Ban Chiang in north-eastern Thailand is 50 kilometres from Udon Thani where 5,000-year-old remains have been unearthed. One of the pits has been left open as an exhibition so visitors can see the bones, pottery and other objects where they were left during the Bronze Age. The site has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Also steeped in history is Nakhon Ratchasima, or Khorat for short. A thousand years ago the area was part of the ancient Khmer empire and the temples of Phimai and Phanom Rung are beautiful examples of Khmer architecture. From here, visit Khao Yai National Park which is one of over 60 protected parks in Thailand. Here you will be able to see the country's wildlife at close range.
Buri
Ram has the Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, a sanctuary built in the 12th
century by the Khmers with magnificent carvings. A Silk Fair is held at
Khon Kaen, a main centre of development, in late November or early
December each year and the National Museum is worth a visit. Jungle trips
are available to the nearby Phu Phan National Park.
On
the Mekong River, near the Laos border, is Nakhon Phanom, and the Phra
That Phanom, 50 kilometres from town is venerated by Thai and Laotians
alike. Believed to be 1,500 years old, its decorative top is made of 110
kg of gold.
The
32 square kilometre Nong Han Lake in Sakon Nakhon is a popular place to
relax, with charming islets accessible by hired boats. Phu Phan National
Park, 25 kilometres from town offers waterfalls, mountains and pleasant
groves.
Recently
opened to foreigners is Khao Phra Viharn, an 11th century temple complex
in Cambodia that predates Angkor Wat. Four sanctuaries connected by
flagstone walkways and stone stairways lie on the side of a 1,500-foot
high mountain. This exciting archaeological site is reached from Si Sa Ket
(which also has many Khmer temples) via Ubon Ratchathani, but you will
need to bring your passport.
Ban
Ta Klang, the Elephant Village in Surin is famous for its Elephant
Round-up each November. Elephants are paraded in old Siamese battle
regalia and perform their forestry and other skills for visitors.
Ubon Ratchathani is the largest province in the central region. Its attractions include the open-air Buddha Utthayan surfaced with gold mosaic, and two steep cliffs, Pha Taem and Pha Mon, which overlook the Mekong into Laos and have 3,000-year-old prehistoric paintings