Rural Isaan, Thailand is a region in the central and northeast of the country on the boarder of Laos. It’s known for its farmland, small villages, and hospitality, and some say it’s the “real Thailand”.
Isaan is also home to the Isaan people, an ethnic group with an estimated population of 22 million.
Many expats and foreigners frown on living in Isaan due to the fact there is nothing really to do. The area is mostly farmland, growing rice, sugar cane and other crops.
It is a very simple lifestyle for most Thai’s living here.
The little towns lack any real attractions and so most people never give a thought to visiting Isaan. It is certainly not a holiday destination.
Most expats end up in Isaan by marrying an Isaan woman and moving to her village. This can take some real adjusting to.
First, there is a different dialect of Thai spoken here and you will not find people speaking English at all.
In many villages you may be the only foreigner they have seen and will give you all kinds of odd stares, as they are very interested in you and your behaviors.
Most expats here, have some land, build a house, tend to gardens, fish ponds and fruit trees. They generally stay busy around the house.
Going out means supporting the local markets and family run food stops.
There are no malls or shopping centers, no clubs or bars.
Farming people generally go to sleep by 7 PM and wake at 4 or 5 AM. These little villages roll up the streets early and their is nothing open.
Expats that can afford a big screen tv and internet, often find that as their #1 source of entertainment.
If you are considering Isaan, I think it is a must that you have enough income to be able to get away when you need to, and you will need to from time to time.
Visiting the city or tourist areas, staying at a resort and giving yourself a real break.
Isaan really is what you make of it and it takes a certain kind of foreigner that can enjoy living like this.
I would highly recommend if you are considering moving to Isaan for the first time, you go and stay for 2 months to see if you can adjust to the lifestyle.