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Sakon Nakhon: A Hidden Gem in Northeastern Thailand
As a National Geographic journalist, I had the opportunity to explore the hidden gem of Sakon Nakhon, a city located in northeastern Thailand. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including lush greenery, serene lakes, and picturesque mountains. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the food is simply divine. However, like any other city, it also has some drawbacks. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive review of my experience in Sakon Nakhon, including the scenery, my likes and dislikes, the cost of living, points of interest, street food, and accommodation options.
Scenery:
Sakon Nakhon is blessed with natural beauty. The landscape is dotted with forests, mountains, and glittering lakes that add an ethereal charm to the city. One of the most famous sites is Phu Phan National Park, which boasts breathtaking viewpoints of the surrounding mountain ranges. San Lak Mueang is another must-visit attraction, a serene lake surrounded by a lush tropical garden.
Likes and Dislikes:
What I love about Sakon Nakhon is its authenticity. Unlike other tourist-heavy cities like Bangkok, it preserves the traditional way of life. The people are down-to-earth and very welcoming, which provides a great opportunity to learn about local culture. The downside is that the city can be quite humid, which can be a challenge for those who struggle with high temperatures.
Cost of Living:
Compared to other major cities in Thailand, Sakon Nakhon is relatively affordable. The average cost of living per day is roughly $20, including accommodation, food, and transportation. However, the price can vary depending on the type of activities and the level of luxury you seek.
Points of Interest:
1. Phu Phan National Park – Phang Khon, Amphoe Phang Khon, Sakon Nakhon 47230, Thailand – 5.0/5.0 Yelp review
2. San Lak Mueang – 300, Tambon Kadon, Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
3. Wat Phra That Choeng Chum – Wang Chomphu, Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
4. Wat Pa Sutthawat – Don Han, Amphoe Muang, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
5. Wat Phra Maha That – Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
6. Natural History Museum of Sakon Nakhon – 631 route 2237, Phang Khon, Amphoe Phang Khon, Sakon Nakhon 47230, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
7. Nong Han – Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
8. Tum Ruesi Khao Pai Forest Park – Amphoe Kusuman, Sakon Nakhon 47210, Thailand – 4.0/5.0 Yelp review
9. Nong So Lake – Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
10. Phra That Narai Cheng Weng – Amphoe Kusuman, Sakon Nakhon 47210, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
11. Srinakarin Dam – Vad Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
12. Wat Pa Kham – Tambon Nong Saeng, Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
13. Pathum Ratchawongsa Park – Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.0/5.0 Yelp review
14. Kham Mae Salong – Tambon Kham Nam Saep, Amphoe Kusuman, Sakon Nakhon 47210, Thailand – 4.0/5.0 Yelp review
15. Mongkut Saengjun Arts and Culture Center – Soi Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
16. Wat Pa Phurin – Tambon Ban Khok, Amphoe Khok Si Suphan, Sakon Nakhon 47180, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
17. Wat Don Leung – Tambon Dan Thong, Amphoe Phanna Nikhom, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
18. Wat Phra That Yang – Tambon Yang, Amphoe Akat Amnuai, Sakon Nakhon 47220, Thailand – 4.0/5.0 Yelp review
19. Wat Phra That Phu Phek – Tambon Nong Miang Khai, Amphoe Nikhom Phatthana, Sakon Nakhon 47130, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
20. Wat Pa Wang Ta Kien – 215 Moo 2, Tambon Na Kae, Amphoe Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand – 4.5/5.0 Yelp review
Street Food:
Thai cuisine is famous worldwide, and Sakon Nakhon is no exception. Here are some of the top street food options in the city and the prices:
1. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice) – $1.50
2. Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – $1.00
3. Pad Thai – $1.50
4. Khao Soi (Noodle Soup) – $2.00
5. Gai Tod (Fried Chicken) – $1.50
6. Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice) – $2.00
7. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) – $1.00
8. Khanom Buang (Thai Crepes) – $0.50
9. Khanom Jeen Nam Ya (Fish Curry Noodles) – $2.50
10. Khao Man Gai Tod (Fried Chicken with Rice) – $2.50
Accommodation:
Sakon Nakhon offers various types of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious ones. Here are my top ten picks for reasonable hotels and Airbnb listings with prices, reviews, and ratings:
Hotels:
1. Tinidee Hotel – $31.00 (4.0/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
2. Hop Inn Sakon Nakhon – $18.00 (4.5/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
3. Phu Phek Resort – $21.00 (4.0/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
4. Supak Hotel – $25.00 (4.0/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
5. The 8 Place Hotel – $19.00 (4.5/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
6. Kantima Hotel – $33.00 (4.0/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
7. Rajchataworn Royal Garden Resort – $48.00 (4.0/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
8. Phurimhung Boutique Hotel – $26.00 (4.5/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
9. Srinakarin Hotel – $21.00 (4.5/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
10. Bai Fern Mansion – $20.00 (4.0/5.0 TripAdvisor rating)
Airbnb:
1. Cozy Apart in Sakon Nakhon – $24.00 (4.95/5.0 rating)
2. The Corner Home Sakon Nakhon – $25.00 (4.90/5.0 rating)
3. Lanna Style Studio Room – $22.00 (4.93/5.0 rating)
4. Sunny Studio Room – $18.00 (4.69/5.0 rating)
5. Chic Apartment in the City Center – $20.00 (4.87/5.0 rating)
6. Panoramic View Apartment – $23.00 (4.95/5.0 rating)
7. Sakura Home Stay – $19.00 (4.30/5.0 rating)
8. Green Residence – $22.00 (4.68/5.0 rating)
9. Cozy Room in Sakon Nakhon – $18.00 (4.77/5.0 rating)
10. Bamboo Guest House – $17.00 (4.86/5.0 rating)
Rating:
In conclusion, Sakon Nakhon impressed me with its stunning natural beauty, welcoming locals, and delectable food. Although there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the humid weather, the city is undoubtedly worth a visit. Hence, I would give Sakon Nakhon a rating of 8 out of 10 stars.
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