Sakhon Nakhon - Great Addition To Your Isaan Road Trip
Why Sakhon Nakhon Should Be Your Next WTF (Wow That’s Fantastic) Destination
Guest Contributor: The Soi Dog Whisperer
So, you’ve heard of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Yawn. But have you ever considered Sakhon Nakhon? No? Perfect, because that means you’re about to discover Thailand’s best-kept secret before the Instagram crowd ruins it.
What the Heck is Sakhon Nakhon?
Sakhon Nakhon is a sleepy, charming province in Northeast Thailand (Isaan). It’s got lakes, temples, weirdly delicious food, and exactly zero pushy tuk-tuk drivers harassing you to see a "ping pong show." Oh, and before you ask, no, people don’t eat dog meat here. That’s a myth (mostly). While dog meat consumption has been reported in some parts of Southeast Asia, it’s not a common thing in Sakhon Nakhon. So relax, Fido is safe (probably).
How to Get There (Without Getting Lost)
- By Plane: Fly into Sakhon Nakhon Airport (SNO) from Bangkok (1-hour flight, around 1,500-3,000 THB).
- By Bus: Overnight buses from Bangkok (8-9 hours, 400-600 THB). Pro tip: Bring earplugs unless you enjoy karaoke at 3 AM.
- By Train: There’s no train station here. Surprise! Take a train to Udon Thani and then a bus (because adventure!).
You could also make it part of your legendary Isaan road trip if course
Where to Sleep (Without Bedbugs, Hopefully)
- Budget (200-600 THB): Cozy guesthouses with names like "Baan Sabai Sabai" (translation: "House of Chill Chill"). Basic but clean (probably).
- Mid-Range (800-1,500 THB): Decent hotels with pools, because Isaan heat is no joke.
- Splurge (2,000+ THB): Lakeside resorts where you can pretend you’re fancy.
What to Do When the Sun’s Up
1. Nong Han Lake – Thailand’s largest natural freshwater lake. Rent a bike, take a boat, or just stare at water like a philosopher.
2. Phra That Choeng Chum – A stunning golden stupa where locals pray and tourists try (and fail) to take the perfect Instagram shot.
3. Wat Phra That Narai Cheng Weng – A temple inside a cave. Yes, Indiana Jones vibes included.
4. Ban Na Muen Si Textile Village – Watch locals weave magic (literally) and buy souvenirs that aren’t made in China.
What to Do When the Sun’s Down
1. Night Market (Talad Nat) – Eat grilled pork, sticky rice, and mysterious fried things. Dare to try som tam with fermented fish sauce (RIP your taste buds and beware, it's definitely an acquired taste).
2. Bar Hopping (Kind Of) – Don’t expect Bangkok nightlife, but you’ll find local bars with cheap beer and questionable karaoke.
3. Stargazing at the Lake – No light pollution, so it's perfect for pretending you’re an astronomer (or just drunk).
Final Verdict: Should You Go?
If you want beaches and bucket parties, no. But if you love hidden gems (or rather ornaments), amazing (or rather palatable) food, and not fighting crowds of tourists, then absolutely. Just don’t ask about the dog meat thing. Seriously. It’s not a thing anymore.
The End
But What About The Dog Meat?
Myth: "Dog meat is commonly eaten in Sakhon Nakhon."
Reality: It’s extremely rare and not part of local culture. Thailand as a whole doesn’t consume dog meat widely, and Isaan cuisine revolves around grilled chicken, pork, sticky rice, and fermented fish.
Fact: Illegal dog meat trade exists in parts of Southeast Asia, including smuggling routes through Thailand to Vietnam/China. There have been rare raids on trucks in northeastern provinces (including near Sakhon Nakhon), but these are clandestine operations, not local demand. Criminal gangs sometimes catch local stray dogs and even pet dogs for export.
Context: Rural Isaan is poor, and there are isolated reports of desperate individuals eating dog during famines (decades ago) or in extreme poverty. But today? You’d have to actively seek it out (and likely fail). Locals would be more shocked than you.
Why the Confusion?
Stereotypes: Isaan is often unfairly linked to "weird meat" myths (like insects, which are actually eaten, but dogs? No).
Media Scare Stories: International headlines sometimes exaggerate raids on dog-smuggling trucks as "Thai people eating pets." Not accurate.
What You’ll Actually Eat in Sakhon Nakhon:
- Gai Yang (grilled chicken)
- Som Tam Puu Palaa (spicy papaya salad with crab and fermented fish sauce)
- Sai Krok Isaan (fermented sausage)
- Larb (minced meat salad)
- Sticky rice (the unofficial staple of Isaan)
The Bottom Line:
No, you won’t accidentally eat dog meat. No, restaurants don’t serve it. If someone jokes about it, they’re likely messing with tourists. Focus on the real local flavors and maybe a crispy cricket if you’re feeling brave.
(Still skeptical? Ask a local where to get dog meat. They’ll either laugh or kick you out.)
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