Destination

Isaan & the Northeast

Thailand's least-touristed region — Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and beyond.

A boat crossing the Red Lotus Sea, Talay Bua Daeng, at dawn in Udon Thani, Isaan — Photo: Shutterstock (licensed, asset 2404669783)

Where to stay

Choosing your area in Isaan & the Northeast

The area matters more than the hotel in Isaan & the Northeast. Prices are relative to this destination rather than rupee figures, and reflect our editorial judgement.

Area	Who it suits	Getting around	Worth knowing	Price feel
Khon Kaen	Modern city comforts and a look at everyday Thailand	Domestic flights from Bangkok; Grab in the city	Very little tourist infrastructure or English	Cheapest end
Udon Thani and Nong Khai	Temples, the Mekong and the Laos border	Flights or overnight train from Bangkok	Long distances between sights	Cheapest end
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)	Khmer ruins and Khao Yai national park	Three hours from Bangkok by road	A car is essential for the park	Middle

Khon Kaen

Suits:: Modern city comforts and a look at everyday Thailand
Getting around:: Domestic flights from Bangkok; Grab in the city
Worth knowing:: Very little tourist infrastructure or English

Udon Thani and Nong Khai

Suits:: Temples, the Mekong and the Laos border
Getting around:: Flights or overnight train from Bangkok
Worth knowing:: Long distances between sights

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Suits:: Khmer ruins and Khao Yai national park
Getting around:: Three hours from Bangkok by road
Worth knowing:: A car is essential for the park

Plan the rest of the trip

Build my Thailand plan Visa checker Trip costs in INR Flight deals Best time to go Need to know Location guides

Booking Isaan & the Northeast

Commercial links

Where we would look for rooms, transport and things to do. Ordered by usefulness for an Indian traveller — never by what they pay us.

Hotels · Editorial
Booking.com
Widest choice of Thai hotels with free-cancellation filters.
Editorial link — no payment involved.
Hotels · Editorial
Agoda
Often cheaper for smaller Thai guesthouses and resorts.
Editorial link — no payment involved.
Tours and activities · Editorial
Klook
Day tours, temple passes and transfers, priced in rupees.
Editorial link — no payment involved.
Ferries and islands · Editorial
12Go
Ferry, train and bus times between Thai islands and cities.
Editorial link — no payment involved.

Prices and availability are shown by the partner, not by us. How we make money.

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