North-east Thailand Attractions
North-east Thailand
To the east of the Menam fluvial plain the mainly dry Khorat Plateau, with its characteristic red sandstone and slate formations, rises to an average height of 200 m (656 ft). The plateau, the western and southern edges of which are clearly defined by mountain chains (Dong Phaya Yen in the west and Phanom Dong Rak in the south) and which is 1300 m (4270 ft) above sea level at its highest point, slopes away gently eastwards in the direction of Mekong.
Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic limestone alternates with red Mesozoic sandstone and slate. The chalky soil is porous and parts of the sandstone have become weathered to form the red soil typical of the tropics. The soil is not very fertile, which is why this region is often referred to as the "Poorhouse of Thailand". Some of the original vegetation - sparse forest, open savanna and grass steppes - still remains. During the rainy period the wide river valleys are almost completely flooded, providing favorable conditions for growing rice and jute.
The River Mun flows through the Khorat Plateau on its way to join the Mekong. Dams have been built across its northern tributaries for purposes of irrigation and to produce hydroelectric power. The Mekong, 4350 km (2700 mi.) long and the 12th longest river in the world, is largely unsuitable for shipping because of its treacherous rapids.
For 600 km (373 mi.) it forms the frontier between Thailand and Laos. Two completely different ideologies and forms of society come face to face here, which has frequently resulted in military conflict in the past.
To the east of the Menam fluvial plain the mainly dry Khorat Plateau, with its characteristic red sandstone and slate formations, rises to an average height of 200 m (656 ft). The plateau, the western and southern edges of which are clearly defined by mountain chains (Dong Phaya Yen in the west and Phanom Dong Rak in the south) and which is 1300 m (4270 ft) above sea level at its highest point, slopes away gently eastwards in the direction of Mekong.
Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic limestone alternates with red Mesozoic sandstone and slate. The chalky soil is porous and parts of the sandstone have become weathered to form the red soil typical of the tropics. The soil is not very fertile, which is why this region is often referred to as the "Poorhouse of Thailand". Some of the original vegetation - sparse forest, open savanna and grass steppes - still remains. During the rainy period the wide river valleys are almost completely flooded, providing favorable conditions for growing rice and jute.
The River Mun flows through the Khorat Plateau on its way to join the Mekong. Dams have been built across its northern tributaries for purposes of irrigation and to produce hydroelectric power. The Mekong, 4350 km (2700 mi.) long and the 12th longest river in the world, is largely unsuitable for shipping because of its treacherous rapids.
For 600 km (373 mi.) it forms the frontier between Thailand and Laos. Two completely different ideologies and forms of society come face to face here, which has frequently resulted in military conflict in the past.
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