|
North East Thailand is Thailand as it once was many years ago. Isan - or North East Thailand, lives life at its own pace, and seemingly thrives in its own way. Not for the happy snappy tourist, but enchanting and thought provoking if you want that holiday that is different. I have wanted to visit Isan ever since being in Thailand - 18 months now - so set off by car from Pattaya heading towards the AH12 route, after firstly driving the 331 and then 304. The last time I travelled this road, I was being driven by a manic mini bus driver - en route to Laos for Visa reasons. I slept for most of that trip. This time as a driver, I could not! |
The AH12 is a great road for getting you there, but it's
scenic value leaves much to be desired, unless you have a
yearning for flat-plain rice fields! I am sure that they are
a little more interesting when being cropped. At least you
will see the odd farm labourer or so.
Kong Khaen was the ultimate destination for day one. It
seemed a good idea, when planning and looking on map.
The first stop-off was welcome (very welcome - at Nakhon
Rachasima (Korat) wherin lies the historical park of Phi Mai
or PhiMai. A great place for photo shoots with some good
panoramas and many architectural details.
On into Isan on to the preferred destination stop of Khon
Kaen! This Isan city is much the same as other prosperous
Thai cities, and seems to cater for the locals rather than
tourist/visitor! I stayed at a nice hotel, and even here the
otherwise helpful staff were at a bit of a loss as to where
I should go sight seeing!
