Spectacular Places to Party in Isan
January 21st, 2009 by JennG
Thailand is a country full of culture and diversity, but what most people don’t realize is that pride in one’s culture often means celebration - and that’s exactly what the residents of Isan in Thailand love to do. Not only do they have a hopping night life, but they throw festivals celebrating various events almost every single month.
If only one thing could be said about the province of Isan, it would be that its residents throw their hearts and souls into honoring their Buddhist traditions. So much so, in fact, citizens from major cities and small villages all over Thailand often flock to Isan to join in on the fun. So what are they celebrating?
Annual Festivals in Isan
In Buddhist tradition there are a series of celebrations known as Heet Sib Song (otherwise known as the 12 customs). Each celebration represents a different symbolic ceremony or merit.
Boon Khao Jee is held in Roi Et during the third month of the Chinese calendar and is well known for the multitude of roasted egg and rice feasts and religious offerings. During the sixth month you’ll enjoy celebrating both Boon Bung Fai and Boon Khao Pansa. Boon Bung Fai, held in Yasathon, is an annual rocket festival, while the start of the Buddhist Lent period is marked by the Boon Khao Pansa festival. Boon Khao Pansa is marked in Ubon Ratchathani by a stunning candle festival.
The area is known not only for its religious festivals but for it’s off the wall celebrations as well. In June or July the Dan Sai District in Loei lights up during the Phi Ta Korn festival in which wooden phalluses (yes, phalluses) are lightheartedly poked at the onlookers during the procession. During the third week of November the citizens of Surin put on dozens of shows and performances to mark the Elephant Roundup festival.
Our favorite event, however, is the Bon Fai Naak festival held in Nong Khai towards the end of each October. Thousands of people flock to the banks of the Mekong river in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the mythical nagas, or water serpents. After hours of anticipation, the night sky lights up with an eruption of fireballs believed to be gifts from the nagas themselves. Those who think they’re fireworks instead of authentic serpent fireballs are encouraged to keep their mouths shut and participate in the celebrations anyway!
Hot Nightspots in Isan
Perhaps religious festivals aren’t your thing, or maybe you won’t have the chance to visit while one of these stunning spectacles is in the works. If that’s the case, Isan’s nightlife still won’t disappoint you. There are dozens of incredible restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and entertainment venues to keep you busy.
Hip Hop (yes, that’s really the name) is an incredible dance club in Surin that regularly draws an enthusiastic crowd of individuals. Guests are usually younger, but enjoy the thump of the hip hop beats and often dance into the early hours of the morning.
The Coco Beet Pub and Restaurant is a popular bar in the Korat section of the Isan province. You can’t miss it as you pass by, as its signature waterfall style windows are breathtakingly beautiful. The trendy nightclub is popular amongst younger party goers, but the visitors to this joint are usually well-off and have a few extra dollars to spend.
The most frequented music club in the province is Bule’s Saloon Pub and Restaurant. Western rock is incredibly popular here and on any given night you’re likely to hear tunes from the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, or even the owner himself.
Long Tiem is a fun pub and restaurant located in Korat. It’s a great place to grab some authentic Thai food and listen to Thailand’s own form of rock, referred to throughout the region as pleng per chavit. If you’re brave, you might even let the tattoo artist in the back give you a memory from your trip you’ll never be able to forget.
Isan might not be the most populated city in Thailand, but it’s a spectacular destination for anyone looking to explore Thailand’s culture without the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and other crowded tourist traps. Plan your trip to correspond with one of the area’s thrilling festivals and you’ll have an authentic Thai vacation you’ll never forget!
From castles to shopping malls and business districts, 
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March 17th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I really enjoyed reading your post, as so little seems to be written about the fun sights and sounds of Isaan.
In the villages around us in the rural Northeast near Udon Thani, there are of course the more well-known “offical” festivals, but then we frequently witness smaller celebrations at a village level that can be a complete eye-opener to visitors: weddings, ordinations, merit-making ceremonies and even raucous funerals! I think that as a people who live off the land, and who have a strong sense of community, we naturally take every opportunity we can to party!
As for Isaan food, it’s starting to be recognized as not only very tasty and unique (if generally tantalizingly spicy!), but also as very good for one’s health. For the “beginners”, there are always the dishes such as grilled chicken and som tam; for the less chilli-challenged there is Crying Tiger Beef and a spicy Laap; and for the no-holds barred adventurer…insects, grubs, frogs, mice, all kinds of twisty offal and fresh blood salads!
Do drop in at Gecko Villa if you’re in the area! In the meantime, thanks again for writing on the Northeast of Thailand and let’s hope more people come to visit!