Isan - The Northeast of Thailand

Isan is a semi-arid plateau, where poor farmers grow rice, tobacco and other crops. Isan is also the home of the legendary, special Isan Mutmee textile. You can relax and enjoy the smiles of the poor but friendly Isan people (ethnic Laos) who still see the visit to a village of a farang as a unique break in their daily activities.
The beautiful but sometimes dangerous Mekong River separates Isan from Laos but lifestyle, language, and culture are the same. Traditions in Isan remain much like in the old days. Today you can easily cross the border and get into Laos. The most convenient way to Laos is by way of Nong Khai, the Thai Isan city on the shore of the Mekong where the Friendship Bridge was built some years ago, linking Laos to Thailand and the outside world. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is just 20 kilometers, away from Nong Khai.

Volunteer overseas. Teach English in Isan. Northern Thailand
Just walking along Nong Khai's streets or along the river, soaking up the exotic atmosphere could be any visitor's favorite pastime, or a visit to the amazing and unique Hindu and Buddhist sculpture park, Sala Kaeow Ku, not to mention a visit to some nearby Isan village visiting an Isan rice farmer. Of course there are other attractions too, the waterfalls, the temples even some local nightlife in Nong Khai (although much different from Bangkok or Pattaya). The valley drive east of Nong Khai along the Mekong is by many considered to be among the most scenic in the Thai kingdom. As is driving north of Laos capital Vientiane towards Luang Prabang in Laos. Volunteer overseas. Teach English in Isan. Northern Thailand

The Mekong River forms not only the border between Thailand and Laos but is, much like the Nile to ancient Egyptians, an important factor in Isan farmers' lives. As the rainy season sets in, everybody fears the annual and unpredictable flooding of their land yet welcomes the water, which cools off the hot days and helps feed the crops. The Mekong River is also home to the world's largest fresh water fish, the 'plah beuk', the giant catfish, an endangered species. This fish grows to several meters and hundreds of kilos; threatened by hydroelectric dams built to feed the industries in far away Bangkok and to a degree to light up the Isan villages that once went to sleep by sunset.
The Mekong River also houses the Naga, the mystical beast (dragon, catfish, snake) protecting Buddha and thus revered in many temples. Never catch and keep a white catfish lest something awful will happen to you, say the Isan people!

Volunteer overseas. Teach English in Isan. Northern Thailand
Mushrooms, frogs, and bugs are part of the local Isan diet! But more normal Thai and Vietnamese food is also available! Visiting the Isan village people or the morning market in Nong Khai will give the visitor an experience not to forget. Yes, Isan people are poor but they have a way of accepting life that is totally different to the spoilt Westerner's. Maybe that is why this lifestyle fascinates us. Maybe we too should learn something from these attitudes toward life!