Travellers ‘should consider holidays to Thailand’s north-east’

Anyone thinking of taking holidays to Thailand this year should consider visiting the north-east of the country, a travel publication has advised.

While there has been much focus on areas welcoming too many tourists of late, one region that seems to have the opposite problem is north-east Thailand.

According to Wanderlust magazine, international visitors to this corner of the south-east Asian country fell in 2009 by more than 15 per cent.

Last year saw the credit crunch, swine flu and political unrest discourage travellers from heading to the region, known as Isaan, the publication explained.

However, tourists could now find some bargains, with Isaan often scoring well when it comes to value-for-money.
“It’s enjoyable, easy to escape the backpacker trail and explore Khmer ruins, hornbill-rich forests and the lazy curls of the Mekong,” the magazine added.

Anyone heading to the area for the first time should be sure to include a visit to the ruins near Surin and Buri Ram, which resemble those at Angkor Wat, the Amazing Thailand website advised.

It is also worth taking in Ban Phu, home to prehistoric cave drawings and located to the north of Udon Thani, the site noted.