Northern Isaan is a region of Thailand, close to the border with Laos. Geographically it is part of the Mekong Valley. The barrier between Northern Isaan and Central Isaan is the Phu Phan Mountains.

Cities

• 1 Bueng Kan — The newest province in Thailand and Isaan region, separated from Nong Khai in 2011
• 2 Loei
• 3 Mukdahan — next to Mekong river, Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is located here
• 4 Nakhon Phanom
• 5 Nong Bua Lamphu
• 6 Nong Khai — the gateway to Vientiane in Laos
• 7 Sakon Nakhon
• 8 Udon Thani — home to Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

Other destinations

• 1 Chiang Khan — see an amazing temple, laze around, looking at Laos
• 2 Jom Jang — small village near Nong Khai
• 3 Phon Phisai — a village nearby Nong Khai
• 4 Phu Kradueng National Park — A national park that protects Phu Kradueng mountain, a mesa that rises 1,000 meters above the surrounding valleys. Hiking trails in the park lead to overlooks and past waterfalls.

Get in

• 1 Udon Thani Airport (UTH ^IATA).  
• Udon Thani and Nong Khai (end of the line) can be reached from Bangkok on the train. There are 4 trains per day in each direction, with a travel time from Bangkok to Nong Khai of 10-12 hours.

Go next

Cross into Laos at Nong Khai.