Northeast Thailand 7-Day Tour - Uncover Isaan's Beauty

Introduction

Northeast Thailand, or Isaan, is the largest region in Thailand, which consists of 20 provinces and is the most authentic form of Thailand that has existed for a long time. This spot is a treasure trove of Thai culture, history, and natural beauty.

Because of the expanded area in Isaan, there is an abundance of famous and lesser-known attractions for tourists to explore. However, having various options also confuses travelers, and lets them wonder what the optimal itinerary is. This Isaan discovery blog was born to help our beloved friends create and manage their Northeast Thailand tour 7 days and let them fully experience the charm of local culture.

Mai mee pun ha—that means "no problem" in Thai! With Asia King Travel, you can find the best place to visit in the Northeast Thailand tour. Let's dive into the adventure that awaits!

Uncover Isaan's Beauty in 7-day tour @flickr

The best time to visit Northeast Thailand - Issan

Although Isaan can be visited all year round, travelers should visit here in the green season (June-October), when the region experiences rainfall, and in the cool season (November-January/February), it is more comfortable for sightseeing. 

During the hot season (March-May) temperatures can be stifling, and when the countryside is at its driest, it may cause some inconvenience to travelers.

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The Northeast Thailand - Issan itinerary in 7 days

Day 1-3: Arrival in Bangkok - Khao Yai National Park - Buriram

Your adventure begins in Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a quick refresh. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. 

When reaching Bangkok, I recommend travelers to visit the Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. You can also encounter some of the most important Thai art and architecture preserved since the 18th century, especially the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a figurine made from one solid piece of green jade, clothed in gold and diamonds.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok @Tripadvisor

Then, visit Wat Pho - one of the top six temples in Thailand, and also the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho is near the Grand Palace, so travelers can choose where to go first between the two attractions. 

Wat Pho Temple @Agoda

When the night comes, you can head to famous food streets, such as Yaowarat Road, Khao San Road, etc, to try a wide range of authentic Thai foods, from rice and noodle meals to spring rolls and Pad Thai. You can only experience those unique tastes and ingredients at street vendors, not in any luxury restaurant.

 Yaowarat Road @Adventures of Jellie

On your second day in Thailand, embark on a scenic drive to Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Bangkok, it may cost our tourists about 3 hours to travel to the National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. 

Khao Yai National Park @Travelsetu

Spending a day in Khao Yai may not be enough to explore the park’s rich biodiversity. However, travelers can consider setting foot on some highlights, such as Haew Suwat Waterfall, a three-tier and 20-metre-tall cascade, or experiencing the thrill of wildlife in their natural habitat and seeing some impressive animals like elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), muntjacs (barking deer), etc.

Haew Suwat Waterfall @Traveloka

After a trekking and hiking day in the tropical forest, it’s time to say goodbye to Khao Yai and hello to the ancient and spiritual province of Buriram, known as the “city of happiness.” This historical tourist attraction offers visitors an expanded range of relic sites waiting for them to discover.

Buriram, the ancient and spiritual province @Wikimedia

One of the must-see attractions in the province is the ancient ruins of Phanom Rung, a 1,000-year-old Khmer temple complex and the most important of its kind in Isaan, Thailand. Besides, we also highly recommend visiting the nearby Prasat Hin Meuang Tam, another remarkable ancient Khmer temple.

Phanom Rung, Buriram @Shutterstock

On the other hand, it’s not worth visiting only popular sites. Buriram is also the land of many Thai signature dishes, and the most prominent are mango sticky rice and papaya salad. Don’t hesitate to try those delicacies at street eateries or local restaurants.

Mango Sticky Rice @Bulb.io

Day 4-5: Buriram - Nakhon Phanom - Sakhon Nakhon

After finishing the cultural trip in the land of Buriram, travelers will drive to Nakhon Phanom, a serene town on the banks of the Mekong River, on the fourth day of the itinerary. This area is rich in cultural heritage, contributing a lot to the history of Isaan.

The provincial capital, also called Nakhon Phanom, is home to several other temples, including Wat Okat Si Bua Ban, which features 2 sacred golden images of the Buddha. Plus, it’s where the huge, ornate Wat Phra That Phanom temple is located. 

This significant religious site is rumored to contain the Buddha’s breastbone, so it’s recommended for travelers, especially Buddhist pilgrims, to reach here and pray for health, luck, and success.

Wat Okat Si Bua Ban @Tripadvisor

If you are bored of visiting too many spiritual temples or pagodas and prefer having a change of air, take a leisurely stroll along the Mekong riverside, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. Meanwhile, you can also stop by the good-vibe restaurants or mini-shops to buy street food, clothes, shoes, accessories, handmade souvenirs, etc.

 Enjoying the peaceful ambiance along the Mekong riverside @Thailandblog

On the fifth day of the tour, travelers will move up to the upper northeast of Thailand’s Isaan region to get to Sakhon Nakhon. This province features many forested temple retreats for Buddhist meditation.

Sakhon Nakhon attraction @Tourism Authority of Thailand

Sakon Nakhon has a culturally diverse history, a unique mixture of ancient traditions. Depending on the lunar days, visitors can have chances to enjoy abundant local festivals, including the Wax Castle Festival (Prasat Phueng Parade), celebrated the day before the end of Buddhist Lent Day. and the Illuminated Boat Festival.

The Illuminated Boat Festival @Shutterstock

Besides these popular festivals, there are various destinations for travelers around this province. Visitors can go trekking through the Phu Phan National Park to witness the multi-stage Kam Hom Waterfall, Kreng Ka-arm, and Pree-cha Suk-san waterfalls, or visit the ancient ruin Phra That Phu Pek to admire the handy architecture and structures of the temple.

The ancient ruin Phra That Phu Pek @CBT Thailand

Day 6-7: Sakhon Nakhon - Udon Thani - Departure

On the last two days of the itinerary, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the heart of Isaan - Udon Thani, a city with a rich cultural heritage and a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ban Chiang.

Udon Thani Attraction @Traveloka

According to UNESCO, Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement discovered in Southeast Asia. The site presents the earliest evidence of farming in the region and of the manufacture and use of metals. 

You can go to Ban Chiang National Museum and encounter unique red-patterned clay jars that have been maintained for around 5,000 to 7,000 years, some of the oldest pottery products in the world.

Red-patterned clay jars @Shutterstock

After an artifact exhibition, you can go to Nong Prajak Park in Udon Thani Town. It is one of the most charming parks in the country. With separate walking and bicycle tracks around the perimeter, a vast fish-filled lake at the centre, and the famous giant inflatable ducks on the lake. The park is a lovely place for people of all ages to unwind. 

Giant ducks, the symbol of Nong Prajak Park @Thailand Life

The last morning is the optimum time for travelers to take a boat trip on the stunning Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng). The lake is a unique tourist attraction that comes alive during Thailand’s cool season when carpets of tropical water lilies cover the water's surface. 

 Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) @Thailand Starts Here

Then, you can add Wat Pa Ban Tat as your next location to visit during the day, This peaceful temple is set in the middle of the countryside, which shows the desire to be isolated enough to meditate. Stopping at this attraction to meditate and relax after a long tour.

Wat Pa Ban Tat Temple @Rainier Rawall

In the end, travelers can spend some final hours exploring vibrant local markets, picking up souvenirs, relaxing in a cafe, and having some chit-chat before moving to Bangkok and leaving Thailand.

Conclusion

This 7-day tour from Asia King Travel may offer our beloved travelers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure, showcasing the best of Northeast Thailand, whether you're an avid traveler seeking new experiences or looking to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Isaan. 

Book your Northeast Thailand adventure today and discover the hidden gems of Isaan! For more information and to customize your tour, contact us here. See you in Isaan!

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