Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More

10 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Phanom

1. Visit Nakhon Phanom Walking Street ♥️ Must Visit

One of the highlights of traveling to Nakhon Phanom is visiting the Nakhon Phanom Walking Street, one of the liveliest riverside walking streets in Isaan. You'll find rows upon rows of stalls and shops running parallel to the Mekong River, selling everything from street food to souvenirs and more.

The walking street stretches from the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower all the way to the Phanom Naga Statue and beyond, taking up almost 1 km of road along the Mekong River, right in the heart of the old town. It's packed with people and lined with shops from end to end, with a few stages and performers to keep you entertained throughout.

In the evening, visit the market and stroll around to find street food that catches your eye. Collect a few foods you want to try as you go, then head over to the peaceful Nakhon Phanom River Walk, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your food while watching the Mekong River in solitude. It doesn’t get any better than that!

For a fun and unique experience, make sure to walk a little further south past the Phanom Naga Statue and visit Wat Pho Si. You’ll be greeted by the vibrant colors of its Ferris wheel, as the temple fair comes alive in full swing.

Temple fairs were how we used to entertain ourselves back in the day, and what you’ll experience here is as authentic as it gets. You can ride the tiny Ferris wheel, hop on the merry-go-round, win prizes shooting balloons with a toy gun, and more.

Not gonna lie, as a photographer, I absolutely love temple fairs. They beautifully capture the spirit of the Thai people, where a peaceful, modest temple transforms into a joyful space that brings the whole community together. That’s what being Thai is all about!

The walking street is only open on weekends from 5 PM to 10 PM, so you are going to have to align your visit carefully. It's one of the liveliest walking streets in the region and definitely a must-do when you are visiting Nakhon Phanom.

Where to Stay in Nakhon Phanom?

Budget

Pansuk Hometel

$ | Double Room

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

VELA Dhi Nakhon Phanom

$$ | Double Room

See Availability

High-End

Fortune River View Hotel Nakhon Phanom

$$$ | Double Room

See Availability

View More Hotels

2. Track Down all the 7 Ancient Prathats

According to the ancient chronicles discovered in Nakhon Phanom and Laos, they mention the 7 sacred sites that travelers should visit when they stop by Nakhon Phanom as they traverse the Mekong River on boats. These ancient monuments are spread across the province and are an important part of local beliefs among Buddhists who come to pay respect, seek blessings, and make merit.

Each site is dedicated to a specific day of the week. So, if you were born on a Tuesday, you would visit the site associated with that day to make merit and bring good fortune to your life. Below is a list of all seven sites along with the day they are dedicated to:

• Wat Phrathat Phanom (Sunday)
• Phra That Renu (Monday)
• Wat Phrathat Si Khun (Tuesday)
• Wat Phrathat Mahachai (Wednesday)
• Wat Phra That Prasit (Thursday)
• Wat Phrathat Tha Uthen (Friday)
• Phra That Nakorn (Saturday)

Visiting all seven is believed to bring even more good fortune and spiritual fulfillment. If you have time, you can do just that, but it may seem easier than it actually is as many of them are scattered across the province with at least 4 of them further inland. I managed to only visit 3 of them; Wat Phrathat Phanom, Phra That Renu, and Phra That Nakorn.

If you only have time to visit one, I highly recommend Wat Phrathat Phanom. It is the largest and most popular site, attracting travelers from across the country every day who come to make merit, regardless of their birth date. The stupa here is truly massive!

Most of the temples here open at 5 AM and close around 6 PM, except for Wat Phrathat Phanom, the most famous one, which stays open until 9 PM. The best part? All of them have no entry fee, which is awesome. Visiting these sites is a fun activity, but you’ll need a car to reach most of them. The only exception is Phra That Nakorn, which is conveniently located right in the city center and doesn’t require a car to visit.

3. Check Out The Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower

One of the main attractions in the old town is the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower, a prominent landmark and a symbol of gratitude and cultural exchange between the Thais and the Vietnamese who reside in the city.

Constructed in 1960 by the Vietnamese community here, it stands as a tribute to the hospitality extended by the Thai people during the Second Indochina War. As many Vietnamese fled to Thailand seeking refuge, Nakhon Phanom became a significant sanctuary, and this clock tower was built as a gesture of thanks to the local community.

The tower's design reflects both Vietnamese and Thai architectural influences, which goes to show how intertwined both cultures are here. Its illuminated façade at night adds to the beauty of the city's riverside area, and it marks the beginning/end of the vibrant and bustling night market, which I recommend you visit. So there is no way you will miss this place.

Right in the middle of the intersection, you’ll also find a lovely café called Thai Samakkee, where you can grab a cup of coffee, head up to the balcony on the second floor, and enjoy views of the clock tower and the city from its open-air seating area. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot with a great view of the clock tower, be sure to check out this café.

4. Watch the Sunrise at Phanom Naga Park

Because the city sits on the western bank of the Mekong, facing east toward the stunning Laotian landscape, I always find the sunrise here absolutely magical. If you’re looking for the best place to witness the sunrise over the Mekong River, there’s no better spot than Phanom Naga Park.

With the massive golden naga statue spouting water from its mouth as the centerpiece, Phanom Naga Park is also worth a visit any time of day. The naga statue is highly revered, and you’ll find a small shrine at its base where locals often come to make merit, especially in the early mornings.

There's also a small museum inside the base of the statue. While most of the displays are in Thai and may not be very engaging for tourists, it does offer a glimpse into the history of the statue and the significance of the naga to communities along the Mekong River. There are a few photos you can check out, but that's about it.

Don’t forget to check out the Naga Statue at sunrise while you’re here. The Laotian landscape across this stretch of the Mekong River is especially beautiful, and you won’t want to miss seeing it during the golden hour.

5. Stroll Along Nakhon Phanom River Walk

Speaking of the dramatic landscape of the Thakhek Loop in Laos, one of the best ways to enjoy the riverside view is to walk or bike along the Nakhon Phanom River Walk. This scenic walking and biking path stretches for over 10 kilometers along the banks of the Mekong River, running almost the entire length of the old town.

They really outdid themselves with the riverside walking path because it covers so much of the city's beautiful waterfront, and the path is wide and well-maintained. I love strolling along the river in the morning and evening. It’s quiet and peaceful in the early hours, while in the evening it comes alive thanks to the vibrant night market that runs alongside it.

It’s also a great spot to sit and enjoy all the street food you’ve gathered from Nakhon Phanom Walking Street, all while taking in the dramatic mountain views of Laos across the Mekong River. Be sure to set aside some time to stroll along the riverside walk while you're in Nakhon Phanom. You won’t regret it!

6. Admire the Beauty of Chaloem Phra Kiat National Library

You’ll notice quite a bit of French influence in this part of Thailand, thanks to its proximity to French Indochina during the colonial period. Nowhere is this influence more beautifully preserved than at the Chaloem Phra Kiat National Library, housed in a striking French Colonial–style building with a bright yellow façade and a classic crimson roof.

Originally constructed as the provincial hall during King Rama VI’s reign (over 100 years ago), it was converted into a national library in 1991 to honor Queen Sirikit. The design blends Thai and European architectural elements, with teak wood interiors and classic colonial features.

Inside, you will find a collection of Thai literature and academic books, as well as general magazines, newspapers, and multimedia that one can borrow or read while there. You will see many local students studying and researching here, as local schools often bring their students here on field trips.

The preserved interior is a wonderful example of how colonial architecture blends seamlessly with Thai design, think polished teak wood floors and staircases, beautiful beamed ceilings adorned with chandeliers, and large European-style windows that flood the space with natural light. It’s quite a pleasant place to walk around in. The library is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Best of all, entry is free.

7. Check Out the Old Town Hall Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of Nakhon Phanom as a city, you will want to visit Old Town Hall Museum. Situated along the Mekong River, this historic building originally served as the residence of the province’s first governor, Phra Phanom Nakananurak. It was built between 1912 and 1914 by Vietnamese craftsmen under colonial-inspired French design, and it is a wonderful piece of history and one of the many stunning colonial buildings you will find along this road.

What makes this building stand out from the others is the fact that it has been converted into a museum that you can actually walk around and see the inside, whereas the others are either closed off to the public or are in use like a school. So if you want to see the inside of one of these colonial buildings, the Old Town Hall Museum is your best bet.

The museum showcases the region's history over the past century, featuring biographies of past governors, significant historic events, personal effects connected to the city, old photographs, and more. The displays are also presented in English, making it easy for visitors to understand the story behind Nakhon Phanom's past.

The building alone is worth a stroll, but if you’re curious about Nakhon Phanom’s history, which many Thais don’t know much about, I highly recommend visiting the museum while you’re here. It’s open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, and admission is free.

8. Drop by St. Anne's Cathedral

St. Anne's Cathedral is another striking landmark that reflects the strong French influence in this part of Thailand. Established in 1926, the cathedral showcases an architectural style beautifully influenced by both French colonial and Vietnamese designs.

Next to the cathedral stands a colonial-era building from the 1950s, currently being renovated into a museum dedicated to the Catholic history of the region. It’s definitely worth a visit as you explore the charming colonial buildings along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom.

The cathedral is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and admission is free. I’ll update this guide with more information about the new museum once the renovation is complete, so stay tuned!

9. Visit Hồ Chí Minh’s House

Did you know that Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho, the Vietnamese communist revolutionary and the first president and founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, used to stay in Nakhon Phanom during his exile by the French in the early 20th century? And you can still visit his house today!

Hồ Chí Minh’s House is a modest wooden home where he lived in Thailand from 1928 to 1931. Located about 5 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom City, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of this influential revolutionary during his time in the region.

The one-story wooden house reflects traditional Thai-Vietnamese architectural styles. Inside, you'll find wooden furniture illustrating how he lived, his bedroom, office, and old photographs of Uncle Ho and his accomplishments displayed throughout the rooms. Walking around the site is like traveling back in time; it was very peaceful.

The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission is free, though visitors are encouraged to make a small donation to help maintain the property. Since it’s quite a distance from the city center, renting a car or motorbike is recommended to get there.

10. Check Out Hồ Chí Minh’s Museum & Memorial

Not far from Ho Chi Minh’s House, you’ll also find the Hồ Chí Minh Museum, a larger but separate site dedicated to Ho Chi Minh. The museum complex includes several buildings with exhibitions, a replica of his house (though the original next door is definitely more impressive), and a large memorial where visitors can pay their respects.

The entire complex is designed with a peaceful, zen-like atmosphere, featuring several Vietnamese-style buildings scattered throughout the grounds. Some of the architecture reminded me of my time in Vietnam. They really nailed the colors and decor here.

Although entry is free, donations are highly encouraged, more so than at Ho Chi Minh’s House, since staff at the entrance kindly ask visitors to sign a guestbook and consider a donation. It never felt forced, so you’re free to decide.

The museum is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. It's definitely a pleasant place to stroll around, even though it shares some similarities with Ho Chi Minh’s House. The museum’s architecture is a great showcase of Vietnamese design, which the original house lacks, so both spots are worth a visit for sure.

What to Eat & Drink in Nakhon Phanom?

1. Have Local Breakfast at Pon Thep Breakfast

If you are looking for a place for breakfast, you can check out Pon Thep Breakfast, a local breakfast restaurant that is popular among both locals and Thai tourists, and it gets quite packed in the morning.

The restaurant serves Thai-Vietnamese breakfast dishes like Khai Grata (fried-egg-on-a-pan), Khao Piak (Vietnamese noodles), Vietnamese breads, and more, all at a pretty affordable price. The portion is small but that's the beauty of breakfasts here. You can order a bunch and try them all.

The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. They also serve traditional Thai coffee as well as Vietnamese coffee. So, if you are looking for a quick breakfast place to get you going for the day, be sure to check out Pon Thep Breakfast.

2. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Thai Samakkee

Located right at the intersection where the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower is situated, you will find Thai Samakkee, a modern-vintage cafe serving pastries and coffees inside an old traditional wooden shophouse with 2 floors of spacious seating areas and a balcony where you can sit.

The price of everything here leans more on the expensive side of things, but buying coffee from here for the AC and the view 😉, with the open-air balcony overlooking the Clock Tower, is my favorite part of the cafe. It's a great place to take a break from exploring Nakhon Phanom's Old Town and enjoy the city vibe a bit more.

The café is open from 8 AM to 12 AM daily. If you are looking for a nice café with good coffee, AC, and a great view in Nakhon Phanom's old town, you can't go wrong with Thai Samakkee.

3. Have Dinner at Sabai Dee Nakhon Phanom

For dining, I highly recommend Sabai Dee Nakhon Phanom, a popular Vietnamese restaurant that also serves a wide variety of Thai dishes. From pho to Nam Nueng, it’s a favorite among locals, you’ll often see it bustling with people during dinner hours.

I really enjoyed the food here. I ordered the beef pho, fresh spring rolls, and a Thai-style stir-fried fish with herbs (Pad Cha), and everything was delicious. The menu is extensive with plenty of options for solo diners and large groups alike. Portions are generous and satisfying.

If you're looking for a great Vietnamese spot for dinner in Nakhon Phanom, this is definitely the place to go. The restaurant is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

How to Get to Nakhon Phanom?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Nakhon Phanom is to fly from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom Airport operated by AirAsia and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.

Once you arrive, you can rent the car from the airport and drive to Nakhon Phanom City, taking about 25 minutes. You can rent a car through this company at the airport.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Nakhon Phanom Bus Station in about 11 hours. The price is about 700 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom. The journey should take about 10 - 11 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Nakhon Phanom?

By Walking: Many of the attractions in the old town are concentrated near the Mekong River, which is very walkable with the riverside walkway. For other attractions inland, you are going to need to rent a motorbike or a car.

By Motorbike: You can rent a motorbike from this local shop to explore more of Nakhon Phanom. The rental price should be around 350 THB per day.

By Car: For the most convenient way, you can rent a car and drive around Nakhon Phanom. You should be able to rent a car from Nakhon Phanom Airport using this company or you can rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. It's a long drive, but if you have time, there's a lot to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.