Hotels in Northeastern Thailand, Thailand

Northeastern Thailand, or Isaan, is a dry, sprawling plateau with a tropical savanna climate - expect hot temperatures from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C) year-round, with a rainy season from May to October and a cooler, dry season from November to February. This region is famous for being the heartland of ancient Khmer civilization, with stunning 11th-century sandstone temples like Phanom Rung perched on an extinct volcano, and for its fiery cuisine - you can take a cooking class in Khon Kaen to master som tam and larb. During the cooler months, cycle through rice paddies to remote ruins without the downpours, while the rainy season brings lush green landscapes and the wild Phi Ta Khon ghost festival in Dan Sai, where locals wear giant wooden masks and parade through town.