I Don't live in Isaan but on its border.
I like the quiet Mountain retreat. I like the peaceful village, don't drink and the bar doesn't interest me one bit, other than eating in some places that have a bar I can't even remember when I last set foot in one !
It's great (for me), with the town being 20 minutes drive away, If I want the beach I go for the weekend, that's usually enough for me.
We all have different tastes, different ideas, needs, wants. If your lucky you make the life YOU want,
Hope you found yours.