Isan – The Practical Guide (2026-2027 Edition)

Authentic Northeast Thailand, without the stress.

Khmer temples and rice fields, the Mekong, som tam and sticky rice, rocket and candle festivals, village life: Isan is the Thailand most tourists never see. This guide gathers everything you need to know to travel there, or to stay with your Thai partner's family, with prices in baht, opening hours and the traps to avoid. Information checked in October 2026.

Inside, in 21 chapters:

• Planning your trip: seasons, visa and TDAC, money, budget, festival calendar

• Getting to Isan by plane, train or bus (including from Laos), and getting around

• Where to stay, town by town, and staying with a local family

• Khorat, Phimai and Khao Yai; Buriram, Phanom Rung, Surin and the Khmer temples

• Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Ban Chiang

• The Mekong from Nong Khai to Mukdahan; Loei and Chiang Khan

• Roi Et, Kalasin and Yasothon: the rural heart of Isan

• Ubon Ratchathani and the Emerald Triangle

• Festivals: Bun Bang Fai, Phi Ta Khon, Ubon's Candle Festival, the Naga fireballs

• Isan food and Michelin Guide picks, markets, silk and crafts

• Going out and relaxing, itineraries from 5 to 14 days

• Etiquette and village life, safety, health and the 2026 laws

• Thai and Isan phrasebook, practical directory: emergencies, hospitals, consulates, immigration

4 original maps, the author's own photos, prices in baht and practical tips.

By Mr Schaka, a Belgian author who spends part of the year in Thailand and knows Isan through his partner's family in Roi Et. Also available: Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai – The Practical Guide.

PDF eBook, 183 pages, in English.