Dad Ends the Ban Huak Trip with Grilled River Prawns

Dad Ends the Ban Huak Trip with Grilled River Prawns

When talking about Chiang Rai, many people probably think of the famous Wat Rong Khun or the Chiang Rai Clock Tower that I have mentioned before. But this time, I, mr.hotsia, want to invite Dad and everyone to experience a simple trip closing at “Ban Huak,” a small village in Chiang Rai province. Here, there is not only beautiful nature and a simple local lifestyle but also delicious food waiting for us to try, especially “Grilled River Prawns,” a dish I have never encountered anywhere else. The spicy and satisfying flavor is worth sharing.

Before telling you about the grilled river prawns, let me describe the atmosphere of Ban Huak a bit. Ban Huak is located not far from Chiang Rai city, about a 30-40 minute drive from the city center. The route passes through lush green rice fields and surrounding hills. This village is peaceful and quiet, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. Everywhere you look, you see the genuine local lifestyle that has preserved its unique identity well.

For this trip to Ban Huak, Dad and I chose to stay in Chiang Rai city first because it’s convenient and affordable. The Suknirand Hotel I mentioned in my articleAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang Rai Cityis a great choice. It’s located near the Chiang Rai Clock Tower and the morning and evening markets. Walking around is easy, perfect for those who want to explore the city before heading out on countryside trips.

After recharging with coffee from the Yellow Truck near the hotel, following my usual recommendation in the articleYellow Truck Coffee, Chiang Rai Clock Towerwe set off towards Ban Huak. This route passes wide rice fields and small hill tribe villages that have preserved their traditional way of life well.

Grilled River Prawns, a Signature Dish of Ban Huak

Upon arriving at Ban Huak, the first thing that excited Dad and me was tasting the “Grilled River Prawns,” a local dish freshly made from large river prawns caught from nearby streams. The prawns are grilled over fire until fragrant, then topped with a special dipping sauce that has a bold Northeastern Thai flavor, blending sour, salty, and spicy tastes perfectly. The first bite reveals the sweet and crispy prawn meat combined with the spicy sauce, making you forget all the travel fatigue.

My dad was very impressed too, saying that this kind of food made the trip to Ban Huak more meaningful because it wasn’t just about sightseeing or taking photos but truly experiencing authentic local flavors that are hard to find in big cities.

There are also other homemade dishes like spicy fermented fish papaya salad, herbal grilled chicken, and hot sticky rice served with young chili paste, making this meal a wonderful memory I highly recommend everyone try when visiting Chiang Rai.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere of Ban Huak

Besides the food, Ban Huak is a place where I truly saw the local way of life—sustainable farming, growing rice and vegetables, and raising animals in a small community style. It’s not developed like the city but offers simple happiness, fresh air, and peace you can’t find in big cities.

Dad and I walked around the village, talking with locals and learning about the village’s history and how their lifestyle has changed over time. Although some development has come, the villagers still maintain their traditional customs well.

Ban Huak Trip and Connection with Chiang Rai

After ending the trip with delicious food and a warm atmosphere at Ban Huak, I, mr.hotsia, want to recommend everyone visiting Chiang Rai to try this kind of trip because it lets you experience Chiang Rai more deeply than just visiting the city or famous temples.

If you want to stay in Chiang Rai city before exploring the villages, check out affordable good hotels in my articleAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang Rai CityOr if you enjoy a leisurely walk in Chiang Rai city, I recommendWalking Around Chiang Rai Citywhich is another fun side full of culture.

And if you’re interested in nature routes or the famous Doi Chang coffee, readDriving Trip to Doi Changfrom me to plan a complete trip with food, sightseeing, and relaxation in Chiang Rai.

All of this is a real experience from the Ban Huak trip that Dad and I had. I hope it inspires everyone to explore Chiang Rai in their own way. See you again with more great travel stories from mr.hotsia.