A friend’s mother-in-law owns houses in Roi Et and Chum Phae, where I could stay for an extended period, practically for free. I’ve never been to Isaan and don’t know a soul in either place, but I’m itching to finally see more of LOS than the usual touristy places. I’m also keen to learn some Thai while I’m there, so I can at least communicate at a bare minimum. 

My plan would be to stay for two months in the first instance, and longer if I really like it. Rather than spending one month in each place, I’d prefer dipping my feelers in one place for both initial months.

I understand the mongering scene for farangs won’t be great in either city/town, but that’s not the reason why I’m tempted to go anyway – though it would obviously be nice to have at least some relatively easy options for P2P fun, in case I can’t get lucky with a cute civilian (or three).

Assuming the skirmish with Cambodia blows over, or at least won’t extend to these areas, which place would you Isaan connoisseurs out there recommend?

Have to see the houses first, some Thai houses are very nice, others not so nice. A flush toilet and a proper shower are 2 of my must haves. 

5 hours ago, Billy Shears said:

Have to see the houses first, some Thai houses are very nice, others not so nice. A flush toilet and a proper shower are 2 of my must haves. 

Both houses are up to Western standards, with nice bathrooms and AC.

We have a house between Chum Phae and Khon Kean in a small village. I was recently quite often in Chum Phae as a friend lives in Puh Wiang. There are about 5 bars for foreigners, each day the meet somewhere else, but often you meet the same people in different bars.

There is also a Karaoke Bar and a Night Club, and some nice places where there are thais only like "The Pop".

I had no issues to find new friends quickly in Chum Phae. With regards to girls, there are a lot of massages that offer "full service" and this Karaoke Bar.

Rumors are there is at least one thai brothel, but have no found it yet.

Those are the attractions that I know:

On the walking street, there is a market every Friday.

1) Number One Bar View

Every Friday a lot of expats from Australia, US and England and their wifes/girlfriends meet there. They meet on other day to watch sports. The owner, Dada, like to wear see thru or very tiny shirts to show her big silicon titts, I would say to the pleasure of the male guests.  At 10 pm there is live music every day.

2) The Sportsman View
Also a place for english speaking expats. I have never been there, people told me that they got ripped off in that place.

3)  Caledonia Bar View
Also a place for english speaking expats. Seems to be a nice place, I was once invited to a birthday party there.

Then there is the "Jungle Bar", little bit hidden and hard to find if you have no directions.

4) New Joker Bar View
Also mostly Australian expats. It is very open, nice when the weather is good and you want some fresh air.

Then there is this bar which I know only from driving by:
5) Mikes Place

 

I was told there is another bar where mostly Germany meet, but don´t know the details.

 

Then there is "The Pop". I was there on a Friday night, live music with multiple bands. But I was the only foreigner.

There is also a Karaoke bar Rungthip Karaoke with nice girls on the main road on the outskirts. I am pretty sure you will get more than microphone to sing there.

 

A bit further.down the road is a night club Tawandang also here i have not seen any foreigners.

 

 

Edited September 17, 2025Sep 17 by oldsleepi