North East Thailand
Life amidst the rice paddiesCome journey with me to the relatively undiscovered jewel of North East Thailand where it's possible to escape time and a world almost forgotten with a tradition that's almost vanished. This wondrous region of Thailand is largely untouched by tourism, which makes it the ideal destination should you wish for an adventure with a flirtatious difference in historical, cultural and amazing scenic beauty.
Now first things first Whether I may be shopping, taking a tour or booking into a hotel, one of the most common questions I am always asked by local Thai people anywhere around the country, is the following phrase: Where come from? Once I have answered, I too usually like to ask the same question, only I may say it a little differently: Where do you come from? Many Thai's living in the cities can speak some basic English words and or phrases but they are also akin to shortening some of their sentences. I have to admit that I find this delightful as well as rather amusing at times. You see, most Thai's and especially
Thai girls
have an incredible innocent aura about them and this I believe allows them to get away from having to speak like a westerner. Anyway why should they speak like westerners. After all they are what they are, Asian.
Local Farm Workers
North East ThailandNow when you have spent any length of time in Thailand or Asia for that matter, you should really get to enjoy these somewhat lighter conversations. It can be a lot of fun too. But please remember that on speaking to Thai's, you may need to speak in a little slower, then before you are even aware of it, you too, are more likely to shorten your sentences as well. To put it in a nutshell, it's simple called the Thai way. The very reason why I am telling you all this is, that once you travel around the north eastern provinces you will come across many Thai's who will only understand you if you try things their way including speaking as they do. After a short time, you may even get to love your new found experiences. Well okay enough of that for now. Let me get back to what this chapter is all about.
Village Life for Farm Workers
North East ThailandNorth east Thailand is home to Isaan territory. Although I am not exactly sure where Isaan or Is-an as it's sometimes spelt, begins or ends, much of Thailand's population, so I'm told, seem to have been raised in this part of the country. Once children reach a reasonable age, many leave in search of more lucrative careers in the bigger cities. Who in their right mind would want to spend their entire life on the rice paddies anyway! It's incredible hard labour, and I am sure it can be quite back breaking at times, but I suppose someone has to do the dirty work. Unbelievable as it may sound, most Thai's I have spoken to tell me they come from Isaan. Isaan or I-san refers to a region in the north east of Thailand where many of the countries poorest originate from. This is also where many new born babies are taken care of whilst their mothers are away from home working in the cities. Whatever the reason, if you have got the time, rent a car or take a tour to the far corners of this remarkable land. For it is here where you will uncover the Khmer Legacy ruins that are amongst the most impressive in Thailand. One famous attraction in the north east of Thailand is the Elephant Extravaganza or Elephant Round-Up as the local Thai's call it. It is held during the month of November every year. This spectacular event is celebrated in the town of
Surin
which is 450 kilometers or 270 miles from the city of Bangkok.
Ancient Khmer Temple Ruins
North East ThailandThailand has an international reputation for it's prized textile producing industry where some of the worlds finest cotton and silk garments can be found. A stop over in Nong Khai and Khon Kaen are two such towns set in the heart of the north east that are particularly renowned for their superb cotton and silk weaving production. Demonstrations in the fine art of silk making can be enjoyed as well as finding some excellent bargains. Many of the most important Khmer historical sites can be found in the town at
Nakhon Ratchasima
which is situated in the north eastern province of Khorat. This province is steeped in history with many of the Khmer ruins found here, dating back to the 12th century. Some sites have been lovingly restored to their former splendour. The area is also splendidly rich in nature with one of Thailand's largest forested national parks filled with waterfalls, reservoirs and wild-life.
Farm Workers planting rice
Rice Paddy Fields
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