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 I-san is noted for being the center of age-old civilization
and customs dating back to pre-historic time and to the period when
the Khmer people help sway in the region. Relics and monuments still
stand, attesting to the splendors and majesty of the ancient era. The
Pha That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom, the Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung in
Buri Ram and the Prasat Hin Phimai in Khorat, are some of the most important
and interesting structures in the area. The Ban Chiang village in Udon
Thani, where remains of pre-historic skeletons and tools have been discovered,
serves as a most concrete evidence of a Bronze Age civilization flourishing
5,000 to 7,000 years ago
Hotel
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The Northeast's ancient traditions and customs are
still reflected in fairs and festivals found nowhere else in the country.
These include the colorful Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival), the candle
Procession and the Wax Castle Festival.
Folk performances of the region are both delightful
and symbolic, including the Pong Lang, Khaen, Soeng Kratip, Rabam Fat
Khao, for example.
Because the majority of the land is sandy which
rapidly absorbs water, no less than eight dams have been constructed
to regulate water flow. The high level of salinity of the soil in certain
areas is such that salt can be extracted for commercial purposes.
The major river of I-san is the Mun, comparable
in importance to the Chao Phaya of the Central Plain and the Tapi of
the South.
Probably the most well-known local products of the
Northeast are the world-famous Matmee silk manufactured in most provinces,
wicker ware, earthenware and edible items such as sausages, Mu Yong
and Mu Phaen (processed pork in thin ribbons or slices).
By Car I-San is
easily accessible, with four major highways connecting it with other
regions. Inter-provincial transportation networks are also among the
best and most convenient.
By Bus Air-conditioned
and non-airconditioned buses leave the northeastern bus terminal on
Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Tel 936-1880, 936-0657
By Train Bangkok
railway station at Hua Lamphong, Rama IV Road is the center of trains
to northeast province Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020. The northeastern provinces
that can be reached by train are Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin,
Si Saket, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani.
By Plane Don Muang
Domestic Airport is the center of planes to Northeast. Thai Airwarys
Co., Ltd. 6 Lan Luang Road, Bangkok 10100 Tel: 280-0060. The northeastern
provinces that can be reached by plane are Nakhon Ratchasima, Sakon
Nakhon, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.
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