Roi Et or Chum Phae?

[Boxenluder]

A friend’s mother-in-law owns houses in Roi Et and Chum Phae, where I could stay for an extended period, practically for free. I’ve never been to Isaan and don’t know a soul in either place, but I’m itching to finally see more of LOS than the usual touristy places. I’m also keen to learn some Thai while I’m there, so I can at least communicate at a bare minimum. 

 

My plan would be to stay for two months in the first instance, and longer if I really like it. Rather than spending one month in each place, I’d prefer dipping my feelers in one place for both initial months.

 

Assuming the skirmish with Cambodia blows over, or at least won’t extend to these areas, which place would you Isaan connoisseurs out there recommend?

[Stuck in Thailand]

I've just lost the will to live.

[KhunLA]

Chom Phrae

[Lorry]

Roiet. It has some remnants of civilization.

[biervoormij]

I personally would not want to be in a rural setting for 2 months on my own. If it is Roi Et city it might be OK but would not want to do rural Roi Et. I would also check to make sure you will have AC and a normal toilet.  I would hate to stay 2 months in a place with a squat toilet. I would also recommend you have your own transport.

 

You do understand that Thai is not the 1st language in Isaan. I think everyone speaks and understands Thai but they will not be speaking Thai to each other so may not be the best place to learn Thai but would be great to learn Isaan. 

 

Hope you have a great time wherever you stay.

[KhunBENQ]

If the house is in Roi Et city you should prefer. Every provincial capital has more than Chum Phae for a foreigner.

Living alone(!) in these places?

That's not an easy choice.

Do you have your own transport? In Chum Phae you are dead without.

Both places are far from everywhere.

[HappyExpat57]

I spent a month in Sapsomboon (sp?), a little village 25 clicks south of Sa Kaeo. One paved road, one 7/11, no ATM's, the smell of farm wafting everywhere. I've been through Roi Et and it's just about the same if you get away from the main city. I could not wait to get the hell outta there. No idea what Chum Phae is like, but isn't all Thailand basically the same once you get away from any city? Mind you, I find the consistency comforting - you know what you're going to get - it's just very very very boring.

[Harrisfan]

Put the house on a truck and move to the beach.

[KhunBENQ]

8 hours ago, Boxenluder said:

Assuming the skirmish with Cambodia blows over, or at least won’t extend to these areas, which place would you Isaan connoisseurs out there recommend?

If that conflict extends to a war affecting central and northern Isan we are f.cked up anyway. I don't give a thought about it.

Isan for beginners is Udon Thani. Bigger expat community, shopping, bars and restaurants etc.

Airport with frequent flights to Bangkok.

No war in sight with Laos.

[Fabio1980]

I don't know Roi Et very well, but I travel frequently for work to both KK and Chumpae. I find Chumpae to be one of those convenient places where you can find everything.

[Harrisfan]

These smaller places get boring quick unless you don't need much. Udon has good food and markets.

[atpeace]

Knowing nothing about you other than you don't speak any Thai and know little about NE Thailand makes it near impossible to give you a recommendation.  I live in an area in the NE that is very hard to get to and no foreign tourists.  Very popular with Thai tourists and my home in the semi jungle is 2 minutes away from 4-5 star scenic restaurants and most things I desire.  

 

As perfect as it is here for me, I think it would be no fun for a single guy unless you enjoy incredible hiking and lounging riverside, can spend weeks/months alone without having a buddy to meetup with, and have a hobby that will keep you somewhat grounded and focused. 

 

Newbies  have a vision of the easy life here in Thailand emersed in the culture that is OK until it becomes obvious, usually within a month or two, that they are living an inexpensive  pathetic life.  The wow factor wears off quickly and then you're left with what?

[Harrisfan]

9 hours ago, Boxenluder said:

but I’m itching to finally see more of LOS than the usual touristy places. I

If it was me and you get free rent then Roi Et. Hire a car. Without a car either place will be boring in a week. 

[KhunLA]

Unless you know where exactly in either area, it's a toss up.