Meet Khadydia Gueye: A Teacher in Mueang Uttaradit, Thailand

Name: Khadydia Gueye
Where are you from?: United States
Placement Town: Mueang Uttaradit, Thailand
Province: Uttaradit
Town Size: Medium
Start Date: May 15, 2024

Describe the local culture of your placement in Thailand (anything unique to your town?)

This town has a large university right by a nightly market to buy snacks and food. On Friday
mornings and Saturday nights, there is a special market with music and sometimes performers
who play live music as you browse and greet the locals. There is a local train that runs right
through the town centre that goes straight to Chiang Mai and can also go all the way to Bangkok
as well!

What are your favorite places to eat in Thailand?

Auntie Mae's restaurant! It is right across Uttaradit Rajabhat University. She has great food, lots
of options and was about a 5 minute walk away from campus. Here's the address: J3PV+7R7,
Inchaimi 3 Alley, Tha It, Mueang Uttaradit District, Uttaradit 53000.

What are your favorite coffee shops?

A cafe I go to on my way to work is really really cool! It's hipster/cat decorations reminds me of
the spots back in my hometown. I don't see a lot of foot traffic so it feels like a little secret of
mine. One that I'm now sharing!

Here's the address: 92 1045 ถ. ย่านศิลาอาสน์ Tha It, Mueang Uttaradit District, Uttaradit 53000

Are there markets in your town? What is the vibe? When is it open?

The nightly market is very busy, everyone drives up or walks in looking for a bite to eat and it is
very funny to run into students and fellow teachers there after school or on weekends.
Name any touristy spots in your town (beaches, temples, hikes, gardens, etc):
There's a tourist attraction called the Phraya Pichai Broken Sword อนุสาวรีย์พระยาพิชัยดาบหัก.
It's an interesting piece of history related to Uttaradit.

What is the nightlife like? Any favorite bars/clubs?

There is a karaoke bar and a dance club in the city where all the college students hang out.
Local artists play there so if you need something to do on a Saturday night, go there!

What do you do on the weekends/what are your favorite spots to hang out with your
friends?

I mostly enjoy indoor hobbies on the weekends but I do like to go shopping at the local shopping
center.

What is an easy weekend or long weekend trip in a close by province/town?

You can do a weekend trip to Chiang Mai.

What's your one piece of advice for new teachers coming here?

Be prepared for the weather. It's hot and sunny and next hour it's pouring so be prepared.

Here’s a selfie so you can put a face to the name.