The majority of foreigners visiting Thailand never make it to rural Isaan.
There are no world class tourists attractions, limited accommodations and transportation.
So it is easy to understand why tourists are unfamiliar with the largest geographical area in Thailand.
The question is do you think you could live here, in rural Thailand?
It is highly possible you may be living off-grid and dependent on solar electricity.
A deep well is a must.
You may not ever see another foreigner within 50km and only if you travel away from your village to a more populated area.
No one will speak English.
Grocery stores such as Tesco may be 40km away.
Same with restaurants.
Nothing going on past 6 PM and most would already be asleep.
Most foreigners would consider this the most boring of lives.
Are there any benefits to living out in rural Isaan?
Cost is much lower for everything.
Land, housing, food, you name it.
People are extremely friendly and pitch in to help each other.
No issues with traffic, overcrowding or pollution.
Nature and peace and quiet.
A very stress free and simple daily life.
Rural living is certainly not for everyone.
This maybe best for those foreigners that married a rural Thai gal.
A good majority of foreigners want to live somewhere in Thailand where they can hang out and converse with other foreigners.
The need to be in the city, near the beach, choosing a condo over a house.
Over the long term, rural Isaan has not changed much at all compared to the tourist areas and the cities.
That is a good thing for us. We are not getting trampled in urban growth and all the problems in brings.
Is rural Isaan the place for you?
You will never know unless you make an effort to visit in person and see what rural life is all about.