Thailand : Experience the Variety

The Northeast

Nakhon Ratchasima
Also know as Khorat, Nakhon Ratchasima is the gateway to Thailand’s northeast region-know as I-san in Thai-a largely rural area and the least changed part of the country.
The province has a long recorded history and during the pre-Thai period was an important outpost of the ancient Khmer civilization centered on Angkor, in Cambodia. The largest and finest of several Khmer sites in Phimai, an 11th-century temple complex that has been well restored.
Besides places of historical and cultural interest, Nakhon Ratchasima is also home to vast tracts of Khao Yai National Park, ranked as one of the country’s finest nature preserves and featuring a great diversity of habitats from evergreen rainforest to savannah.

Udon Thani
Udon Thani is a busy communications and transportation hub and provides ready access to the surrounding provinces of Khon Kaen to the south, and Nong Khai to the north.
The province’s biggest attraction for the traveler, however, is the prehistoric site of Ban Chiang where, in the 1970s, archaeological finds yielded evidence of a
civilization dating back more than 4000 years. Example of the finds, including skeletons, tools and distinctively patterned pottery, can be seen in excavation pits that have been left open at the site and which give a good insight into the thrill of archaeological discovery.

Nong Khai
Stretched out along the banks of the Mekong river, opposite the Laotian capital of Vientiane, Nong Khai is an attractive province, fascinating for its river views. At Nong Khai town the Mekong is spanned by the 1190-meter Friendship Bridge, opened in 1994, and the charming little provincial capital, distinguished by a handful of fine temples, serves as a gateway to Laos, as well as being an extremely pleasant spot in its own right.

Loei
A trifle off the beaten track, Loei is the region’s westernmost province and thus has features in common with the North. The landscape is one of high hills and mountains, and there is enormous climatic range, the province recording the country’s highest and lowest temperatures. Not surprisingly, the major attractions are scenic, notably the national parks of Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea, all three being mountain areas with pines and other cool climate trees and abundant wildlife.

Surin
For most of the year, Surin is a place of deep rural tranquility, but in late November the provincial capital comes fabulously alive as its hosts the annual Elephant Round-Up. This exciting and colorful spectacle celebrates the remarkable role elephants have played in Thai history and the development of the country. It’s most special occasion and not to be missed.

Ubon Ratchathani
Ranked among the largest of the northeastern provinces, Ubon Ratchathani borders both Laos and Cambodia, the juncture of the three country’s being dubbed in recent times “The Emerald Triangle” on account of the areas lush forest cover. The province’s main topographical feature, however, is the Mun ricer and its junction with the Mekong, the latter forming much of Ubon Ratchathani’s eastern border. The meeting of the two rivers affords some most picturesque scenery, while prehistoric rock paintings at the nearby cliff of Pha Taem adds to the area’s fascination. Overall, the province is a showcase for traditional I-san culture, most readily seen in such colorful annual events as the Candle Festival, which celebrates the start of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.

posted by heroioria @ 15:16