The
Northeast of Thailand
The
Northeast region, or the Korat Plateau, is an arid region
characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills. Harsh
climatic conditions often result in this region being subjected
to floods and droughts.
Known
also as “Isan” the Northeast is a huge region with over 20
million inhabitants, most of whom are engaged in agriculture of
some king. Because of its inaccessibility in the past, the
Northeast was able to develop its own version of the Thai
culture. This is characterised by exotic festivals, folk dances,
spicy food, as well as local accents and dialects influenced by
neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. Isan people owe their roots to
the Laotians, though evidence of Vietnamese and Khmer influences
abound. Khmer temples dating back to the 12th century can still
be found here. Recent excavations also suggest that the
Northeast was home to a flourishing Bronze Age civilisation,
some 5,000 years ago. As a whole, the Northeast is a
colourful and culturally rich part of the country. |
