Glad to see you commenting and visiting here.

Isaan is definitely the grassroots region of Thailand. It is lively and friendly with a variety of people, places and things to explore and experience. Also, as you say, a great jumping off point for travel elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Thanks for the feedback. Hope your next trip goes well and you get some good info on bus or train from Pakse to Cambodia. You might want to look into boat travel as well for part of the trip.