Deep Dive into Bangladesh EP 66: End of the Trip, Going All Out Flying to Eat Isan Food in Khon Kaen

Deep Dive into Bangladesh EP 66: End of the Trip, Going All Out Flying to Eat Isan Food in Khon Kaen

Hello everyone, today mr.hotsia would like to share the experience of ending a special trip in Bangladesh before flying back to Thailand. But this time, it didn't just end with flying home because I had an immediate goal: to fly and eat authentic Isan food in Khon Kaen, the capital city of the Isan region that I love and know well.

Many might wonder why Khon Kaen? For mr.hotsia, Khon Kaen is not just a big city in the middle of Isan, but a city full of the charm of authentic Isan lifestyle, from morning markets, walking streets, to local food that makes me feel like I'm truly home.

Arriving in Khon Kaen with a huge appetite

After landing in Khon Kaen, the first feeling I sensed was the familiar atmosphere of this city. I quickly stored my luggage and headed straight to my accommodation without delay because my goal today was to eat! I intended to savor authentic Isan food that I never get tired of no matter how many times I eat it.

For those who have followed me for a long time, you know I like to start the day with simple breakfast, but in Khon Kaen, breakfast has a very different charm because here there are shops selling jok (rice porridge), jap (noodle soup), and sen (noodles) which are local breakfast dishes found throughout the morning markets. I didn't miss the chance to try them.Jok, Jap, Sen - Breakfast of Khon Kaen localsAt this shop, the jok is smooth and tender, the jap has a rich and intense broth, and the sen with boiled pork blood is seasoned with authentic Isan spices, which made me fully awake and ready to continue exploring.

Light exercise with my favorite tennis racket before chilling at the walking street

After refueling with breakfast, mr.hotsia emphasizes the importance of exercise even on a food and travel trip. So I didn't forget to bring my beloved orange Boris Becker tennis racket and chose to play at a tennis court near Khon Kaen walking street, which is open to the public at an affordable price (50 baht per session). The court is close to the walking street, so after playing, I could continue strolling easily.Tennis courts in Khon Kaen ProvinceThis place is full of skilled tennis players that are hard to find in other provinces, but I gave my best even though I am just an amateur.

After working up a sweat, I walked to Khon Kaen walking street which opens every Saturday evening, a highlight not to be missed.Khon Kaen Walking StreetIt is well received by locals, offering a variety of products including food, goods, and handicrafts that truly reflect Isan culture. The atmosphere here is comparable to the Wua Lai Walking Street in Chiang Mai.

Going all out for dinner with authentic Isan food in Khon Kaen

Tonight, I headed to a traditional Isan restaurant famous for its intensely spicy flavors. My favorite dishes were duck larb, spicy duck soup, and crispy fried duck, which were so delicious I had to order several more plates. Besides the outstanding duck dishes, I also tried crispy fried intestines as a snack, which was so enjoyable I lost track of time multiple times.

If anyone is interested in following my delicious trail, I recommend tryingNoi Duck Larb, Spicy Duck Soup, Fried Duck, Fried Intestines, Khon KaenThis restaurant is well known among locals and tourists who want to experience authentic Isan flavors.

Before leaving, don't forget to visit Ubolrat Dam

For this trip, before ending it in Khon Kaen, I didn't miss visiting Ubolrat Dam, one of the beautiful and very peaceful natural tourist spots. The dam is about an hour and a half drive from Khon Kaen city, passing winding mountain roads. The atmosphere around the dam is filled with the freshness of a large lake stretching over 30 kilometers.

There are many activities to do here, including boat rides to enjoy the view, relaxing on a floating restaurant, and importantly, locals often come here to drink, eat, and socialize in a friendly manner. I also tried the spicy papaya salad at the floating restaurant by the dam, which was boldly flavorful.Enjoying Ubolrat Dam, Khon KaenIt is another spot that mr.hotsia wants to recommend for those who love nature and want to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

Summary and Impressions

Returning to Khon Kaen after finishing the Bangladesh trip was the best recharge for mr.hotsia. Not only because of the spicy and well-balanced Isan food but also because of the warm and friendly lifestyle of Khon Kaen people that made me feel at home.

If you are looking for a destination that blends modernity with authentic Isan culture, Khon Kaen perfectly meets all needs for eating, traveling, and exercising like I did at the tennis courts near the walking street.Playing tennis in Khon Kaen, tennis courts in Khon Kaen ProvinceIt was a memorable experience indeed.

Finally, I would like to share a video that captures my experience of this trip on my YouTube channel.Deep Dive into Bangladesh EP 66: End of the Trip, Going All Out Flying to Eat Isan Food in Khon KaenIf anyone wants to see live scenes from this trip, feel free to watch it.

Thank you all for following my stories, mr.hotsia, and see you again in the next travel article. Goodbye!