If there was a bumper sticker that said "We love Isan", we would put it on our car! We had three extensive trips to the Northeast of Thailand. One in 2002 and two more in 2006. The first one was our first exposure to this great part of Thailand, which has not been discovered by mass-tourism. We struggled quite a bit with the difference in language and local customs, especially the super spicy food! But we had a great time visiting Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan besides the main routes in and out of Isan. We specially loved the stretches along the River Mekong. On this first trip we also visited several Khmer Sanctuaries, like Phimai. Unfortunately Khao Phra Viharn in Cambodia was closed at short notice and we stood somewhat stunned in front of the border gates.