Isaan (also Isan, Isarn and even Esarn), Thailand's north-east
region, is an often overlooked part of the country. There's
no coastline, so there are no beaches to draw in the sun
hungry crowds; however, Isaan is a multicultural area
where Laos, Cambodia and Thailand meet, and has a rich
history. A mainly agricultural region, it's the poorest
part of Thailand. There's a good chance that your tuk-tuk
driver in Bangkok originally hailed from Isaan, but went
to the big city in search of work.
Isaan is a wonderful part of Thailand to visit if you
have tired of Khao San Road, one temple after another,
or the beach. The relative isolation and underdevelopment
of the area mean that Isaan is one of the poorest regions
of Thailand; this also means that it is a good place to
get a little off the beaten track.
Cities
