🌾The Quiet Heart of Isan🇹🇭

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:10]The quiet heart of Isan in the Kingdom of Thailand.

[00:00:17]>> [music] [music] >> Far away from Thailand's beaches and tourist streets lies another world.

[00:00:39]>> [music] >> A slow world offices Isan in the northeastern Thailand.

[00:00:47]>> [music] >> These [music] images were filmed around Lao Na Ngum and Noen Manikom Khon Sawan district during the hot season of March and April.

[00:01:04]>> [music] >> We are in the area where my wife was born and raised.

[00:01:45]Her family has lived here for generations. The way of life has not changed much over the years.

[00:01:53]>> [music] >> Influence from the Western is small. So far few foreigners have found their way here, but foreign investments are increasing and benefits increase the welfare in the region.

[00:02:14]>> [music] >> At this time of year, >> [music] >> the rice fields rest under the dry heat, waiting for the monsoon rains that will soon transform the landscape into deep [music] green again.

[00:02:30]When the rainy season [music] arrives, society comes to life and a busy time begins.

[00:02:36]>> [music] >> Nature grows and the supply of food improves. Hardworking villagers work from early morning until the sun sets.

[00:02:48]To many visitors isn't may look quiet at first stop, but life here moves with the rhythm of nature.

[00:03:11]Buffaloes cool themselves in muddy ponds that farmers starting up before sunrise to avoid the midday heat.

[00:03:22]>> [music] >> And village loudspeakers still [music] carry news across the countryside.

[00:03:36]>> [music] >> Temperatures in April often climb above 40°C.

[00:03:50]Yet daily life continues almost as normal.

[00:03:56]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Buddhism is deeply woven into everyday life here. Nearly every village has its own temple, known as a wat.

[00:05:10]Wat Weluwan is the name of the temple in Lao Nang Ngam.

[00:05:16]>> [music] >> Many families believe spirits also protect the land, the forests, and the rice fields. Spirit houses can be found outside homes and farms across the very land.

[00:05:46]Old beliefs and Buddhism often exist side by side.

[00:06:17]In Isan, time moves differently. Nobody seems to be in a hurry, except maybe the dogs chasing motorbikes.

[00:06:58]And no matter how remote the village may be, somebody always knows where [music] you are going before you arrive.

[00:07:24]March and April are known as the burning season. Farmers often clear dry vegetation before the rainy season arrives.

[00:07:50]>> [music] >> The air becomes dusty, the ponds shrink, and the earth turns golden brown.

[00:08:24]But within weeks, the first rains will awaken the land again.

[00:08:56]Isn't [music] it sometimes overlooked by outsiders?

[00:09:08]But many Thai people will tell you this region holds [music] the country's strongest traditions, warmest hospitality, and richest local culture.

[00:09:22]>> [music] >> Music, food, family gatherings, and temple festivals remain at the center of life.

[00:10:12]>> [music] >> Perhaps that is the beauty of places like Luang Prabang. Nothing here tries to impress you.

[00:10:49]But if you slow down long enough, the countryside begins to tell its own story.

[00:11:04]My wife and I thank you greatly for [music] taking part in our adventures in the land of Isan.

[00:11:43]>> See you again soon because we have planted roots and are coming [music] back to the people and the land again and again.