Mekong Riverside Market, see forest products from Laos in Nakhon Phanom

The Thai-Lao market in Tha Uthen District, Nakhon Phanom Province has been around for decades, but was closed during the Covid outbreak. Now it has reopened. We went during the New Year, and the atmosphere was quite lively. The weather was cool and comfortable to walk around. Since we were staying near the market, near the Mekong River Road, we walked around since morning. When we were tired, we took a break and then went back to see the new atmosphere. The market is open every Monday and Thursday morning. Thai vendors set up their stalls early in the morning, but Lao people start setting up their stalls at 8am after the border opens and last until around noon. The area where Lao people set up their stalls is on the road along the Mekong River in Tha Uthen District, a distance of no more than 1 kilometer. However, the Thai stalls are on the road along the Mekong River to Tha Uthen Fresh Market and nearby areas. There are two highlights for tourists from the city like us: forest products from Laos, both fruits and roots, and various animals that the locals of Nakhon Phanom (Tai Nyo) eat. You will see red crabs squirming around in basins. Some shops tie them to bamboo in bundles. There are also larvae of some kind of beetle in round balls of soil. If I remember correctly, they are called Tua Bong and others such as field mice, squirrels, horseshoe crabs, red ant eggs, lizards, geckos, frogs, worms, wild boars, bats, birds, fish. It is very enjoyable to walk around. The second highlight is after 8:00 a.m., after the Thai national anthem has finished playing, Lao people who take the ferry to sell their goods will rush to line up to make temporary border passes. Whoever comes first gets to reserve a spot first. The porters will take their goods, while the sellers will rush to make their passes and set up their shops. Before they are finished setting up, the buyers will be waiting for the sellers to buy the forest products they are interested in. This is a way of life that is not normally seen in general markets. If you have the chance to visit Nakhon Phanom, I recommend you to come see the local way of life at this Thai-Lao market every Monday and Thursday morning. It is only about a half hour drive from Nakhon Phanom city. You can park your car in the parking lot (with a parking fee) or on the side of the road before reaching the market or near the temple. In addition to seeing strange products, you can also buy food such as grilled rice with shredded pork, Lao-Vietnamese pate, which is crispy bread with soft filling on the inside, along with warm drinks. And sitting by the Mekong River in the morning and enjoying the fresh air is worth it. #TravelThailand #NakhonPhanom #ThaUthen #ThaiLaoMarket #Nakonpanom #thailand#secretlocation#NortheastTeam