Over the past 2-3 years... I have had the opportunity to visit "Nakhon Phanom" very often. If I were to estimate the number of times, it would be no less than 10 times already. The reason I visit so often is partly because there are airlines that offer flights to Nakhon Phanom at very affordable prices, and they often have great promotions that allow me to snag tickets at a steal. This makes traveling to "Nakhon Phanom" much more convenient. Another important reason is probably because... I love the atmosphere of this small town on the banks of the Mekong River. It's perfect for relaxation, for slowing down and enjoying life. There are old buildings, beautiful architecture, and the culture and way of life of the communities along the Mekong River are incredibly interesting. To sum it up, simply put, ...it's a place where I feel at ease. ...something like that.



From my frequent trips to "Nakhon Phanom", I initially tried to visit every attraction (within the city limits). However, on my later visits, I didn't manage to cover all the tourist spots. Some places I had been to before, I revisited, while other times, I barely visited any tourist attractions at all. I simply went to change the scenery for relaxation. Just relaxing in the evening, playing, or lying down by the Mekong River, finding delicious food to eat, and enjoying the beautiful atmosphere was enough to make me feel completely chilled. And if I have the chance, I will definitely visit again.



For those who are interested in traveling or are looking for information to travel to Nakhon Phanom Province, there are many interesting tourist attractions and activities in Nakhon Phanom. I would like to share information from my direct experience to summarize it as "10 things you should not miss when you go to Nakhon Phanom" to be a little helpful.


Activity: Pay homage to Phra That Phanom at Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan

Duration: 2-3 hours

Expenses: Approximately 100 baht (round-trip transportation)

When visiting "Nakhon Phanom", the first thing you should not miss is to pay homage to Phra That Phanom, which is located about 53 kilometers south of the city center. You have to take a car out of town, but the journey is not difficult, as there are public buses running between Nakhon Phanom-Phra That Phanom all day long, both double-decker buses and vans. Nakhon Phanom-Mukdahan(passing Phra That), which you can choose to take according to your needs. If it's a van, it's definitely faster and a bit more expensive, but if it's a double-decker bus, you'll get more atmosphere and enjoy the scenery along the way, from the city center to That Phanom district. All the way, you have the opportunity to talk to the villagers who are sitting with you, which gives you another way to experience the way of life. The double-decker bus takes about an hour and costs 45 baht.

"Phra That Phanom" is located on the banks of the Mekong River, within the grounds of Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan. It is the main stupa for those born on Sunday, and it is believed that if you come to pay homage even once, it will bring good luck and prosperity to your life. Every year, there is a Phra That Phanom Festival, starting from the 10th waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month to the 1st waning moon of the 3rd lunar month. The festival is a grand event. After worshiping the stupa, you can take a walk and admire the beauty of the temple surrounding the stupa. There are also many souvenir shops in front of the temple. If you want to take a songthaew back to the city, you can get on one in front of the temple. Just walk out of the temple and turn left to get to the songthaew stand.

It is believed that... worshipping the Buddha relics for each day of the week, all 7 days, at the 7 Buddha relics in Nakhon Phanom Province is auspicious. The Buddha relics for each day of the week are enshrined in different locations throughout Nakhon Phanom Province. Each Buddha relic is quite far apart and requires a considerable amount of time to travel between them. Therefore, it is common to worship the Buddha relic according to one's own birthday.


**Relic for the Day of Birth** (Nakhon Phanom Province)

1. Phra That Phanom, the Sunday Buddha relic, is enshrined at Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan, That Phanom District.

**2. Phra That Renu** The Monday Buddha Relics, enshrined at Wat Phra That Renu, Renu Nakhon District

3. Phra That Si Khun, the Tuesday Buddha relic, is enshrined at Wat That Si Khun in Na Kae District.

4. Phra That Mahachai The Wednesday Buddha image is enshrined at Wat Phra That Mahachai, Tambon Mahachai, Amphoe Pla Pak.

(Phra That Muruk Khanakhon, the Buddha image for Wednesday (midnight) is enshrined at Wat Muruk Khanakhon, That Phanom District.)

5. Phra That Prasit, the presiding Buddha image for Thursday, is enshrined at Wat Phra That Prasit in Na Wa district.

6. Phra That Tha Uthen, the Phra That for Friday, is enshrined at Wat Phra That Tha Uthen in Tha Uthen District.

7. Phra That Nakhon, the Saturday Buddha image, is enshrined at Wat Maha That, Sunthon Wichai Road, Mueang District.


In front of Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan Temple

Visiting Nakhon Phanom, you must pay homage to "Phra That Phanom" for auspiciousness in life.





Activity: A trip back in time to the Nakhon Phanom Governor's Residence (Old Building)

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: 20 Baht (entrance fee)

If you want to know the history and background of Nakhon Phanom Province, you must come here... Don't miss it. All the knowledge with the Nakhon Phanom Governor's Residence Museum (Old Building), which is an architectural building influenced by French construction during the Indochina War. Therefore, it has a distinctive architectural style with semicircular arched doors and arched windows. Above the doors and windows are stucco patterns. The building has large square columns. Although the building is very old, it is still well maintained and remains beautiful to this day. (Previously, it was free to visit, but now I think there is an entrance fee of 20 baht.)

Inside the building, you will find a journey through the legendary memories of the Old Nakhon Phanom Governor's Residence. There is an exhibition commemorating the governors of Nakhon Phanom from the first to the present. It is a collection of photographs and biographies of the governors of Nakhon Phanom from the first to the present. There is an exhibition of old photographs telling stories about Nakhon Phanom, including both history and memories of the city. It is presented as an interesting and informative video and documentary. And most importantly, in the past, this governor's residence has gone through a great mission: being the temporary residence of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen when they visited the people of Nakhon Phanom Province. This was an event that brought great joy to the people of Nakhon Phanom.

Behind the Nakhon Phanom Governor's Residence, there is another small building called "Heuan Heua Fai", which is also a building that exhibits multimedia exhibitions that showcase everything about the fire boat of Nakhon Phanom Province. There are various stories displayed through photographs, light, sound, and exhibits about the history and construction of fire boats in Nakhon Phanom Province from the past to the present. There are many rare old photos. I learned a lot about the "Fire Boat Floating Tradition", which is a very interesting tradition. I really should have the opportunity to see the fire boat floating ceremony someday.

You can sign the guestbook and take a souvenir photo in this room.

Exhibition of the history and construction of fire boats in Nakhon Phanom Province Rare old photos from the past to the present


Activity: Sri Thep Crispy Rice Crackers

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost : 100 Baht/person

Sri Thep Crispy Pancake Shop is a famous crispy pancake shop in Nakhon Phanom. It's delicious and affordable. Every time I visit Nakhon Phanom, I always stop by to eat. The shop is located on Sri Thep Road, opposite Sri Thep Hotel. It's not hard to find. What I like about this shop is its friendly atmosphere. You can sit and eat comfortably. Just look at the menu and choose what you like. You can order anything you want. Most people tend to order several dishes, one of each, to try. The menu includes dishes such as plain crispy pancakes, crispy pancakes with egg, crispy pancakes with fried egg, and crispy rice pancakes. Each dish is only 30-35 baht.

Once you order, we'll start making fresh, hot rice crackers right away. The dough is thick, chewy, and soft, and the filling is a flavorful minced pork and scallion mixture that goes perfectly with the dough. There's a hint of garlic from the fried garlic, and it doesn't take long to make. In a flash, it's ready to serve. Before you start eating, you have to squeeze some lemon into the dipping sauce... That's the highlight, it's delicious! You have to try it!!


Spread the flour with an egg on top with the menu "Egg-stuffed pancake".

"Crispy pancake with egg" ready to serve.. Squeeze some lime before eating, guaranteed delicious!

"Crispy Rice Crackers with Spicy Dipping Sauce" - Delicious!


Activity: Mekong River Cruise, Thailand-Laos

Duration: 1 – 1.30 hours (Starts at 5:00 PM daily)

Cost: 50 baht/person

During the sunset hours, sitting and enjoying the natural scenery along the Mekong River is something truly special. It's a very relaxing experience. There's an interesting activity you can do during this time: **"Mekong River Cruise"**. There's only one cruise per day, **departing at 5:00 PM and costing 50 Baht per person**. If you want to go outside of these hours, you can charter a boat for 1,000 Baht. (You can call to book or inquire beforehand.) Alternatively, you can buy tickets directly on the boat (if you're not worried about it being full).

**At 5:00 PM, the boat will start its journey along the Mekong River.** It will first sail along the Thai side, Nakhon Phanom, *where a guide will provide commentary, information, and introduce the history of the various places we pass by.* You will see the way of life of the people living along the banks of the Mekong River in a relaxed atmosphere. **On board, there is also food and drinks available at affordable prices.** Eat your food, sip your drink, and enjoy the evening atmosphere in a chilled-out way. After sailing along the Thai side, the boat will cross over to the Lao side, where you can observe the way of life of our Lao brothers and sisters. You will see the simple, slow-paced, and unhurried way of life of the people living along the banks of the Mekong River. **You will gain knowledge and enjoy the evening atmosphere in this way.** The boat ride takes **approximately 1 to 1.30 hours**, which is well worth the 50 baht price. **If you come to Nakhon Phanom, don't miss it! It's a lot of fun!**


The boat will take you along the coast, both the Thai side and the Lao side.

Witnessing the way of life of the people on both sides of the Mekong River

The atmosphere of watching the sunset from a boat while cruising in the middle of the Mekong River


Activity : Cycling along the Mekong River

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: Bicycle rental costs 10 baht per hour / 50 baht per day

Nakhon Phanom boasts a wealth of unmissable attractions and landmarks, primarily concentrated within the city center. These include stunning natural landscapes and historical sites that offer insights into the city's rich past. Notably, many of these destinations are conveniently located along the Mekong Riverfront, making them easily accessible by bicycle. This #MekongCycling experience provides a budget-friendly way to immerse oneself in the local atmosphere and witness the authentic lifestyle of the residents.

Renting a bicycle is a breeze, as there are rental shops right next to the **"Clock Tower"**, a prominent landmark in Nakhon Phanom. Look for the shop with the bright yellow sign; you can't miss it. Bike rentals are available for **10 baht per hour** or **50 baht per day**. *If you plan to cycle for more than 5 hours, it's more economical to rent for the whole day.*

**For cycling,** the cycling route will follow the banks of the Mekong River, using Sunthonvichit Road, which is right next to the river. Currently, there is a dedicated lane for cyclists. The traffic management has been reorganized to reduce accidents from sharing the road. The attractions are also located along the Mekong River, not far from each other, making cycling along the Mekong River a truly atmospheric experience. The cycling route follows the tourist attractions of Nakhon Phanom, starting at the Vietnam War Memorial Clock Tower, cycling along the Mekong River to the National Library of Nakhon Phanom, the Nakhon Phanom Governor's Residence Museum, and ending at the St. Anna Church - Nong Saeng, a distance of approximately 2 kilometers. It's a relaxing and comfortable ride.


The Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower built by the Vietnamese people as a memorial to the people of Nakhon Phanom. It was built in 1960 when they returned to their homeland, Vietnam. It is considered another symbol of Nakhon Phanom City. Because when the French were defeated in the Dien Bien Phu War, the Vietnamese people took refuge in Nakhon Phanom. When the war ended, to thank the Thai people, the Vietnamese people joined together to build a clock tower to commemorate the friendship of the Nakhon Phanom people and the Thai people as a memorial.

The National Library of Nakhon Phanom is a three-story Renaissance-style building constructed in 1915. It was originally the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Hall, built with plastered brick and wooden floors and stairs. The yellow building is very beautiful.

St. Anne-Nong Saeng Church is a Christian church with a distinctive feature of a pair of尖塔, making it a prominent and beautiful landmark. The church serves as a central hub for the local Christian community.


Activity: Take a boat across the Mekong River to the Lao side, Thakhek City, Khammouane Province

Duration: 2 hours – 1 day

Cost: 200 baht and up (roundtrip boat fare 120 baht, Laos border crossing fee 80 baht)

If you have the chance to sit and relax by the Mekong River and look across to the Lao side, you will see a beautiful mountain range as a backdrop. Nakhon Phanom Province is directly opposite Tha Khaek City, Khammouane Province (ຄໍາມ່ວນ) of Laos. Being so close to Laos, many people may feel like crossing over to experience a different atmosphere on the Lao side. If you have time, I would recommend trying to cross over and visit. You can visit without a passport (you can process your border pass at the Immigration Office at the Clock Tower). And crossing the Mekong River is quite convenient, as there are boats crossing every half hour throughout the day.

Starting at the immigration checkpoint (next to the clock tower), you can use your passport to cross the border. (Passport is free of charge) You can also get a border pass. (Only need an ID card, but costs about 35 baht) Then take your passport to buy a boat ticket to cross the border. 60 baht per trip You will also receive an exit document. Just fill in your personal information. Go through Thai immigration, then board the boat to cross the border. It takes only 15-20 minutes. Stand and enjoy the view. In a short while, you will arrive in Laos. Get your passport stamped for entry into Laos. There is a fee of 40 baht. (You can pay in Thai baht)

It is recommended that if you want to visit the tourist attractions in "Tha Khaek", you should have at least half a day and rent a skylab to visit various places such as caves, stone walls, markets, and temples. This is because each tourist attraction is quite far apart and it is necessary to rent a car or hire a car to travel. However, if you just want to cross over and visit for 1-2 hours, you can do that too. There are temples that you can walk to or try to find something to eat in a small restaurant by the Mekong River. ..It's a different atmosphere.

Summary: To cross to the Lao side (with a passport), you need a budget of at least 200 baht. (Round-trip boat fare 120 baht, Lao border crossing fee 80 baht)


Skylab cars are parked and waiting to serve tourists at the pier. Once you have completed the immigration process into Laos, you can rent a Skylab car right here. The rental price depends on the agreement and the distance of the places you want to go.

View of the landscape from the Lao side (Tha Khaek) looking back at the Thai side (Nakhon Phanom)

The "Egg Rice" menu of a small restaurant on the banks of the Mekong River, where there are many restaurants on the Lao side of the Mekong River to try and change the atmosphere.


Activity: Try Vietnamese food at the Vietnamese kitchen

Duration: 1 hour (Shop opens 10.00-22.00 hrs.)

Cost: 50-200 Baht

In the past, during the Indochina War and the Vietnam War, Nakhon Phanom was home to a number of Vietnamese people who had fled the war and sought refuge there for a period of time. As a result, Nakhon Phanom has adopted a significant amount of Vietnamese culture, including its architecture, buildings, and various cultural practices, as well as its cuisine.

**Nakhon Phanom** has many **Vietnamese sausage shops (Vietnamese food)** to try. But I would recommend this shop because the menu is varied and the shop is air-conditioned, so it's cool and comfortable. The price is not expensive. The shop's name is **Vietnamese Kitchen**. From the "Clock Tower", follow the "Feung Nakhon" road for about 100-200 meters. You will reach an intersection with a 7-Eleven on the corner. Then turn left. The shop will be opposite and slightly diagonal from the 7-Eleven. Or you can walk from the Clock Tower (walking street). The shop is not far from the Clock Tower. When you reach the 7-Eleven intersection, turn left and you will see the shop.

The interior of the restaurant is decorated with "ngop", a symbol of Vietnam. It is a unique ngop that has often been seen as a small ngop adorning the walls of the restaurant. The restaurant looks airy, bright and clean. There are quite a few people coming in to eat, especially in the evenings. The menu includes both Thai food and Vietnamese food. Recommended dishes include nem nuong, pork sausage, bun bi, pho, etc. However, the restaurant also has special menus that are not on the menu. It depends on the seasonal ingredients, so if you go at the right time, you might find some unusual dishes to try.


The first menu you must order is "nem nuong", but here they also have "pre-wrapped nem nuong". I guess it's more convenient to eat, you don't need to use your hands because it's already wrapped for you. The size is just right, you can dip it in the sauce and eat it right away. But I think eating it with your hands is more delicious. You can pick up vegetables and add more of this and that yourself, it's much more fun. But anyway, let's try the pre-wrapped one too! It's convenient as they say... It's wrapped in pieces, easy to eat. Only 120 baht per set!

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, "Mu Yo Ruam" is a must-try. This dish features a variety of boiled Mu Yo (Vietnamese sausage) served with a delicious dipping sauce. A set costs 180 baht. There are three types of Mu Yo in this dish, which you can dip in the seafood-like dipping sauce that has a sweet and sour flavor. Personally, I think this dish is delicious, especially since I already enjoy eating Mu Yo.

The next menu item is a bit harder to find and isn't always available on the menu. It's only available during certain seasons, and the staff will recommend it if it's available. It's worth trying, it's called "Salty Boiled Fish" (180 baht). It's a type of Mekong River fish that is only caught fresh during certain seasons. Don't worry, if you come to Nakhon Phanom, you'll definitely get to eat fresh river fish! This dish should be eaten with rice, as the taste is a bit salty. It's also a good idea to eat it with fresh vegetables, as they go well together.



Activity: Watch the sunrise at Sai Thong Sri Khotraburee Beach

Duration: Approximately 1 hour (5:45 AM - 6:30 AM)

Expenses: None

On the banks of the Mekong River, near the city center, there is a place called "Hat Sai Thong Si Khot Bura". It is a beautiful freshwater sand beach that only appears during the dry season. The dry season in the northeastern region of Thailand typically falls between February and May of each year. During this time, the sand beach extends far out into the middle of the Mekong River. The beach is located opposite the Khammouan Province in Laos. In the early morning, as the sun rises from the horizon, the view is breathtaking. The first rays of the sun shine on the sand, reflecting the light and making it appear as if the sand is made of gold. This is how the beach got its name, "Hat Sai Thong Si Khot Bura". The atmosphere by the Mekong River in the morning is very pleasant. The villagers go out fishing at dawn, and you can see their way of life amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. It was definitely worth waking up early for....absolutely!


Experience the atmosphere and morning way of life of the villagers along the Mekong River

Waiting to watch the sunrise, which will rise from the Lao side

The first light of that day will shine on the sand, reflecting the light, making it feel as if the beach is the color of gold, hence the name "Golden Sand Beach of Si Ko Tra Bur"


Activity: Taste a variety of Mekong River fish dishes

Duration: 1-2 hours

Cost : 100 Baht/person and up

Visiting the Mekong River like this, you have to eat Mekong fish. In Nakhon Phanom, you will see many restaurants with Mekong fish menus. Close to the water source makes it possible to taste a variety of Mekong fish menus. Guaranteed fresh, fresh fish from the Mekong River, which each type of fish is available only in certain seasons.

Let me give you an example of a restaurant I've been to, "Sabai Dee @ Nakhon Phanom". The reason I chose this restaurant is because it's quite convenient to get to, easy to find, and located on the walking street along the Mekong River. I've ordered fish dishes there before, such as steamed fish with dipping sauce, deep-fried crispy fish, fish with chili sauce, and spicy fish soup. It's a restaurant with a wide variety of dishes, offering new and exciting menus throughout the year, depending on the ingredients available in each season. They serve local dishes, Thai food, Western food, and Lao food, but the highlight is definitely the Mekong River fish dishes, as I mentioned before. A must-try!

Must-try menu, everyone must order to try the menu "Fish dipping" Mekong River fish cut into small, thin pieces served as a set with vegetables and side dishes. Dip into the boiling soup for just 4-5 seconds before dipping it in the sauce before putting it in your mouth. Sweet, chewy, soft meat... It's delicious! Fresh fish like this!


"Pla Joop" thinly sliced Mekong River fish served as a set with vegetables and side dishes

For the most delicious experience, dip the ingredients in boiling water for just a few seconds before enjoying them with the flavorful dipping sauce. A must-try!


Activity: Strolling along the Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

Duration : 1-2 hours (Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Cost: As you wish

In the evening, you can go out and have fun at the "Nakhon Phanom Walking Street", which is located at the "Clock Tower" on Sunthonvichit Road along the Mekong River. (In short, the Clock Tower is like the center of all tourist attractions.) The walking street is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from the late afternoon until around 9 pm.

**Nong Khai Walking Street** is similar to other walking streets in Thailand, where the road is closed for vendors to set up shop. They sell a variety of goods, including clothes, accessories, household items, and delicious local food. *If you want to experience the best atmosphere, you should visit Nong Khai during the winter season, when the weather along the Mekong River is fantastic.* Walking on the walking street is a great way to soak up the atmosphere. The cool weather, the opportunity to stroll around, buy snacks, and enjoy the sights and sounds will leave you feeling happy and relaxed.

**And** this area is also home to many restaurants and bars. If you've had your fill of walking the walking street, you can find a place to relax, listen to some music, and sip a cold beer with a view of the Mekong River.


The atmosphere of the Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

Many restaurants are lined up for you to try.

A wide variety of goods, belongings, utensils, and souvenirs are available for purchase as gifts.

Finally... In addition to the "10 things you shouldn't miss when visiting Nakhon Phanom" that I've listed above, I also want to say that Nakhon Phanom has so much more to offer.

And the trip to "Nakhon Phanom" made me feel impressed with many things. I never get tired of coming back here many times. I love the slow pace of life, not rushed, in the atmosphere of nature along the Mekong River. It's so chill and relaxing. If I have the chance, I will definitely go back again!



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