issaan

Issaan, commonly spelled Isan or Isaan, is the northeastern region of Thailand. It lies on the Khorat Plateau and forms a large cultural area that stretches from the western foothills of the Phu Phan range toward the Mekong River in the east, where it shares a long border with Laos, and toward the central Thai plains in the south.

Geography and climate are shaped by the plateau landscape, with a tropical savanna climate characterized by a pronounced wet season. The Mekong River and its tributaries play a major role in transport, agriculture, and daily life. The region’s interior is largely rural, with upslope and river valley farming and a system of irrigation that supports staple crops.

Demographics and language features are notable for a strong Lao influence. The population includes many ethnic Lao communities, and the Isan language, a Lao-influenced Tai language, is widely spoken alongside Thai, which serves as the national lingua franca. Buddhism is the predominant religion, with numerous temples embedded in villages and towns.

Culture in Isan is distinctive for its cuisine, music, and festivals. Staples include sticky rice, som tam (green papaya salad), larb, and various grilled meats. Mor lam, a traditional vocal and instrumental music style, is a defining cultural expression, alongside modern Luk Thung influences. Festivals such as Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival) and Songkran are celebrated across the region.

Economy centers on agriculture, with rice as a major crop, along with sugarcane and cassava. In recent decades, urban centers such as Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Ubon Ratchathani have grown as educational, commercial, and administrative hubs, while tourism highlights cultural heritage and natural landscapes.