There is a whole area of Thailand that is easily left out of any visitors’ itinerary. It is the region of northeast Thailand called the Isaan region. If you and your family want an off the beaten path adventure, I highly suggest taking a trip into the Isaan region. Five cities that top my list for visiting with kids are: Roi Et, Bueng Khan, Yasothon, Chiang Khan, and Buriram.
Roi Et
Roi Et tops my list as a town that is developing itself into a top tourist destination for Thais in Isaan. It has history and culture galore! Roi Et in Thai means the number 101. You will find Roi Et in the province of Roi Et, about a 7 hour drive from Bangkok into the heart of Isaan. The main attraction for kids is the Roi Et tower. This building is in the center of the city and towers over the area. Surrounding the tower is a gardens which has comparisons of the tallest towers around the world. You can go into the building where there is information regarding the origins of the “wot”, the instrument the tower is shaped like. Then you can go up the elevator and view the city from the top level.
After visiting Roi Et tower and surroundings, head over to the lake and park. There is also a small aquarium right in the center of the city. Lastly, Roi Et has a science museum with a planetarium outside of town. My children loved the science museum and all it offered!
We found English around Roi Et at attractions. There were stalls of food near the lake and tower and options for Thai food around the town.
Yasothon
Yasothon is found amongst the rice fields of Isaan. It is an area steeped in traditional folklore as it is best known for hosting the annual rocket festival. The rocket festival is a celebration given to the gods to ask them to send rain for the rice planting.
These folklore stories can be learned at the Toad Museum (Phraya Khan Khak) along with seeing many different types of rockets and toad species. Across from the Toad are dragons along the river which are also interwoven into Isaan folklore. A great trip for kids to learn about the festival, the folklore, and the local habitat.
Bueng Kan
Bueng Kan is the northeastern-most province in Thailand bordering Laos both in the north and in the east. There is much to do in Bueng Kan for children and adults alike.
Our favorite place to visit as a family was the temple on a cliff, Wat Phu Tok. We do not usually add temple visits onto our adventures around Thailand, but this is a must. You are literally walking on slats on the side of a mountain to get to the top of the temple. The views are spectacular.
The local tourist attraction in the area is called Three Whales Rock. After parking, a park truck will take you out to the three rocks overlooking the valley below. They are called Three Whales Rock for their shape jutting out from the mountainside.
Lastly, Bueng Kan has a fun night market on the bank of the Mekong with lots of fun treats to try.
Chiang Khan
On the opposite northern point of Isaan from Bueng Kan lies Loei province. Loei is the most mountainous province in Isaan and is the gateway to northern Thailand.
Along the Mekong, across from Laos is the town of Chiang Khan. The little town is known for its wooden shuttered houses and parallel walking streets – one for strolling along the Mekong and one for shopping, specifically during the evening market.
Many hotels along the main street have bicycles for guests to use. We love biking and walking along the path and watching the beautiful views of the passing river.
Another family favorite in Chiang Khan is what we call the “bunny temple”, officially called Wat Pra Putthabat Phu Kwai Ngoen. They have a huge area full of bunnies, guinea pigs, and even a couple large pigs. The temple has beautiful views from the top.
The night market is definitely a highlight for the whole family and the main street gets crowded with stalls and tourists. There is an abundance of food options and anything you can imagine grilled on a stick!
Buriram
The last town to highlight is Buriram, a town in the southern area of Isaan in the province of Buriram which partially borders Cambodia. Buriram is well-known across Thailand for it’s soccer team.
We highly recommend finding out if there is a game being played in their arena and going out to watch. This is an incredible cultural experience and one the kids will enjoy! Buriram also has an international racing track that is fun for kids to watch if a race is scheduled.
Lastly, Buriram is home to a Khmer ruins called Phanom Rung Historical Park. It is a great day trip that both kids and adults will enjoy.
