 |
| |
Destination Guide : Isan (North Estern of Thailand) |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Isan (North Eastern of Thailand) ,is noted as the center of an age-old civilization dating back to pre-historic time and to the period when the Khmer people held away in the region. Relics and monuments still stand, attesting to the splendors and majesty of the ancient era. The Phra That Phanom in Nakorn Phanom, the Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung in Buri Ram and the Prasat Hin Phimai in Khorat, are some of the most important and interesting structures in the area. Ban Chiang village in Udon Thani, where remains of pre-historic skeletons and tools have been discovered, serves as concrete evidence of a Bronze Age civilization flourishing 5,000 to 7,000 years ago.
|
| |
| |
|
The Northeast's ancient traditions and customs are still reflected in fairs and festivals found nowhere else in the country. These include the colorful Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival), the Candle Procession and the Wax Castle Festival. Probably the most well-known local products of the Northeast are the world - famous Matmee silk, wickerware, earthenware and edible items such as sausages, Mu Yong and Mu Phaen.
The pace of life in the north-eastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan, is generally more relaxed than in other areas, and the people often appear more friendly. Isaan food is famous for its variety of ingredients and pungency. Particular favourites are som tam (a spicy papaya salad) and gai yang (roasted spiced chicken).
The gateway to whole area is through Nakorn Ratchasima, often refered to as Korat
There is a distinct Laos and Khmer influence in the region which is reflected in the local dialect, and the Angkor Wat like monuments near Surin and Buri Ram. That Phanom on the Laos border has a particularly fine example of this style of architecture. |
|
|
|
There are archeological sites a little north of Korat, that show the earliest settlers of the region where here some 4000 years ago.
North of Udon Thani is Ban Phu which offers prehistoric cave drawings. To the east lies Ban Chiang with its ancient ceramic and bronze sculptures.
The best silk in Thailand is said to come from the areas around Roi Et and Nakhorn Ratchasima (Korat). This is certainly the place to visit for bargains or an insight into silk weaving techniques. Nong Khai in the northern part of the region is the only place where visitors can cross the Maekhong river to Vientiane in Laos. Further west is Loei which is one of Thailand's most unspoiled provinces.
|
|
 |