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Si Sa Ket: A Hidden Gem of Thailand
Nestled in the northeastern part of Thailand, Si Sa Ket may not be as well-known as popular tourist destinations like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, but it certainly holds its own charm and appeal. As a National Geographic journalist, I had the opportunity to explore this emerging city and found myself captivated by its unique scenery, delectable street food, and affordable cost of living.
Scenery
Si Sa Ket is surrounded by idyllic rice paddies and lush greenery that provide a picturesque backdrop to the cityscape. What caught my attention the most was the abundance of lotus ponds scattered throughout the city, adding a touch of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle. Additionally, Si Sa Ket is home to the Pha Mo I Daeng National Park, which features scenic waterfalls and hiking trails for the adventurous traveler.
Likes and Dislikes
As for what I liked about Si Sa Ket, it was undoubtedly the hospitality and warmth of the locals. The city has not been overly saturated with tourists, so the locals are genuine in their interactions and eager to share their culture with visitors. One thing that could use improvement would be the accessibility of public transportation. While the city does have tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis, they can be quite expensive, and there are limited options for those on a budget.
Cost of Living
Speaking of budget, Si Sa Ket offers a very affordable cost of living. A typical day could include a filling breakfast from a street vendor for about $2, a mid-range restaurant meal for around $8, and a comfortable night’s stay in a budget hotel for $15-$20. For a budget-conscious traveler, Si Sa Ket is a safe bet.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Khmer Ruins of Phimai Historical Park, ตำบล ในเมือง อำเภอ พิมาย สระบุรี 30110, Thailand (5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
2. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, ตำบล โพนคูณ อำเภอ ชนบท นครราชสีมา 30250, Thailand (5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
3. Sirindhorn Museum, 205 Old Maha Wittayalai Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Muang Sisaket, Sisaket 33000 Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
4. Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, 21/1, Tambon Napho, Amphoe Kanthararom, Si Sa Ket 33110 Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
5. Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, ตำบล วังหิน อำเภอ โพธิ์ไทร สระบุรี 18120, Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
6. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
7. Prasat Ku Phanna, 69 หมู่ที่ 7 เทศบาลนครศรีสะเกษ ตำบล สามัคคีพัฒนา อำเภอ ศรีสาคร ศรีสะเกษ 33000, Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
8. Nong Han Lake, Nakhon Phanom 48000, Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
9. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, 332 อำเภอวานรนิวาส อำเภอวานรนิวาส อุบลราชธานี 34190, Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
10. Bueng Prachap Lake, Si Sa Ket 33000 Thailand (4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
11. Wat Sri Mongkhon Tai, ตำบลต้นตาล อำเภอนาดูน ขอนแก่น 40150, Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
12. Phu Sing National Park, ตำบล พระธาตุชาติพันธ์ อำเภอ เซกุน อุบลราชธานี 33130, Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
13. Pha Taem National Park, Trakan Phuet Phon Road, Ban Phanna Talat, 41190, Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
14. Nam Tok Tat Ton National Park, ตำบล น้ำปาด อำเภอ น้ำพอง อุบลราชธานี 34160, Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
15. Wat Pa Pong, Nong Kung Si District, Kalasin 46230, Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
16. Kaeng Tana National Park, Tambon Vang Ngam, Amphoe Si Chiang Mai, Si Sa Ket 33110 Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
17. Wat Maha That, Tambon Samran, Amphoe Kantharawichai, Si Sa Ket Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
18. Khao Phra Wihan National Park, ตำบลขามเปี้ย อำเภอเขื่องใน สระบุรี 18000, Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
19. Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan, 1603/12 Maha Uthai Rd, Tambon Nakhonchai, Amphoe Muang Sisaket, Si Sa Ket 33000 Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
20. Wat Suppawong Mongkhon, Tambon Na Si Nuan, Amphoe Rasi Salai, Si Sa Ket Thailand (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
Top 20 Street Foods
1. Pad Thai – ฿40 ($1.20) at Pad Thai Kai Tod Moo
2. Som Tam (Papaya salad) – ฿25 ($0.75) at Som Tam 99
3. Grilled meat skewers (Moo ping) – ฿10-฿20 ($0.30-$0.60) at various street vendors
4. Fried Chicken (Gai Tod) – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
5. Thai style omelet (Kai Jeow) – ฿20-฿40 ($0.60-$1.20) at various street vendors
6. Durian – ฿50-฿100 ($1.50-$3.00) at various street vendors
7. Fried rice with pork (Khao Pad Moo) – ฿30-฿50 ($0.90-$1.50) at various street vendors
8. Coconut ice cream – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
9. Roti – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
10. Grilled squid (Pla Muek Yang) – ฿50 ($1.50) at various street vendors
11. Crab fried rice (Khao Pad Pu) – ฿50 ($1.50) at Kat Buang
12. Fried fish cake (Thot Man Pla) – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
13. Watermelon shake – ฿30-฿40 ($0.90-$1.20) at various street vendors
14. Noodle soup (Kuay Tiew) – ฿30-฿40 ($0.90-$1.20) at various street vendors
15. Fried bananas (Kluay Tod) – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
16. Sticky rice with mango (Khao Niew Mamuang) – ฿50 ($1.50) at various street vendors
17. Spring rolls (Poh Pia Tod) – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
18. Pork belly (Moo Krob) – ฿40-฿50 ($1.20-$1.50) at various street vendors
19. Fish ball soup (Kway Jub) – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
20. Thai donuts (Pa Thong Ko) – ฿20-฿30 ($0.60-$0.90) at various street vendors
Top 10 Reasonable Hotels
1. Golden Pavillion Resort – $16 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
2. Pha View Riverside Resort – $16 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
3. Mekong Hotel – $20 per night (3.5-star rating on TripAdvisor)
4. Silalai Place – $21 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
5. The Old Times – $17 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
6. Sriphanom Neo Classic Resort and Spa – $21 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
7. J Park Hotel – $16 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
8. My Room By Serwin – $16 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
9. Huen Soontaree – $19 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
10. The Royal Resort – $20 per night (4-star rating on TripAdvisor)
Top 10 Reasonable Airbnb
1. Bright Greenery Guest House – $19 per night (5-star rating)
2. Private Room in Modern House – $16 per night (5-star rating)
3. Cozy Home – $15 per night (5-star rating)
4. Room in a Smart House – $22 per night (5-star rating)
5. Resort-style Home – $20 per night (5-star rating)
6. City Center Homestay – $10 per night (5-star rating)
7. The Garden Room – $17 per night (5-star rating)
8. Luxury Suite – $28 per night (5-star rating)
9. Peaceful Surroundings – $15 per night (5-star rating)
10. Chic and Stylish Apartment – $21 per night (5-star rating)
Overall, I was impressed with Si Sa Ket’s beauty, simplicity, and affordability. Although there is still room for development in terms of transportation and infrastructure, the city’s rustic charm and authenticity make up for it. I give Si Sa Ket a 9 out of 10 for its hidden gem quality among Thailand’s bustling tourist destinations.
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