Nong Kaem went to Laos, so she didn't join the field trip with friends today and instead invited them to enjoy a shabu feast

Nong Kaem went to Laos, so she missed the field trip with friends. Today, she invited them to go out and enjoy a shabu feast.

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I want to share an extraordinary travel story about my close friend Nong Kaem, who just returned from Laos. Because of her trip, she missed the field trip with friends that day, but it opened up a new opportunity for us to do something different together — inviting friends to a relaxed shabu barbecue gathering instead.

Many might wonder, why Laos? Why not travel within Thailand first? I can say that Laos, from mr.hotsia's perspective, is a country full of simplicity but with a deep charm that's hard to find elsewhere. Nong Kaem's journey took her to experience life along the Mekong River, at the Kha Mu local market deep in the forest of Laos, where people still live closely with nature.Kha Mu local market deep in the forest by the Mekong River in LaosIt's one of the experiences I highly recommend because besides seeing authentic lifestyles, you get to taste fresh local food with unique bold flavors.

While Nong Kaem was enjoying a boat trip on the Mekong River and anxiously trying to catch large fish with a net in Hongsa town,Boat trip in Laos 3I thought about the warmth of simple meals we can make at home or with friends who love grilled food like shabu.

Shabu feast with friends, mr.hotsia style

When I heard Nong Kaem missed the field trip, I thought it wasn't a loss at all to gather and do a small but joyful activity like a shabu feast. It’s a chance to share travel stories and, of course, delicious food is the heart of every gathering.

I prepared fresh shabu ingredients including pork, beef, fresh vegetables, and a special broth recipe inspired by various Lao dishes I tried in several provinces, such as the spicy Mekong River fish sour curry.Delicious sour curry, Lao girl mixing young grassI adjusted the flavors to suit Thai tastes as well.

The atmosphere of this shabu feast was filled with laughter and travel stories as Nong Kaem shared the beauty of Laos she encountered — from fresh markets, roadside food stalls, to the genuine natural lifestyle of the locals, just as I experienced during my Mekong River boat trip.Boat trip in Laos 1This experience made me realize that travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about learning and absorbing the way of life of people in each place.

Laos from mr.hotsia's perspective

If you ask me what Laos is, besides being a neighboring country that's easy to travel to and peaceful, for mr.hotsia, Laos feels like stepping back into the rural past of Thailand, where simplicity and sincerity of the people remain. Nong Kaem said she liked the morning market in Laoag, Philippines, which is similar to the morning markets in Laos, offering local breakfast that is tasty and affordable.Exploring the morning market, eating Laoag food, PhilippinesIt's another example of charming local food I want everyone to try.

For those interested in experiencing such natural travel, mr.hotsia recommends planning a Mekong River boat trip or joining local communities to truly learn the lifestyle of the Lao people in Ban Tha Suang, Hongsa town.Warm and fulfilling meal gathering with Lao locals in Ban Tha SuangIt's an experience I guarantee will leave a lasting impression.

Summary of impressions and lessons from this trip

Although Nong Kaem missed the field trip with friends that day, her trip to Laos created great memories and opened new perspectives for her. I also learned that sometimes unexpected changes can bring new forms of happiness.

And speaking of simple happiness anyone can enjoy anywhere, gathering for a small shabu meal with friends is another activity I, mr.hotsia, recommend. It’s like sharing travel stories through warm flavors and the laughter of true friendship.

Finally, if anyone wants to follow travel stories or see the fun atmosphere of Nong Kaem and friends at this shabu feast, you can watch atVideo: Nong Kaem went to Laos, so she missed the field trip with friendsI assure you will see both the fun and warmth of friendship born from travel and good food.