Tag: isaan

5 Can’t Miss Festivals in Thailand

March 14, 2014

Now that I’ve been here for a year, I kind of have a grasp on what some of the big celebrations Thailand has and I’ve heard of some smaller, local festivals. So much Thai culture is steeped throughout the year and released all at once in these annual festivals, from celebrations of victorious battles to honoring spirits and ghosts, from taking pride in local ruins and historical sites to making merit and honoring the water spirits, there is likely a celebration of some kind just around the corner. Here are the ones that I am most looking forward to going to this year.

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Gaining Self-Confidence in Thailand

December 1, 2013

One thing that I see a lot of Thais struggle with, especially in Isaan, is low levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. When it comes to speaking English, many Thai people demure, and are embarrassed by their accent or small grammar mistakes. I came across this interview with Jon Jandai, a man from Isaan talking about how he overcame his shyness and gained self-confidence, and I wanted to share it.

Traditional Dancing in Northeastern Thailand

September 1, 2013

Back in Pre-Service Training, on Thai Day we learned some very simple traditional Thai dance moves. Since moving to my village, I’ve had the chance to see some pretty beautiful Thai dances. Because I live in Isaan, or Northeastern Thailand, most of the dances I’ve seen use Isaan music. Check out some of these clips of the dancing I’ve seen!

Buddhist Wheel of Life at Sala Keao Ku

August 18, 2013

Recently, I went on a bpai tiao to Nong Khai with my friend Jill.  The main thing we did was bike to and visit the Sala Keao Ku sculpture park. One of the pieces that I found particularly intriguing was once that represented the cycle of life. There are sculptures representing various stages of life arranged in a circle, and near the death part there is a Buddha climbing out of the circle. I made this as my own interpretation of the piece.

Bpai Tiao: Nong Khai and Buddhist Sculpture Garden

August 16, 2013

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

As I posted on Tuesday, last weekend was a long weekend because it was the queen’s birthday which is observed as Mother’s Day. My friend Jill invited me along to visit Nong Khai, the Thailand side of the Mekong River opposite the first Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

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Mekong River Sunset Time Lapse

August 11, 2013

The border between Thailand and Laos is very frequently the Mekong River. With lots of bends and twists in the river, there are many different vantages for the sun to create beautiful vistas. Nong Khai is a province in Isaan and a busy border crossing, due to its proximity to Vientiane. It also has some wonderful spots to watch the sunset over the river.

A Village Cleansing Tessagan or Festival

May 24, 2013

I was told that school started for teachers on May 13 and for students on May 16. I showed up for work ready to do whatever it was for the teachers to do on Monday and found out that I would have my own classroom, but which of two rooms would be mine was undecided (one room was the meeting room, the other was just built and has no fans). Other teachers cleaned their rooms. After a couple hours, I was told I could go home and not come on Tuesday. OK, Thailand. On Wednesday morning I woke up and it was one of those things where you know that something is happening.

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Bpai Tiao: Khao Yai National Park

May 21, 2013

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

Before going to Khon Kaen, one of my fellow PCVs put out a request for help with an English camp for Paw Aws in Surin. I decided to volunteer to give a hand and hopefully help make things less stressful than my own experience. It was also taking place the last week before school was supposed to start and she suggested going on a weekend bpai tiao after the camp was over, which I was all about. One last big trip before buckling down to get to work.

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Bpai Tiao Video: Tat Ton Waterfall

May 19, 2013

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

School is out, and so that means plenty of English camps being held for all kinds of school staff. After Jessie helped me out with my principals training, I happily returned the favor for her. Her training was held at Tat Ton National Park, where I visited with my host family not too long ago. Being more prepared to go this time, I made a video for you to experience it yourself a bit better.