We are passing through the region next month for our visa and would like to visit a few places, but I am finding it difficult to find nice scenery. All the photos are of temples or basic fields. Is there any spectacular scenery and waterfalls in Isaan? If not how about a nice town to visit?

You realise how big issan is right? Which route is through it? North to south? East to west?

How about Phanong Rung in Buriram. 

Old Khmer temple on top of old volcanic mountain. 

 

There is a place where there is a temple with 5 doors. Twice a year the sun rise can be observed through all doors simultaneously. 

Khong Chiam and environs...where the Mekong 'marries' the Mun..

 

 

 

There is a place where there is a temple with 5 doors. Twice a year the sun rise can be observed through all doors simultaneously. 

See post #4


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     I live just down the road from Phanom Rung. It's well worth a visit if you're in the area. The temple sits on top of an extinct volcano which rises above the Issan plateau. Quite spectacular views over the countryside, on a clear day you can see the mountains in Cambodia.

    Four times a year at sunrise and sunset the sun shines through all 15 of the portals (not 5 as stated). It's quite a sight but is a popular phenomenon so it can be very crowded.

   Its in a National Park so as a farang you will have to pay full price. I haven't been for a while but as I recall entrance was 400 baht.

Wat Tham Phi Suarr in Nong Khai has a glass viewing platform overhanging the Mekong, altho never been myself am told by the family it is spectacular.

Crossing Isaan to go get a new visa probably mean you are heading to Vientiane.

 

Not much to see going that way...there is Phimai, north of Korat, which is a small version of Phanum Rung (see other posts)...if you can make a short detour, Loei is a province with very nice scenery...

 

Waterfall, cave and temple in one:

 

Soo Da cave temple and waterfall, Nong Phok, Roi-Et.

Walk inside waterfall to reach temple (no rain, no waterfall).

 

 

 

 

Pra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhol Temple is nearby (climb high up inside central Stupa to reach heavenly place):

 

 

 

On 04/05/2018 at 10:19 PM, Mooner said:

You realise how big issan is right? Which route is through it? North to south? East to west?

Sorry, should have said. We are going from Chiang Mai to Vientianne. So we stop off at Udon Thani. Where we could take a bus or plane to somewhere scenic.

 

Thanks to everyone who has suggested places, much appreciated. Looking forward to see more. ?

There are many places to visit as you enter Isaan from the North, and here are a few recommendations.

Leoi Province:
      Chiang Kan to Nong Khai: The Meking river route... Very nice drive and maybe you can get a local
      bus. This route will also take you past the previouylsy mentioned Skywalk. Chaing Kan is an
      interesting village, very old style buildings and a popular tourist destination.

 

Bueng Kan Province just south of Nong Khai has many scenic areas including many waterfalls, though until the rainy season starts the waterfalls are not at their prime for viewing

 

      Wat Phu Tok is an excellent mountain temple with great views and interesting construction.
      Phu Sing :  I would also recommend Phu Sing Forest park with its massive rock formations and   
      scenic views. There are pickups that will guide you to the top, or you can drive your own  pickup if
      you have it, not recommended for cars to drive to  the top.

      Bus service is available from Bueng Kan city to Udon Thani city. (I am told it is about 3 hours +).

Udon Thani city is a nice small city, with no significant scenic areas close by, but we do have great food!
The food court at UDtown is a great place to try many Thai and Isaan foods at a good price, with many other great restaurants close by for all price ranges.

Bus service from Udon Thani can get you most anywhere in Thailand you need to go...

Cheers!

Thanks Wanderer. Now thats what I call scenery, beautiful photos.

3 hours ago, mat999 said:

Thanks Wanderer. Now thats what I call scenery, beautiful photos.

Thanks Mat,
 

The Wat Phu Tok images were taken on my iPhone, with the Phu Sing being an internet photo
(no original source), could not find my Phu Sing photos on the phone... 

Both locations are best viewed early or late in the day.  Phu Sing is orientated towards the East so morning is best there, with Wat Phu Tok being good both early morning and early evening.

I am now waiting for the rainy season to start to return and take some new images with a proper camera... 

Cheers!


 

Khao Kradong in Buriram is worth a few minutes if only to see how flat this part of Isaan is and the best football and motor racing circuit in Thailand. And its free. Also handy if you need to go to the immigration office.

Another vote for Khong Jiam. Go to the Saeng Chan or hole-boring waterfall as well. Never seen anything like it.