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!