Bueng Kan Province

Bueng Kan, a new province by the Mekong River that Mr.Hotsia must experience

I, Mr.Hotsia, recently had the opportunity to visitBueng Kan ProvinceA small province that separated from Nong Khai Province not long ago. I must say this place has a unique charm that serious travelers like me should not miss. Bueng Kan is located along the Mekong River, opposite Pakxan town, Borikhamxay Province, Laos. It has 7 districts: Pak Khat, So Phisai, Phon Charoen, Seka, Bueng Khong Long, Si Wilai, and Bung Khla. Each district has its own stories and interesting places waiting to be discovered.

Traveling to Bueng Kan with Mr.Hotsia

For this trip, I started from Khon Kaen by taking a bus from company 407 Pattana. The fare was affordable at only 230 baht, taking about 4-5 hours. The route passes through Udon Thani and Nong Khai, then runs along the Mekong River, passing Wat Ahong, known as the “Navel of the Mekong,” the deepest point of the Mekong during the flood season (read detailsWat Ahong, the Navel of the Mekong). The journey is not difficult at all if anyone wants to try this route. There are many regular bus lines to choose from, including line 943 from Bangkok via Udon Thani and Nong Khai, or line 79 passing through Kumphawapi and Ban Dung, which is also convenient.

Arriving in Bueng Kan town in the evening, I chose to stay at Samanmitr Hotel, an old wooden hotel with an economical price of only 180 baht. Although it is not riverside like Samranmitr Hotel or Maenam Hotel, which have similar prices and offer free bicycle rentals, it gives a simple local atmosphere, truly humble Bueng Kan style, which I, Mr.Hotsia, prefer.

Riverside Life and the Charm of the Old Town

Bueng Kan is a peaceful town with old wooden houses scattered along the Mekong River. The town is small but comfortable for walking. Along the riverbank, you can see the villagers’ deep connection with the river. The morning market in Bueng Kan offers plenty of fresh fish from the Mekong. I tried the delicious grilled fish atBueng Kan Fish Marketwhich was so fresh and tasty that I had to recommend it.

There are also activities to cross the river to Pakxan, Laos, which is directly opposite. At the border checkpoint, there are boats for hire to cross the Mekong for 60 baht per person (if the group is incomplete, you may need to rent the whole boat). On Tuesday and Friday market days, many people cross, creating a special atmosphere of the two sides of the Mekong being deeply connected (read moreBueng Kan-Pakxan Border Crossing)

The Pakxan Rose Song, a Mekong love legend that Mr.Hotsia must encounter

If anyone has heard the song “Pakxan Rose,” you might wonder where Pakxan is. This song is a Laotian song composed in 1959 by Champa Lattanasavanh, also known as “Suliwat.” The song talks about a Pakxan girl as beautiful as a golden rose in the sunlight. I, Mr.Hotsia, crossed over to visit Pakxan after touring Bueng Kan to experience the real atmosphere of this small riverside town (read the story of this song atPakxan Rose)

Phu Thok, 30 kilometers to conquer

Another place I did not miss in Bueng Kan is “Wat Phu Thok” in Seka District, 30 kilometers from the town center. The path up Phu Thok requires climbing stairs attached to a steep cliff, which is challenging. It took me about 30 minutes as I walked, filmed clips, and rested occasionally. The higher you go, the quieter the atmosphere and the more beautiful the view. A warning: it is not suitable for people with health problems or fear of heights because the stairs are narrow and some parts are risky. If you want to see the Mekong River and surrounding scenery fully, Phu Thok is a must-visit spot (read more details atPhu Thok)

Bueng Kan Breakfast: Delicious Rice Noodle Soup, the Mekong style

After a full day of exploring, the next morning I, Mr.Hotsia, did not miss trying “Khao Piak Sen,” the local breakfast with a unique charm. The restaurant I visited is opposite Samanmitr Hotel. Locals lined up tightly to buy, and the shop sold out by mid-morning. Bueng Kan’s Khao Piak Sen differs from the one I had in Vientiane in that the ingredients and seasonings are very similar to the Laotian side because Bueng Kan and Pakxan share a perfectly blended food culture (for those interested in this kind of breakfast, check outBueng Kan Khao Piak Sen)

Recommended Food Clips from Bueng Kan by Mr.Hotsia

If you want to see clear images of food and the lifestyle of Bueng Kan people, I have some great clips to recommend. Including Bueng Kan Fried Oyster, Crispy Pork Basil Stir-fry, and Crispy Pork with Chinese Kale, which I have tasted and can say the flavors are bold and intense.
Bueng Kan Fried Oyster | Crispy Pork Basil Stir-fry, Bueng Kan | Crispy Pork with Chinese Kale, Bueng Kan

Summary of Bueng Kan Trip with Mr.Hotsia

Bueng Kan may not yet be well known among general tourists, but for me, it is a province full of cultural stories and a simple, warm riverside lifestyle. It is also close to the crossing route to Pakxan, Laos, which is equally charming. With convenient travel, natural attractions like Wat Ahong, the Navel of the Mekong, Phu Thok, and delicious local food, Bueng Kan is a destination I, Mr.Hotsia, highly recommend everyone to visit at least once in their lifetime.