The North East (Isaan) is the Kingdom's heartland. In a typical year 3% of Thailand's international arrivals venture to this region. The people here are very friendly and really make you feel welcome , Isaan also boasts a unique cuisine composed of hot, spicey and very tasty dishes. NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE This province's main attraction is Khao Yai National Park.Thailand's oldest park, it covers 2172sq km and includes one of the largest intact monsoon forests in mainland Asia. Considered by many park experts to be amongst the world's best kept National Parks, Khao Yai is an ASIAN National Heritage Site. Wild elephants roam the park; other mammals include sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, malayan sun bear, leopard, serow and various gibbons and macaw.   NONG KHAI PROVINCE Nong Khai is a long and narrow province with 300km of its length stretching along the banks of the Maekong River. A pleasant place to spend some time. Sunrise river trips start at 5am. LOEI PROVINCE   Loei is one of Thailand's most beautiful and unspoilt provinces. The geography is mountainous and the climate is cool in the evening and early morning but very hot in the day.   The rural life outside the provincial capital has retained more of a traditional village flavour than many other places in Thailand. A lot of Loei's villages are on the banks of the Maekong, Pak Chom and Chiang Khan are two very good spots to chill out and experience village life. Each village has its own Wat (Buddhist Temple). Phu Kradung National Park is a good place to go