Finding the true Northeast

Great article in Bangkok Post - Finding the true Northeast, introducing some of Thailand's most serene and unknown heritage, natural wonders and high lights: Phimai Historical Park, Khon Kaen and Bueng Kan prvince' Wat Phu Thok and Udon Thani. Most people know Bangkok, Thailand's islands or Chiang Mai in the North, few have been exploring the more rural, laid back and relaxed Northeast, also know as Isaan, an area full of history with an abundant flora and fauna, well worth while to travel and experience.

Enjoy!

Buriram back on Nok Air's flight map

During last year's flooding of parts of Bangkok and Don Mueang Airport Nok Air stopped its services to Buriram. Nok Air announced that they will start again to operate 3 flights a week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).

Other destinations in Isaan operated by Nok Air are:
Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani

Nok Air operates also flights to Vientiane, Lao PDR capital.

For more information on Nok Air's schedule and to book flights, please go to www.nokair.com

Nong Khai's aquarium - a closup look at the Mekong River fish

The biggest aquarium in Northeastearn Thailand is located located at Khon Kaen University’s Campus in Nong Khai.

The University campus is a satellite campus of Khon Kaen University, located on the bypass road to Vientiane. If you come from Udon Thani take a left turn just before you enter Nong Khai and follow the signs "Vientiane". After few kilometers another sign board will direct you to the campus and the aquarium.

The construction of the aquarium began in 2004 in collaboration of Nong Khai Province and the University.

The idea of the aquarium is to conserve freshwater fish in the Mekong River as well as to stimulate tourism in the province - conserving Mekong's freshwater fish has become recently more urgent as Laos proceeds with the construction of its vastly critisized Xayabouri dam project.

There is a small saltwater fish selection on display, which in my opinion is not that special. However, considering the remote location from the next sea it is ok.

Indeed spectacular are the many freshwater fish species and their habitats as they could be found in the Mekong River. The displayed tanks vary in sizes and shapes. A highlight is the 25 meter tunnel tank featuring all kind of large Mekong River fish.

As a diver, I felt instantly in love with the atmosphere and the amazing blue World.

A great day excursion just a few kilometers out of down town Nong Khai...

Phu Foi Lom - Eco Park near Udon Thani...

Phu Foi Lom is an Eco-tourism destination which provides different activities for nature lovers, such as hiking, trekking and relaxing in a garden style area of approximately 192'356 Rai of land.

Phu Foi Lom is part of the Pan Don Pa Ko National Reserved Park, where rare flora and fauna can be spotted.

Phu Foi Lom is located about 40 kilometers southwest of Udon Thani.