Isaan Info

[Guest isaansilk]

In the course of setting up our website at www.isaansilk.com about the Isaan of northeast Thailand and the handmade products from the Isaan, it soon became apparent that the task of collecting meaningful information about the more "out of the way" places to go and see was going to be very frustrating. The local people (also called the Isaan) are incredibly friendly and helpful but provide little (read zero) factual information about what the Isaan has to offer for the traveler. This is most likely due to the inescapble fact that they actually do't know anything. Then there's the community of expats spattered throughout the region who are often too busy supporting their "local" bar to be of much use.

I feel that this is the right place to point out that, of course my 2 "locals" in Nong Khai are far superior in the quantity of useless information than the run of the mill. Well, most of the time, and especially before midday. After that the wealth of information has been known to join the realms of the fanciful, slightly exagerated and totally useless data often to be admired by only those in a similar stae as the greatly talented narator.

There! the proverbial nail on the head. Where can I get sufficient accurate content to complete our website.

HELP PLEASE... if anyone can supply us with some information/contacts in the area we will be be very grateful.

Post here

OR

Visit our site at

www.isaansilk.com,

follow the links through the various provinces and use the 'contact us' page to suggest any new inclusion.

[Jai Dee]

Your website is a commercial business right?

I assume so because it says you accept Visa, Mastercard, & Amex credit cards.

So why is this most eloquent posting in the Travel Forum and not in the Classifieds Forum?

[HarryHacker]

So why is this most eloquent posting

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well said JD

[ray23]

So why is this most eloquent posting

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well said JD

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Very rude to the locals he is asking help of. no matter where he places it.

[Guest isaansilk]

And quite right you are too..

About it being in the wrong forum, but I fail to see how I was rude to the locals

The comment about the 'locals (the expat version) was meant a bit 'tounge in the cheek', although not too much.

I am long term in Thailand and only stated how much help the Isaan have been. None. I have many close friends amost the Isaan (been happily married to my Issan wife for over 8 years now) and am sure they would not take offense at the statement about their knowledge of what is available for travelers in the Isaan.

So if I have offended,

Apologies

.

Is it possible to move this thread to the other forum or should I start again?.

[ray23]

And quite right you are too..

About it being in the wrong forum, but I fail to see how I was rude to the locals

The comment about the 'locals (the expat version) was meant a bit 'tounge in the cheek', although not too much.

I am long term in Thailand and  only stated how much help the Isaan have been. None. I have many close friends amost the Isaan (been happily married to my Issan wife for over 8 years now) and am sure they would  not  take offense at the statement about their knowledge of what is available for  travelers in the Isaan.

So if I have offended,

Apologies

.

Is it possible to move this thread to the other forum or should I start again?.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but not all of us sit in bars all day. Myself and many of my friends are involved in volunteer work, motorcycle touring, etc.

Have you researched Ban Chaing, about ten thousand years of history in that little village, nice musuem and the only dig I have ever seen in my life. there a little beach area just out of Nong Kia, for a great day of Thia food and swimming. Lots of national parks in Issan that are truly wonderful to visit. Plenty of Vietnam History, in Issan major air bases were here for years. How about the statues in Nong Kia. Your involved in the silk industry don't you find it interesting that this is being done without standard looms. How about he unusual wat in Khan Kean or the caves all part of Issan. There are lots of things to see adn do here, that are different then our home countries. Probably if you go back to your original days you will find many thing of interest that you now take for granted, like the rest of us.

[lampard10]

And I suppose you havn't even been to Surin or Buriram,the home of Isaan silk. Here in Surin we have the village where the silks for the APEC leaders was woven. In fact if you look on my web-site you will find many places of interest (if of course you take no notice of the pictures of farangs lying sh1tfaced in the corner)In fact we have a good trade running holiday makers or photographers about to the many treasures scattered over this part of the world. By the way if you don't know how to find my web-site using my name it is http://www.farangconnection.awebspace.com Come and visit US, then make your remarks afterwards.

Edited March 29, 2005 by lampard10

[Guest isaansilk]

Thanks to the both of you Lampard10 and Ray23.

Ray,

yes I have information on most of the sites you mention, although not published as yet. We have a lot of work yet to do. Before we include things that all easily accessable to the major centres we are trying to cater for the more out of the way areas. Udon is well covered and we don't want to duplicate .too much. On a personal note, are you the Ray of the Udon golfers group? No matter, just curious.

Lampard10,

No I havent spent much time in Surin (had a lunchtime meal there once about 10 years ago). If you don't mind I'll use some of the info on your site (with or without the beer swillers in the backbround) as a starting point for the Surin Area.

As my wife is from Buriram (Nangrong actually) we visit there fairly regularly and will make an effort to drop in when we are down that way next.

Seeyalater (an Aussie flag in the window).

PS.. should of had an auto watch, keep themselves wound up with no effort at all.

[ray23]

Thanks to the both of you Lampard10 and Ray23.

Ray,

yes I have information on most of the sites you mention, although not published as yet.  We have a lot of work yet to do. Before we include things that all easily accessable to the major centres we are trying to cater for the more out of the way areas. Udon is well covered and we don't want to duplicate .too much. On a personal note, are you the Ray of the Udon golfers group? No matter, just curious.

Lampard10,

No I havent spent much time in Surin (had a lunchtime meal there once about 10 years ago). If you don't mind I'll use some of the info on your site (with or without the beer swillers in  the backbround) as a starting point for the Surin Area.

As my wife is from Buriram (Nangrong actually) we visit there fairly regularly and will make an effort to drop in when we are down that way next.

Seeyalater (an Aussie flag in the window).

PS.. should of had an auto watch, keep themselves wound up with no effort at all.  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope Ray of the old sore back bowlers group (laughter) Just a Gentle hint I have been touring Issan on the bike now for three years and haven't made a dent in it. There is something new just around the corner every place you go here if you just look and stay open to it. Many of the places are not listed int the tour guides. The activity I really enjoy is getting out into the small villages see something new everytime. Just as a thought why not try showing the real Thailand more then just the tour spots. Thais have been living essentially the same way they live now for a long long time, it's unique to us from America with such a short history. After three years I still find it facinating. The people are the real story here, I'm amazed at what my wife can do with so little, where I would starve should would do just fine.

Another thought if you have the time take a camera drive through the mountains between Si Chaing Ria and Loei, then a day and gorgeous country. Promote something different the real Thailand Thats what Issan is to me. Anyone can get to Pattaya, if that is what a person wants then Issan will never compare. Give them something different

[Nignoy]

Thanks to the both of you Lampard10 and Ray23.

Ray,

yes I have information on most of the sites you mention, although not published as yet.  We have a lot of work yet to do. Before we include things that all easily accessable to the major centres we are trying to cater for the more out of the way areas. Udon is well covered and we don't want to duplicate .too much. On a personal note, are you the Ray of the Udon golfers group? No matter, just curious.

Lampard10,

No I havent spent much time in Surin (had a lunchtime meal there once about 10 years ago). If you don't mind I'll use some of the info on your site (with or without the beer swillers in  the backbround) as a starting point for the Surin Area.

As my wife is from Buriram (Nangrong actually) we visit there fairly regularly and will make an effort to drop in when we are down that way next.

Seeyalater (an Aussie flag in the window).

PS.. should of had an auto watch, keep themselves wound up with no effort at all.  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope Ray of the old sore back bowlers group (laughter) Just a Gentle hint I have been touring Issan on the bike now for three years and haven't made a dent in it. There is something new just around the corner every place you go here if you just look and stay open to it. Many of the places are not listed int the tour guides. The activity I really enjoy is getting out into the small villages see something new everytime. Just as a thought why not try showing the real Thailand more then just the tour spots. Thais have been living essentially the same way they live now for a long long time, it's unique to us from America with such a short history. After three years I still find it facinating. The people are the real story here, I'm amazed at what my wife can do with so little, where I would starve should would do just fine.

Another thought if you have the time take a camera drive through the mountains between Si Chaing Ria and Loei, then a day and gorgeous country. Promote something different the real Thailand Thats what Issan is to me. Anyone can get to Pattaya, if that is what a person wants then Issan will never compare. Give them something different

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No one ever seems to mention the Leong Nok Tha area ,situated on the main highway between Amnat Charoen and Mukdaharn, lots of great places , the waterfalls ,the volcanic park with its wildlife and views of the Mekong, the hidden airfield at Ban Kok Sam Rahn, all farang visitors treated like old friends,it was the area where a large detachment of british and aussie engineersin the early 60,s who did a lot of good work for the local population,the area is also famous for its local products, woodcarvings and silks and local cloths , sorry if I ramble on a bit but I am highly prejudiced about this area ,first visit was 43 years ago and have been a convert ever since, my english wife and even my grandkids share this enthusiasm for everything that is Isaan!! Nignoy

[sezzo]

[No one ever seems to mention the Leong Nok Tha area ,situated on the main highway between Amnat Charoen and Mukdaharn, lots of great places , the waterfalls ,the volcanic park with its wildlife and views of the Mekong, the hidden airfield at Ban Kok Sam Rahn, all farang visitors treated like old friends,it was the area where a large detachment of british and aussie engineersin the early 60,s who did a lot of good work for the local population,the area is also famous for its local products, woodcarvings and silks and local cloths , sorry if I ramble on a bit but I am highly prejudiced about this area ,first visit was 43 years ago and have been a convert ever since, my english wife and even my grandkids share this enthusiasm for everything that is Isaan!!   Nignoy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Nignoy,

I only live within 45 mins drive of there and have been looking for some interesting places in the area to take visitors.

Shall definately try that one. I drive past the road to the national park everytime I go to Mukdahan.

Thanks

[mijan24]

Try this link for a reference:

http://www.isanpeople.net

Mijan24

[ray23]

Try this link for a reference:

http://www.isanpeople.net

Mijan24

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thats a great site, definetly book marked

[Gazza]

Try a few of these places for starters.

Nakhon Phanom. Ho Chi Minh's House.

http://www.thaitourism.com/articles/09_04_1.asp

Sisaket. Wat Lan Khuat (Temple of a Million Bottles)

http://www.chimburi.com/thai89.htm

Sa Kaew. Lalu ground subsidence.

http://www.sakaeo.go.th/SakaeoEnglish/TaPhraya.htm

Ubon.

The most eastern point of Thailand or the 'Emerald Triangle' before it becomes a golf course/casino.