Isaan is a region that consists of 20 provinces in northeast Thailand. The provinces in the north lie on the border with Laos along Mekong River and the provinces in the south meet the border with Cambodia. To put geography in perspective, Bangkok is located in central Thailand, Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and Phuket (a popular tourist destination) is located in southern Thailand.

It’s often an over-looked destination in Thailand. However, if you want an authentic and simple life experience, this is one of the best regions to travel to and to live in.

I lived in a small town in Roi Et province in Isaan for a few months and taught English at the local middle/high school. I stayed in a small apartment and rode a motorbike for transportation. Most locals there spoke no English - exception of the English teachers at the school and some students.

So why travel to Isaan? People are friendly and genuine. One day I had a flat tire on my motorbike and happened to be at a gas station. A man and a woman there (also had a motorbike) somehow understood my problem (after I pointed at my tire and at the air pump, tried to explain in English…) and they kindly led me to a tire repair shop.

Isaan is for anyone who want to a true taste of simple, country-side lifestyle in Thailand. There is a different atmosphere - due to the political and the cultural factors. One notable fact is that most Isaan people are of Laotian descent and the area had been a part of Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang which was founded in 1354.

What to See/Do:

-Local Markets

There are local markets that are open every day and every 1-2 days a week in small towns/cities. Street foods, produce, clothing and everyday necessities are in abundance.

-Town Festivals

The locals love celebrations. There are festivities throughout a year in towns/cities all over Isaan.

-Wats (Temples)

There are countless wats (temples) in Isaan. It’s always calming to visit and to stroll around.

-Isaan Dialect

There are many Isaan words/phrases you can learn while in the region. All Thais learn standard Thai (central Thai) in school. Isaan people speak a version of Lao language.

For an example, Hello in Isaan: SABAI DEE Hello in Central Thai: SAWAT DEE