Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 851

NORTHEASTERN THAILAND
The personality of the northeast (also known as Isan) is much like the hand-loomed silk
that the region is famous for. Its cultural patterns - from language to cuisine - were woven
from the ancient kingdoms of neighbouring Cambodia and Laos, long before Bangkok
defined the current borders. The resulting textile of people is distinct from and slightly for-
eign to the rest of Thailand. But nationals from modern-day Laos and Cambodia recognise
instant kinship with Thai villagers who grow up speaking either Khmer or Lao (depending
on the village) and who have preserved common customs and festivals, some of which
have since disappeared outside of Isan's borders.
Isan is decidedly off the beaten track with the attendant advantages and disadvantages:
English is not widely spoken and travel services are at a minimum. But the reward is an in-
sight into a hardworking and welcoming society.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
044 / POP 166,000
This is urban Isan, where the middle class flourishes among sprawling developments and
multilane highways. The collection of craft villages and the Khmer ruins at Phimai, outside
town, are reasons to tip your hat to Khorat.