Isaan, the northeastern region of Thailand, is a popular destination for expats and retirees alike. It is known for its friendly people, delicious food, and low cost of living. Rural Isaan is especially appealing to those who are looking for a more relaxed and authentic Thai experience.
Can you survive living in rural Isaan?
A few things to consider?
You might not have any expat friends within 50km.
Stores and restaurants may be non-existent in your town.
Zero entertainment.
Streets rolling up by 6 PM every night.
Medical facilities may be quite a long drive away.
The language is a different dialect than straight Thai and almost no one will speak any English.
You have to be creative with getting things fixed and getting help when you need it.
Rural Isaan, if you drive, is very easy to get lost as no signage in English.
Rural Isaan people may have never seen a foreigner and will be very curious to see you or touch your skin.
Per capita incomes for locals can be as low as US $2,000 a year. A person needs to be mindful to this fact.
If you can survive all that…
Here are some of the benefits of living in rural Isaan Thailand in 2023:
- Low cost of living: The cost of living in rural Isaan is significantly lower than in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations in Thailand. You can easily live comfortably on a budget of less than US $1,000 per month. This includes the cost of rent, food, transportation, and utilities.
- Friendly people: Isaan people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. They are always happy to help newcomers and make them feel at home.
- Delicious food: Isaan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique dishes. Some of the most popular Isaan dishes include som tum (papaya salad), larb (minced meat salad), and sticky rice.
- Beautiful scenery: Rural Isaan is home to stunning scenery, including rolling hills, rice paddies, mountains and waterfalls. There are also many temples and other cultural attractions to explore.
- Slow-paced lifestyle: Rural Isaan offers a much slower-paced lifestyle than Bangkok or other major cities in Thailand. This is a great place to relax and unwind, and enjoy the simple things in life.
In addition to these general benefits, there are also some specific advantages to living in rural Isaan Thailand in 2023.
The Thai government is offering a number of incentives to foreigners who want to live and invest in rural Isaan.
If you are looking for a place to live where you can enjoy a low cost of living, friendly people, delicious food, and a beautiful setting, then rural Isaan Thailand is a great option.
Here are some additional tips for living in rural Isaan Thailand:
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases: While many people in rural Isaan speak English, learning a few basic Thai phrases will show that you are making an effort to integrate into the community.
- Be respectful of Thai culture: Thai culture is very different from Western culture, so it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Get involved in the community: One of the best ways to experience rural Isaan is to get involved in the community. There are many ways to do this, such as volunteering at a local school or temple, or joining a local sports team.
With its many benefits, rural Isaan Thailand is a great place to live in 2023.