THE DETAILS

Getting There As none of Isan’s airports handle international flights, travelers coming from overseas will need to transit in Bangkok. Thai Airways’ regional subsidiary Thai Smile ( thaismileair.com) flies to the city of Khon Kaen from Suvarnabhumi Airport, while budget carriers Nok Air ( nokair.com) and Thai AirAsia ( airasia.com) service both Khon Kaen and Loei from Don Mueang. Where to Stay Supanniga Home ( 66/89-944-4880; supannigahome .com; villas from US$141) comprises just three villas outside Khon Kaen. Phunacome Resort ( 66-42/892-0056; phunacomeresort.com; doubles from US$124) includes 16 rooms and four bungalows in the fertile Dansai Valley, roughly an hour and a half from Loei by car, while sixbedroom Mekong Villas ( 66-2/222-1290; mekongvillas.com; cottage from US$99) is also within reach of Loei. All three can be booked via Secret Retreats ( secretretreats.com).