Wild yam (Kloi Bueng Kan Market)

Wild Yam Kloi Bueng Kan Market: A Natural Secret You Must Try

Hello, I ammr.hotsiaToday, I will take you to experience something unique found only in Bueng Kan province — a fresh discovery at Bueng Kan Market called “Kloi” or Wild yam. It is a type of climbing vine plant that locals sell naturally and carries more interesting stories than you might think.

Bueng Kan, a new province recently separated from Nong Khai, is uniquely peaceful, lying along the Mekong River opposite Pakxan District, Borikhamxay Province, Laos. I have previously written about this area in an articleBueng Kan Provincedescribing its charming, rustic character of a town that firmly preserves its traditional way of life.

Strolling Bueng Kan Market with mr.hotsia: Discovering the must-try Kloi

Bueng Kan Market is a modest fresh market filled with food and goods reflecting the local lifestyle. As I wandered, I saw Kloi tubers laid out on trays with friendly vendors smiling warmly. Kloi, or Dioscorea hispida, is an edible plant but must be handled carefully because its tubers contain a toxin called Dioscorine, which can be dangerous if not properly processed.

I asked locals how they prepare Kloi. They said that traditionally, the tubers are soaked overnight or longer in clean flowing water to dissolve the toxins before cooking. This reminded me of the self-sufficient and nature-close lifestyle of the people here.

At the Thai-Lao market on Tuesdays and Fridays, Kloi is sold not only as tubers but also alongside wild vegetables and small aquatic animals like frogs caught from nature. This scene shows how life here remains deeply connected to the forest and the Mekong River. If you want to try fresh Kloi, I recommend visiting during these market days.

Tasting Kloi with mr.hotsia: A unique flavor and aroma

I bought some Kloi tubers to boil and taste. Its flavor is slightly creamy, similar to a mix of sweet potato and taro, but what makes it special is its distinctive aroma unlike other vegetables or vine roots. I noticed locals often cook Kloi in curries or stir-fries with spices to enhance its taste. Thus, Kloi is an important ingredient in the local cuisine here.

If you want to try preparing it yourself, be very careful to remove the toxins properly to avoid danger. But if you buy from the market where locals have already processed it, you can be confident it’s safe and delicious.

Why Bueng Kan? Peacefulness and a lifestyle hard to find elsewhere

Bueng Kan offers more than just Kloi. The province has many interesting natural and cultural attractions such asWat Ahong, the Navel of the Mekong Riverwhich I have visited and can say the Mekong River view there is stunning and impressive. Or if you want a thrilling challenge, you must visitPhu Thokwhich has steep stairs leading up to beautiful views of Bueng Kan city and the Mekong River.

For those interested in crossing over to Laos, you can visitBueng Kan-Pakxan Border Crossingwhich is not far from Bueng Kan town and easily accessible by ferry, especially during market days when locals from both Laos and Thailand gather to trade fresh and forest products energetically.

Travel and accommodation in Bueng Kan

If you want to visit Bueng Kan like me, I recommend taking a bus from Bangkok directly to the province to avoid the hassle of driving. There are various accommodation options, from budget hotels likeMae Nam Bueng Kan Hotelor Samran Hotel, which are affordable and comfortable, and some hotels even offer transportation services for touring the province.

Walking through Bueng Kan Market, tasting the little-known Kloi, and experiencing the simple yet charming lifestyle of Bueng Kan people is an experience I,mr.hotsiawant everyone to try at least once because it made me feel like traveling back in time to truly connect with the nature and sincerity of the local community.

Summary

Kloi at Bueng Kan Market is not just a wild plant but a symbol of the eating culture and coexistence with nature that remains strong in this community. For those who love trying new things and want to experience authentic local life, Bueng Kan and its market Kloi are the best answer.

Don’t forget to read my stories aboutBueng Kan Provinceand get ready for a trip that will make you fall in love with this province just like me, mr.hotsia.