Need help to plan Isarn travel
 

I am thinking of visiting Isarn in a comprehensive manner soon, visiting most of the major attractions from Khorat to Khon Kaen to Udon Thani, Loei, Nong Khai, Roi Et etc etc. I am reading my Lonely Planet guide and mapping out my itinerary. However, as I am not familiar with this place, I may accidentally put emphasis on some minor places at the expense of other more important ones. I am thinking of driving from Bkk to Khorat first, making this as the gateway and starting point of my Isarn exploration. I intend to stay in Khorat for 3-4 days too, as this is a good base to visit Phanom Rung, Phimai, Khao Yai, etc.

I would like to ask if any of you have travelled Isarn extensively before? If so, could you share your travel plans with me? Or do you know of any literature out there which has some suggestions on how one should get about in Isarn, the places to visit, the night stops to take in which cities, say for 10 to 14 days? Many thanks, guys.

CountCharles asked that after you...I answered him thinking it was you! Check his thread for my recommendation.

Thank you, Yannawa. I will certainly keep your suggestions in mind :D :) ;)

I will be travelling with my Thai bf, and 2 other Thai friends. They are not familiar with the vast Isarn plateau, but are eager to explore the sights, the ancient ruins, the Khmer temples, national parks, wineries and vineyards, scenic places, etc etc. With my bf in tow, I don't think I can visit the saunas etc you have mentioned. For us, it's more like a cultural tour.

If there is already some itinerary or suggestions on how to spend 10 to 14 nights in Isarn (eg. where to stay each night, what to do, where to go), then I need not "re-invent the wheel" so to speak, in planning my journey.