Settling into the Village life in Isaan

December 15, 2024 – Phimai to Ban Nong Hong – 60 kms – Pimaka Resort

December 16, 2024. – Ban Nong Hong – Chaloem Phra Kiat – 58 kms – Smart Resort

Ruth: We have been making our way slowly through Isaan, the region that makes up the northeast of Thailand. It is the poorest region of the country and very few tourists venture into it much further than Khao Yai National Park. In the past two days we have rolled into remote and rural Isaan, and Gord and I both love it. 

The majority of the Isaan people are ethnically Lao, and speak a dialect that is very close to that of their Lao neighbours. There is a laidback, friendly vibe here and we are enjoying our interactions with the people we meet.  I’m putting my five sentences of Thai to good use, and when that falls short there is Google translate. 

We have seen a number of water buffaloes, even though they are no longer used in farming. I have read that people keep them now as status symbols and will stroll with them through town. I’m looking forward to that sight. 

Today ended with my favorite part of village life – a night market. We chose to pass on the plates of larvae and crickets and instead headed right to the vender making round custard cakes. Marvelous.