Description
Jai Sai (ร้านใจใส) is a charming little garden center that sells a wide variety of plants, including many not typically found in other plant shops in Sakon Nakhon. For example, it has been harder to buy orchids locally, compared to a decade ago, but Jai Sai has four different varieties, at a price ranging from 180 baht to 280 baht. They also have many gorgeous cactus plants, interesting trees, leafy vegetables, and more.
The shop used to have a vegetarian restaurant on the premises, but that has recently closed, and been replaced by a coffeehouse and bakery. The drinks and baked goods are delicious and inexpensive, and include Jai Sai's own branded items. You can also purchase locally made textiles and handbags inside the coffeehouse, as well as specialty items such as Himalayan pink salt and Longan Honey — which is made with nectar collected by bees from the Longan fruit trees of Sakon Nakhon. It is the best honey we have ever had, and it's said to have positive medicinal affects on well-being.
The woman we talked to while at Jai Sai (likely the owner) spoke a bit of English, which will be helpful for foreign visitors looking to purchase some plants or gardening accessories. The shop is conveniently located not far from the Sakon Nakhon City Gate in the downtown. It's also only 2 minutes away from Wat Pho Chai, with its beautiful large statue of Ganesha.