When we talk about mountains in Thailand, most people think of Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, and its hinterlands. But not many know about the stunning mountains Phetchabun, a province in the lower part of Northern Thailand, right next to Isaan. It's best known for its towering peaks and a rich, layered history that even many Thais aren’t familiar with.
In this travel guide, I'll show you the real Phetchabun, from breathtaking mountain viewpoints to its deep historical roots that predate the Khmer Empire, and its role as a key site during the communist insurgency of the Cold War. So without further ado, here's your complete travel guide to Phetchabun!
- Phetchabun Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Phetchabun?
-
10 Best Things to Do in Phetchabun
- Explore Si Thep Historical Park and Khao Klang Nok
- Be Blown Away by Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew
- Spend A Night in Khao Kho
- Check Out the View from Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial
- Visit Khao Kho Flower Terrace
- Visit Tat Mok National Park
- Check Out Phetchabun Intrachai Archeological Hall
- Stroll Around Phetchabun Buddhist Park
- Visit the Lom Sak Walking Street
- Enjoy the Cold At the Top of Phu Thap Buek
- What to Eat and Drink in Phetchabun?
- How to Get to Phetchabun?
- How to Get Around Phetchabun?
- What to Pack for Phetchabun?
- Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Phetchabun Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Phetchabun
1. Explore Si Thep Historical Park and Khao Klang Nok
First and foremost, we’ll begin this guide with Si Thep Historical Park, a site rich in history located on the southern edge of the province. If you’re driving from Bangkok, this will likely be one of the first places you encounter, making it a perfect starting point for your journey.
What's cool about Si Thep Historical Park? Well, for one, the site has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List only in 2023, which makes it the most recent site in Thailand to be inscribed, with the last one being in 1992. The history goes way back to the 5th Century CE, during the Dvaravati period, way before the rise of the Khmer Empire.
The site was built by the Dvaravati Empire between the 6th and 11th centuries, and it covers a large area of what is now the Si Thep town in Phetchabun. The historical site is split into 2 parts: the inner city part and the outer city part, each with significant attractions I highly recommend you check out.
- At Home Phetchaboon (Budget)
- HOP INN Phetchabun (Mid-Range)
- Livist Resort phetchabun (High-End) 👍 Top Pick
Let’s start with the inner city, which is located here. The entrance fee is 120 THB per person and a vehicle fee of 20 THB for a motorbike and 50 THB for a car. Once inside, you can park your car and hop on a free tour cart that will take you around the historical site. The ride takes about an hour and offers a great overview of the area.
On the tour cart, you’ll visit three main sites. First is a local shrine where residents come to pray. Next is an excavation site where prehistoric skeletons were discovered. The final stops are Prang Si Thep, a charming ancient ruin, and the impressive pyramid-shaped Khao Khlang Nai Historical Site.
My favorite spot is definitely the Khao Khlang Nai Historical Site, where you can see the remaining foundation of what is believed to have been a massive pagoda. Be sure to walk around to the far side of the base, many visitors miss this, where you’ll find some beautifully preserved stone carvings still intact. It’s a hidden gem worth taking the time to explore.
After about an hour, you will be back at the gate where you can then proceed to check out Khao Klang Nok, one of Si Thep's finest historical sites, located at the outer city of Si Thep, 2 km north of the historical park itself. This is definitely the highlight of Si Thep for me, and the best part is it's free to enter!
At Khao Klang Nok, you'll find a massive square laterite base measuring approximately 64 × 64 meters and rising about 20 meters high. The structure features two stepped layers and a flat top, where a bell-shaped stupa likely once stood. Built during the Dvaravati era (8th–9th century CE), much of the monument remained buried under natural vegetation until excavations began in 2008. Restoration was completed around 2012.
This monument is truly massive, you have to see it to believe it. Right next to the site, there’s a small museum that explains the history of Khao Klang Nok and how it might have looked in its prime, complete with a model of the original bell-shaped stupa in all its glory.
It must have been absolutely awe-inspiring to witness back in the 8th century. While climbing is no longer allowed, you can still walk around the base and get up close to admire its scale and craftsmanship. It should take you about 15-30 minutes to see the outer city site.
This is one of Phetchabun’s finest historical sites, so if you’re interested in history, be sure to drop by. The historical park’s inner city is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, with an entrance fee of 120 THB per person. The outer city, meanwhile, is open 24 hours and free to enter.
Where to Stay in Phetchabun?
2. Be Blown Away by Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew
Have you ever wondered what a Buddhist heaven might look like in real life? Well, Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew will give you a good glimpse of it. This awe-inspiring temple is hard to describe in words. It is located among the rolling hills of Khao Kho, a large mountainous area in Phetchabun. Due to its location and climate, the area is often engulfed in clouds, creating a feeling that you are visiting a temple in heaven above the clouds.
Out of all the temples I’ve visited in Thailand, this one is probably the most visually stunning. Its massive layered white Buddha statues peek through the clouds, surrounded by unique architecture made from millions of colorful mosaic tiles and pottery pieces, while set against the rolling hills of Phetchabun. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
There are many structures you can climb to get a stunning view of the temple from above. My favorite is the balcony from a pagoda nearby which provides a good vantage point over the layered white Buddha statues and all the mountains and clouds surrounding it.
The temple is free to enter, though you might need to pay for parking if you use the nearby lot. I chose to drive a bit further to this spot, where parking was free, and then walked a short distance to the temple. 😉 That said, the parking fee is quite reasonable, only 30 THB per car, so if you prefer convenience, paying for parking nearby is also a good option.
Honestly, you’re going to love Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew. I’ve seen tons of temples across Thailand, but none as photogenic as this one. Be sure to include it in your itinerary when you’re in Phetchabun. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. It tends to get crowded on weekends and public holidays, so I recommend visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
3. Spend A Night in Khao Kho
Khao Kho is one of the most popular destinations for Thai tourists in Phetchabun, thanks to its cooler climate, something you rarely experience in the lowlands, and its beautiful mountainous landscape. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature for a day or two. Because of this peaceful atmosphere, I highly recommend staying at least one night here.
Unlike Phu Thap Buek, a nearby mountain also featured on this list, Khao Kho is more rolling hills than a massive mountain cliff, and it covers a much larger area. This makes it easier to build tourist facilities, and as a result, you'll find plenty of beautiful guesthouses and hotels with great views at affordable prices. You can look for hotels here.
What I love most about Khao Kho is how spacious and peaceful it feels. Unlike other crowded spots, the area is so spread out that you can easily find a quiet, charming place to stay and really soak in the nature. I also found that there’s just so much more to do here compared to Phu Thap Buek.
Plus, the area has a fascinating history that not many people know about, which made exploring it even more special for me. You see, during the Cold War, communist insurgencies spread across Southeast Asia, and Thailand was no exception. Khao Kho became one of the main bases for the communist insurgents in Thailand, and heavy fighting took place here as the government launched military operations to suppress the movement.
After years of bloody conflict, the Thai government shifted its strategy in the 1980s from military suppression to reconciliation. It offered amnesty to insurgents who surrendered and reintegrated into society, and many took the offer.
The Communist Party began to lose momentum due to internal divisions, a drop in support from China, and improved rural development efforts by the government. By the mid-1980s, the insurgency had come to an end, and peace returned to Khao Kho.
This is why you will see many military personnel up here, as well as monuments and museums like Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial and Weapon Museum, which will discuss more, all dedicated to telling and preserving the history of that period. Most Thai people just come here to enjoy the view and weather and completely skip this part, which I think is a shame.
There are also many other tourist attractions in Khao Kho that will occupy you for days, like Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint, Sri Dit Waterfall, Khao Kho Viewpoint, Windfarm Field Khao Kho, and many more. Exploring Khao Kho is definitely the highlight of Phetchabun, so be sure not to miss it.
4. Check Out the View from Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial
As I mentioned earlier, Khao Kho has a rich and fascinating history tied to the communist insurgency and military crackdowns during the Cold War era. Scattered around the area, you'll find several military monuments and museums that reflect this turbulent time. One such site is the Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial, which not only commemorates the struggle and eventual victory over communism but also offers a stunning panoramic view over the vast landscapes of Khao Kho.
The monument is built from white marble and can be seen from across the mountains as it soars into the sky. If you walk a little further, you’ll come across preserved military bunkers and trenches that were once used by the army to subdue the insurgent groups.
From here, you’ll get a stunning view over much of Khao Kho, a view that makes it clear why the military chose this strategic location for their defenses. It's a nice little drive along a one-way narrow road which you will have to enter from here as it zig-zags through the mountain.
Be sure to stop by the Weapon Museum, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of weaponry used by both the Thai military and the insurgent groups. The museum also displays uniforms worn by both sides, as well as helicopters, tanks, and more.
Many of the weapons on display, particularly those of Chinese and Russian origin, were confiscated from the insurgents, giving you a clear sense of where their support was coming from. It's all incredibly interesting to see up close!
The museum is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entrance fee is 10 THB per person, which is very affordable! If you like history or enjoy a good mountain view, be sure to come and check out Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial and the Weapon Museum.
5. Visit Khao Kho Flower Terrace
Khao Kho’s cool climate is perfect for growing colorful flowers, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Khao Kho Flower Terrace. This vast flower field stretches across the side of a hill, featuring beautiful cascading terraces of blooms, stunning viewpoints, and a charming café at the top where you can relax and chill.
Here, you’ll find fields bursting with colorful flowers, from marguerites to hydrangeas and more, creating a rainbow of shades that stretch across the hillside. At the top, there’s a skywalk where you can admire the flower fields from above, as well as a café serving drinks and a limited lunch menu. I loved the view so much that I decided to have lunch here and just sit back and relax for an hour. It was truly that beautiful!
The place is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily, and the entrance fee is 60 THB per person. However, you can reimburse the ticket and get a 20 THB discount on all food and drinks at the cafe, which is awesome. If you are driving around Khao Kho and looking for a place to take a break, be sure to come check out Khao Kho Flower Terrace.
6. Visit Tat Mok National Park
If you're staying in Phetchabun City, there's still a bit of adventure waiting for you just 17 km east at Tat Mok National Park. It's a quick drive and well worth the visit if you're looking to get a dose of nature without straying too far from town.
The national park is named after Tat Mok Waterfall, which is located deep inside the park and requires a bit of effort to get to. From the national park entrance, you will have to drive for another hour to get to the starting point, and from there you have to hike for about 2.5 km one-way to the waterfall.
The total hiking time is about 3.5 hours roundtrip. Once you factor in the drive to and from the trailhead, you're looking at spending at least half a day here, so be sure to plan accordingly. Because the waterfall is quite far from the entrance, visitors aren't allowed to begin the hike after 1 PM. So if you arrive later than that, don't expect to be able to reach the waterfall.
That said, there's more to do in the park that makes it worth visiting even if you can't hike. You can drive up to Lan Chom Dao for a fantastic panoramic view of the national park, or even camp overnight and stargaze, which is fitting since "Lan Chom Dao" means "a place to admire the stars" in Thai.
All in all, it’s a great adventure spot for anyone looking to do some epic hiking near Phetchabun City. The national park is open daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person. Just don’t forget, if you want to make it to the waterfall, be sure to arrive before 1 PM to give yourself enough time to complete the hike.
7. Check Out Phetchabun Intrachai Archeological Hall
While you are staying in Phetchabun City, be sure to go and check out Phetchabun Intrachai Archaeological Hall, which is a museum dedicated to preserving the surprisingly long and rich history of the province that dates all the way back to prehistoric times.
Inside the museum, you will find exhibitions focusing on each period in chronological order starting with the prehistoric time and the excavation of skeletons at Si Thep Historical Park. It then continues through the Dvaravati Empire period, all the way to the communist insurgency and the fight for peace towards the end of the Cold War.
Unlike many regional museums in the country, this one is exceptionally well-curated, with engaging exhibitions presented in both Thai and English. It’s packed with visual and written information that sheds light on parts of Thailand’s history that most people aren't familiar with.
I especially enjoyed the collection of old photographs from around the province, they really gave me a glimpse into what life must have been like here in the past. There’s also an entire room dedicated to local delicacies, which is perfect for foodies interested in trying some of Phetchabun’s famous dishes. Don’t worry, I’ll cover more of that in the “What to Eat and Drink in Phetchabun?” section 😉.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, and from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on weekends. Best of all, entrance is completely free. If you're interested in Thai history and want to dive deeper into the local culture, be sure to check out the Phetchabun Intrachai Archaeological Hall.
8. Stroll Around Phetchabun Buddhist Park
If you are looking for a nice area to stroll around in the evening in Phetchabun City, I highly recommend you check out Phetchabun Buddhist Park, a park located by a small lake in the middle of the city featuring a large Buddha statue, walking trails, and a pavilion on an island in the middle of the lake.
It’s a popular spot for locals to unwind at the end of a long day, as well as for Buddhist devotees who come to pray for good luck. I love walking around this area at sunset; it’s incredibly peaceful, making it the perfect way to end a day of exploration in Phetchabun before retreating for the night.
9. Visit the Lom Sak Walking Street
Lom Sak is an old city located not too far from Khao Kho and Phu Thap Buek, making it a perfect stop as you explore the mountainous region of Phetchabun. The city itself has a laid-back charm, but if you really want to experience what Lom Sak has to offer, be sure to visit the Lom Sak Walking Street, held every Saturday evening.
Lom Sak Walking Street is massive, stretching from the Lom Sak Clock Tower all the way to Lomsak Municipal Health Park. The area is packed with all kinds of shops and stalls, street performances, and entertainment to keep you engaged throughout the evening and into the night.
Here, you can try all sorts of local delicacies like Khanom Chin Lom Kao, white rice noodles served with flavorful stocks such as coconut milk, fish curry, and chili. It’s delicious and very affordable at only 25 THB. You can also enjoy Khao Jee, which is fried sticky rice, tasty Wichian Buri chicken, and much more.
The market is always lively and packed, which is pretty funny considering Lom Sak is quite small compared to Phetchabun City. Yet, it feels even more vibrant here than in the city center. 😂 I really enjoyed wandering around, catching the random performances, and trying all kinds of local food at unbeatable prices to my heart’s content.
If you happen to be in Phetchabun on Saturdays, be sure to come to Lom Sak Walking Street and eat your way through it. Even if you are not here on a Saturday, you can still come and enjoy the attractions here like Lom Sak Museum, an excellent museum to learn more about the people here, all the street arts hidden all over the old town, and more.
10. Enjoy the Cold At the Top of Phu Thap Buek
Another mountain I highly recommend checking out is Phu Thap Buek, located right next to Khao Kho but offering a completely different experience thanks to its higher altitude and stunning cliffside views.
While Khao Kho covers a larger area and consists mostly of rolling hills, Phu Thap Buek is a true mountain with sheer cliffs that become clear as you drive up the winding, zigzag roads snaking to the summit.
Phu Thap Buek is best known for its thrilling drive up, cooler climate, and breathtaking cliff views from the top, two of which I got to experience firsthand. Unfortunately, due to its elevation, the weather can be unpredictable, and the summit is often shrouded in clouds and rain. I happened to be there during one of the poorest visibility days 😂. My luck, sometimes! 😅
It rained for two days straight, and all I saw up there were clouds, though I did thoroughly enjoy the cooler weather. If you have better luck than I did, you might get to catch the amazing view. If not, it’s still a fun drive, and definitely worth going up.
Just be very careful on the road: although it’s paved, some sections are narrow with many sharp curves and turns. The clouds can also reduce visibility, making it harder to see oncoming cars, so drive extra cautiously when heading up to Phu Thap Buek.
What to Eat and Drink in Phetchabun?
1. Have Coffee with a View at Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe
If you enjoyed Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew and its stunning mountainous views, you’ll definitely want to drive a little further up the mountain to visit Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe. This fancy café has one of the best vantage points in the area, with an open-air balcony where you can relax while taking in the panoramic mountain scenery, including a distant view of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew nestled among the rolling hills.
The prices of everything here are crazy expensive, but you can just grab a cup of coffee and rake in the rewards and enjoy the view for as long as you like. They also have a hotel up here, so if you want to stay in a fancy hotel near Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, this is a good place to be.
The cafe is open approximately from 8 AM to 7 PM daily, and they serve coffees, pastries, and food, although they are on the pricier side of things. If you are looking for a place to relax while you explore Khao Kho, be sure to check this cafe out.
2. Eat at Khao Tom Guang
If you are staying overnight in Phetchabun City, I highly recommend you eat dinner at Khao Tom Guang, a local restaurant serving rice soup and a variety of Thai-Chinese style side dishes that you can eat together with rice soup.
They offer a variety of side dishes, but they’re best known for their delicious roasted duck. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, you’ll find plenty of small dishes perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. I was there alone, ordered 2 dishes with rice soup, and it was perfect.
The restaurant is open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM, so if you're looking for a great local spot for dinner, Khao Tom Guang won't disappoint! Trust me, I'm still drooling just thinking about it 😂.
3. Eat the famous Wichian Buri Chicken at Bua Tong Restaurant
One of the most famous local delicacies among Thai people is Wichian Buri Chicken, a grilled chicken seasoned in a unique way that makes the skin extra crispy and incredibly flavorful. The dish originated in Wichian Buri town in Phetchabun, and the best place to try it is at Bua Tong Restaurant, located along the highway in the Wichian Buri district as you approach Phetchabun City.
The restaurant is very famous in Phetchabun, and you will see how they grill the chicken right in front of the store. The aroma of it all will draw you in immediately. The grilled chicken is best served with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauce, and this should give you a good glimpse of what the local food here is all about.
The restaurant is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, except on Wednesdays. If you're driving to Phetchabun from Bangkok, make sure to stop by for lunch and try the delicious Wichian Buri Chicken at Bua Tong Restaurant, you won’t regret it!
How to Get to Phetchabun?
By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Phetchabun is by bus. They typically leave from Morchit Bus Terminal, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 350 to 400 THB and takes between 8 - 10 hours, depending on the bus size and traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Phetchabun. The journey should take about 4 - 5 hours depending on the traffic. Much faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.
How to Get Around Phetchabun?
By Car: Honestly, the best way to get around Phetchabun is by renting a car. Most of its attractions are quite spread out, and the heat is no joke here.
While renting a motorbike is possible, it's not the most comfortable option, especially since you'll often be riding on highways, which can be dangerous for inexperienced riders. This guide also includes routes that go up into the mountains, so I recommend renting a higher-cc motorcycle for a safer and more enjoyable ride.
For the most convenient experience, I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.
What to Pack for Phetchabun?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Phetchabun, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you'll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here's a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- One of the best places to visit in Isaan is Ubon Ratchathani. If you're looking for things to do there, check out: Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Looking to explore Chiang Khan and its wonderful tourist attractions? You are going to need this travel guide: Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- If you are passing through Amnat Charoen and are wondering what there is to do there, then check out this guide: Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you are wondering what to do in Maha Sarakham, this guide is for you: Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.