Why Choose Isan?

If you ask most people outside Thailand about Isan, you’ll probably be met with a blank look.

Yet within the country, this vast northeastern region is legendary. It’s where Thailand feels most raw, most authentic, and most unapologetically itself.

Isan is the birthplace of some of the nation’s most famous dishes. Think fiery som tam, smoky grilled meats, sticky rice eaten by hand, and bold, punchy flavours that define Thai food around the world.

But beyond the plates of delicious food lies a culture shaped by deep Lao influences, ancient Khmer ruins, and traditions that feel proudly distinct from Bangkok’s polished city life.

Life here moves at a different pace. Communities are tight-knit, festivals are colourful and heartfelt, and hospitality is genuine rather than transactional. As a teacher, you’re not just passing through. You become part of the local rhythm.

For adventure seekers, Isan delivers in quiet, unexpected ways. Remote national parks, prehistoric archaeological sites, vast rice fields and dramatic Mekong views create a landscape that invites exploration.

If you want a version of Thailand that challenges you, welcomes you, and leaves you with stories few others can tell, Isan might just be exactly what you’re looking for.

Location and Climate

Isan stretches across Thailand’s vast northeast, bordering Laos and Cambodia, and covers almost a third of the country.

While it doesn’t have the same transport links as Bangkok or Chiang Mai, most major cities in the region have airports with regular domestic flights, and reliable train and bus routes connect you to the capital.

Journeys can take longer and infrastructure feels simpler, but that’s part of the charm. Bangkok is never too far away, and once you’re there, the rest of Thailand and the world is wide open.

The climate follows Thailand’s three distinct seasons, each shaping daily life in its own way. The hot season, from March to May is intense and dry, with clear skies and blazing sunshine. Schools start early, afternoons slow down, and evenings become social and lively as people gather outside to escape the heat.

The rainy season, roughly June to October, transforms the countryside. Rice fields glow bright green, rivers swell, and dramatic storms roll across the plains. It’s humid, yes, but also beautiful and atmospheric.

From November to February, the cool season arrives. Mornings can feel surprisingly fresh, especially in rural areas, and this is when outdoor festivals, road trips, and weekend adventures really come into their own across the region.

Is Isan Right for You?

Isan is all about quiet nights under skies so clear you can actually see the stars, not rooftop cocktails and glossy city skylines.

If your idea of a great evening is sitting outside with local teachers, sharing good food and a bottle of something cold while conversations drift between broken Thai and laughter, you’ll feel right at home here.

This region suits teachers who are curious, open-minded, and ready to step beyond the familiar. You’ll have to get used to spicy salads, fermented soups, and roadside restaurants where plastic chairs are part of the charm.

It’s less about spectacle and more about substance.

Isan rewards those who value connection. Communities are close, and as a foreign teacher, you’ll quickly become a familiar face. Students are respectful, families are welcoming, and colleagues often blur into genuine friends.

If you crave constant nightlife and international brunch spots, you may find it quiet. But if you’re looking for culture, character and a deeper experience of Thailand, Isan could be exactly the adventure you’ve been searching for.

To be eligible for our Isan partner, you’ll need to meet a small number of basic requirements. 

  • A bachelor’s degree in any subject

  • A completed TEFL certificate (which is included as part of our program)

  • A passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or the EU. 

  • A clean criminal background check

Previous teaching experience is not required. Many of the teachers who do best on our Thailand program are recent graduates or first-time teachers who are enthusiastic, adaptable, and keen to learn on the job. You do not need any understanding of Chinese language.

5 Things to Do in Isan

Train authentic Muay Thai

Explore local markets

Eat delicious Isan food

Support Buriram United

Get to know the locals

School Life

Teaching in Isan offers a genuine window into everyday Thailand.

This isn’t an international bubble or a tourist-facing environment. It’s a real Thai state school where morning assemblies, national anthems, and respectful wai greetings are part of daily routine.

You’ll experience the rhythm of local education first-hand, gaining insight into traditions, expectations, and community values that many visitors never see.

Our partner works with multiple schools across the region, meaning placements vary in size and setting, but the structure is consistent.

You’ll teach Monday to Friday, with early starts and mid-afternoon finishes. That schedule leaves plenty of time to plan lessons, explore, or join students for a game of football or volleyball after class.

Classrooms are lively, students are warm and curious, and your presence makes a real impact. Resources may be simpler than in larger cities, but that encourages flexibility, creativity, and stronger connections.

For teachers who want more than just a job title, school life in Isan provides a deeper dive into Thai culture and a more meaningful experience.

3 Must Try Foods in Isan

Somtam

Bamboo Soup

Larb Moo

Cost of Living

Living in Isan is incredibly affordable, especially compared to Bangkok or the southern islands. A private room or simple apartment typically costs between 2,000 and 4,000 baht per month, roughly £45 to £90, depending on location and facilities. Street food is exceptionally cheap, with a plate of pad kra pao, grilled meat, or som tam with sticky rice costing just £1 to £1.50. A full sit-down local meal rarely exceeds £3, and fresh fruit from the market costs very little. Transport within town is inexpensive, and entertainment is simple. Overall, your salary stretches comfortably, allowing you to save for plenty of adventures.

Salary

The standard base salary with our Isan partner starts at 30,000 baht per month, approximately £710, with some roles offering 35,000 baht or more. Certain schools and specialist programmes may offer between 40,000 and 45,000 baht, roughly £900 to £1,020, depending on experience and qualifications. 3,000 baht accommodation support, visa reimbursement, and insurance are often included, which increases overall value. This is more than double the average local salary in many parts of the region. You won’t become rich or save thousands of pounds, but it is far more than enough to live comfortably and enjoy Thailand.