Isan is the name used to describe the North Eastern provinces of Thailand, bordered to the North by the Mekong river and Laos and to the South by Cambodia. Isan's culture is predominantly Lao and has much in common with that of the neighboring country of Laos. The region has distinct landscape and has managed to preserve its rural customs and offers a fascinating taste of traditional Thai life. The Isan area is one Thailand's poorest regions.
Agriculture is the main economic activity. Though the region is a dry plateau, which makes planting crops difficult, the people have learned to survive in this rugged environment