When talking about the northeast of Thailand, Nong Khai province is one of the most enchanting areas because it features the multi-cultural lifestyle of the Thai, Laos and Vietnamese. Nong Khai is a peaceful province located on the banks of the Mekong River and it offers many interesting places to visit. If you are looking for a place to shop and eat with nice scenery that illustrates the identity of Nong Khai, then Ta Sadet Market is where you should go.

Nong Khai is one of the official Thai-Laotian border checkpoints and has been a significant trading center between Thai and Laos throughout history. In the past, Ta Sadet was a pier for Thai-Laos boats transporting goods from Indochina and Eastern Europe. Later on, Ta Sadet Market became a shopping center, situated on the banks of Mekong River, north of Nong Khai. The market is opened daily from 7 am – 6.30 pm. It offers a wide range of local foods and various products. The market area is roofed to provide comfort for shoppers and merchants protecting them from rain and sun.

At Ta Sadet Market, there are many local products, which make wonderful souvenirs. While walking through the market, there are many shops selling electronics, watches, jewelry, silver ornaments, ceramics, hand-woven cotton, and herbs. The goods available are cheap and the market is very easy to explore, as it is not very crowded. Here, visitors will enjoy perusing from stall to stall while relishing in the memories of the good old days of Ta Sadet the trading post.

Apart from shopping at the market, there are many food stalls along the Mekong River as well. If you are hungry or tired from walking, just walk into one of the local restaurants and order from an Isan menu. Some famous local food and dessert recommendations include: Mekong fish, Isan-style sausage, Mu Yo (pork bar), Naem (fermented pork), Naem Nueang (Vietnamese food), and Ma Prow Kaew (sweet coconut). Take your time in eating and appreciate the mammoth yet tranquil river as you recuperate. From this spot, you can also see the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that crosses over the Mekong River linking Nong Khai, Thailand and Laos together.

In the evening, Ta Sadet Market is the place to watch a stunning sunset and the mighty Mekong River before returning home.

By Chutima Buaprom