Temples in North Eastern Thailand

If there was a bumper sticker that said "We love Isan", we would put it on our car! We had three extensive trips to the Northeast of Thailand. One in 2002 and two more in 2006. The first one was our first exposure to this great part of Thailand, which has not been discovered by mass-tourism. We struggled quite a bit with the difference in language and local customs, especially the super spicy food! But we had a great time visiting Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan besides the main routes in and out of Isan. We specially loved the stretches along the River Mekong. On this first trip we also visited several Khmer Sanctuaries, like Phimai. Unfortunately Khao Phra Viharn in Cambodia was closed at short notice and we stood somewhat stunned in front of the border gates.

On our second trip, Khao Phra Viharn was open and provided us with a wonderful experience. However, as chimburi.com is about Thai temples, we feature the Khmer Sanctuaries on www.kanjanee.com . But we visited over 60 temples on our second trip. Many small ones but also several really nice temples with very important Buddha images. We were also lucky in so far that two temples that were closed on our first trip were open this time.

Returning to Isan again at the end of 2006, we returned to Nong Khai and visited Loei for the first time. This trip was a true adventure trip, with a street disappearing due to a landslide at the farthest possible and remote point and a fall into a waterfall, which damaged one of our cameras. We were almost driven off the road by a mad truck driver at night and picked up a virus, which stayed with us for a long time! But hey, we are still alive!

In 2007 we enjoyed several weeks of Boon Bang Fai/Rocket Festival in Isan. I am now convinced that "Isan can party!" is the best motto for this time of the year. While we have written about the festival on our password protected site, we have posted an additional 60+ temples on this site as well.

Isan is a special place. We have a true "Isan-man" as part of our travel team, which opened many doors and hearts of Isan people. We have never been so welcomed as in Yasothon Province, which will be a place to go back many times. Nong Bua Lamphu on the other side will be the province in our minds where almost all temples were closed. Something we never understood, as we consider temples as a place for Buddhists to gather and pray. Instead the Buddha images were locked away behind closed doors.

Besides the temples there are the already mentioned Khmer Sanctuaries, many national parks like Phu Wiang in Khon Kaen Province or the whole area around Khong Chiam along the border with Laos with Sao Cha Liang National Park and Pha Taem Nationalpark, which proviced us with stunning views and the first sunrise of Siam. The Emerald Triangle between Thailand, Laos and Cambodia is another special place to experience.

Nong Khai Province

Wat Hin Mak Peng (Sri Chiangmai)

Wat Phra Buddha Baht Wern Gum (Sri Chiangmai)

Wat Aranya Banphot (Sri Chiangmai)

Wat Phra That Bang Puan

Wat Sri Chomphu Ong Tue (Tha Bo)

Wat Tha Kok Ruea (Tha Bo)

Wat Amphawan (Tha Bo)

Wat Po Chai

Wat Pradit Thammakhun

Phra That Nong Khai

Wat Sri Bunruang