway line between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani. Reaching them easy and inexpensive. These are working cities that do not rely on tourism but still offer adventure travelers things to do and see. Best of all; they are within striking distance of ancient Khmer temple ruins.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Prasat Hin Phimai, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchisma Province, Thailand
The Khmer Highway
Stretching 225 kilometers (140 mi) the ancient Khmer Highway connected the famous city-state of Angkor to the kingdom’s far western territories in present-day Thailand. Although the Khmer most likely began constructing roads before the 11th century, most of the monuments we can visit today were built during the rule of King Jayavarman VII who reigned from 1181–1218 A.D. Jayavarman VII is considered to be the most powerful of all the Khmer Kings and was a patron of Mahayana Buddhism. In addition to building magnificent temples, a network of rest houses and hospitals was constructed to aid weary travelers on their long journeys to the furthest reaches of the kingdom. Little remains of these ancient highway rest stops but fortunately, there are many fantastic temples scattered in Issan’s countryside.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Prasat Hin Phimai, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchisma Province, Thailand
Prasat Hin Phimai
Located 37 miles (60 km) from Korat’s city center, in the town of Phimai, is Prasat Hin Phimai, Thailand’s largest Khmer-built temple. This fantastic historical site is considered to be the most important of the Thai Angkor-era temples. This is not only due to its impressive size but also its position at the end of the ancient “highway” from Angkor Wat. Also, most temples built at this time (11th to 12th century) were oriented on an east to west axis. However, Phimai faces to the south, in the direction of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire. After an extensive restoration project this temple is now in very nice condition and is well worth a visit. The Phimai National Museum is a ten-minute walk from the Historic Park. This is an excellent museum that contains many interesting artifacts recovered from Phimai. In addition to the local finds, the museum displays antiquities from a different areas periods of Thai history.
It is easy to reach Phimai from Korat by either bus or van (mini bus). Large air-conditioned city buses depart bus terminal number two approximately every 40 minutes to an hour. The fare is 50 baht and the trip takes around an hour and fifteen minutes. The Phimai Historical Park is less than a five-minute walk from the bus stop in Phimai’s town center.
It is easy to reach Phimai from Korat by either bus or van (mini bus). Large air-conditioned city buses depart bus terminal number two approximately every 40 minutes to an hour. The fare is 50 baht and the trip takes around an hour and fifteen minutes. The Phimai Historical Park is less than a five-minute walk from the bus stop in Phimai’s town center.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Prasat Phanom Rung, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram, Province, Thailand
Prasat Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tam
Located 43 miles (70 km) south of Buriram City are the restored temple complexes of Phanom Rung and Muang Tam. Built in the 10th to 13th centuries, Phanom Rung is the larger and most impressive of the two as it sits at an elevation of 1,319 (402 m) on the rim of an extinct volcano. Muang Tam lies another 4 miles (7 km) south of Phanom Rung. These temples can be reached from Buriam by car or motorcycle. Most hotels can arrange tours utilizing taxis for around $50 USD. Another option is to use the town of Nang Rong as a base and take a taxi for the remaining 26 miles (40 km).
traveltoasiaandback - Prasat Sikhoraphum, Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province, Thailand
Prasat Sikhoraphum
Prasat Sikhoraphum is a small temple complex built in the 11th to 12th century, located in the town of the same name. Sikhoraphum is easily reached by train from Surin, the 22-mile (35 km) trip takes approximately 40 minutes and third -class tickets can be purchased for as little as 7 baht or 20 cents each way. Tuk-tuks and moto taxis are available at the railway station or take a twenty-minute stroll through town, past the central market, to the temple.
Another site worth visiting is the Surin National Museum. Located approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the town center, the museum features Another site worth visiting is the Surin National Museum. Located approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the town center, the museum features exhibits that recount the history of the area and its people. An emphasis is placed on explaining traditional ways of life such as farming and rice production. that explain the history of the area and its people. An emphasis is placed on traditional ways of life such as farming and rice production.
Another site worth visiting is the Surin National Museum. Located approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the town center, the museum features Another site worth visiting is the Surin National Museum. Located approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the town center, the museum features exhibits that recount the history of the area and its people. An emphasis is placed on explaining traditional ways of life such as farming and rice production. that explain the history of the area and its people. An emphasis is placed on traditional ways of life such as farming and rice production.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Prasat Muang Tam. Chai District, Buriram Province, Thailand
Prasat Muang Tam
Located in Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province, this 11th-century temple complex was dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Situated to the north of the temple complex is a large Barai or reservoir that still holds water and is an active water supply for the local people.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand
Prasat Sdok Kok Thom
Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, this temple is located approximately 34 kilometers (21 mi) northeast of the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet in Saeko Province. Constructed during the 11th century, the Prasat Sdok Kok Thom Historical Park features an excellent museum that will give visitors a better understanding of the Angkor Highway.
traveltoasiaandback.com - From the museum at Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, Saeko Province, Thailand
Chom Chong Border Crossing
Forty-three miles (70 km) south of Surin is the Chom Chong border crossing with Cambodia. It has a reputation as a stress-free crossing point and is easily accessed by bus from Surin. Bus number 1485 departs the terminal in Surin for the Chong Chom every 15 minutes between 05:30 AM and 06:30 PM. This is a regular intercity bus which makes many stops, dropping off and picking up passengers as it works its way down Highway 214 towards Cambodia. The trip takes at least an hour and a half and costs 45 baht. The final stop in Chong Chom is about 300 feet (92 m) from the Thai immigration booth.
