Once again, people keep reminding me that if I want to see the way-of-life of the locals, I would have to visit the morning markets. Therefore waking up (very) early is a must.

It’s barely the crack of dawn at the market and already the locals are flooding the place in a hurry to go home to prepare food to offer the monks for merit. When the monks make their rounds in the morning, the locals only offer plain rice or sticky rice. Then towards lunch they make their way to the temple to offer side dishes. This has been a part of Chiang Khan tradition for as long as they can remember.

At the market, you can find all the ingredients you need to cook a meal, or you can buy ready-made food you can simply take home. Fresh fish is widely sold here, caught from the Mekong River. Vegetables and fruits of all sorts can be found in the fresh foods zone.

As for the ready-made meals, you will find only local dishes prepared. You can buy food from any of the numerous shops and stalls in the area. The best however, is to eat at the stall with the most customers.

If you want a light breakfast meal, try hot soybean milk or coffee with deep-fried dough sticks. And only here can you find stuffed dough sticks. You’ve got to go there and try it to find out how it tastes.

In small towns and municipals outside Bangkok province, the market is considered as the shopping complex of a modern city. Not only can locals find food, but they can also find other items they need; toys, clothes, appliances, etc. The market is also the meeting point for the locals. Everyone knows one another and come here to chat before they go on with their daily activities. If you want a slice-of-life of the locals, definitely be sure to visit any market especially this one.

Address : Chiang Khan Sub-district,ChiangKhanDistrict,Loei

GPS : N17 53 35.32, E101 39 12.75

Contact no. : 042 821 285

Website : www.chiangkhan.go.th

Opening Hours : 03.00 - 09.00 Hr.

Best Time : Early morning is recommended,Things begin to subside at around 8-9 AM.

Highlight : Take a look at the numerous numbers of species of fish caught from the Mekong River and sold at the market, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the stalls selling local food.

Activities : View way-of-life,Photography,Breakfast

From the Chiang Khan T-intersection, turn left into Sri Chiang Khan Rd. and into Soi 9 (Bon). Continue straight until you find Chiang Khan Municipal Fresh Market.