Isan also written as Isaan, Isarn, Issan, or Esan is the northeast region of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River (along the border with Laos) to the north and east, by Cambodia to the southeast and the Prachinburi mountains south of Nakhon Ratchasima. To the west it is separated from Northern and Central Thailand by the Phetchabun mountain range.

In the beginning 20th century the region of northeast Thailand was officially named as Isan, a term adopted from Sanskrit that means “northeast.” The Lao-speaking people from this region, who comprise a majority of the population, distinguish themselves not only from the Lao of Laos but in addition also the central Thai by calling themselves as Khon Isan.

Agriculture is the main economic activity, but due to the socio-economic conditions and hot, dry climate output lags behind that of other parts of the country. Isan is Thailand's poorest region.

It is a country of farming, rural country life, water buffaloes in rice paddies. Other people see a rapidly developing country both technically and economically. The truth of it is, both people are correct. Thailand is one of the few countries left in the world where the people are struggling to hold onto their customs and beliefs while trying to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

Prominent aspects of the culture of Isan include the indigenous form of folk music, called mor lam, Muay Thai boxing, cock fighting, and celebratory processions. Isan food, in which sticky rice and chillies are prominent, is sufficiently distinct from Thai cuisine that it is considered unique. Sticky rice is a staple of Thai Northeastern cuisine, and it accompanies meals frequently.

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