Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More - A Complete Travel Guide

Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More

A Complete Travel Guide
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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One of my favorite cities along the Thai side of the Mekong River is, hands down, Nakhon Phanom. This wonderful city is home to a diverse mix of people due to its location on the Mekong, making it a cultural melting pot influenced by Thai, Lao, and even Vietnamese heritage, as many migrants have settled here throughout history.

They wear their diversity with pride here, and you can see it right away in the beautiful Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower located in the heart of the old town. The city also has one of the liveliest night markets you'll find in Isaan, stunning French colonial architecture waiting to be explored, and plenty of other amazing things to do.

In this guide, I’ll provide everything you need to plan the perfect trip, from a comprehensive list of things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and more. So without further ado, here’s your complete travel guide to Nakhon Phanom.

One Month Itinerary for IsaanOne Month Itinerary for Isaan

Nakhon Phanom Things to Do Map

Nakhon Phanom Things to Do Map

10 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Phanom

1. Visit Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

People at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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.

People buying food at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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.

A local making Pate or Vietnamese bread at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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!

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Pansuk Hometel (Budget)
  2. VELA Dhi Nakhon Phanom (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. Fortune River View Hotel Nakhon Phanom (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

Night market near a temple fair at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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.

Ferris Wheel at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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.

Temple fair at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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!

Seating area at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street

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.

2. Track Down all the 7 Ancient Prathats

The stupa at Wat Phrathat Phanom

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.

People at Wat Phrathat Phanom

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:

The stupa at Phra That Renu

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.

The stupa at 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!

Pictures of all Prathats in Nakhon Phanom

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

Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower at night in Nakhon Phanom

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.

Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower at night in Nakhon Phanom up close

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.

Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower in Nakhon Phanom during the night market

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.

Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower in Nakhon Phanom seen from Thai Samakee Cafe

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

Naga Statue at Nakhon Phanom at night

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.

Naga Statue at Nakhon Phanom

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.

The interior of Naga Statue at Nakhon Phanom

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.

Mountains in Laos seen from Nakhon Phanom

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

A biker at 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.

Mountain view of Laos seen from Nakhon Phanom River Walk

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.

Mountain view of Laos seen from Nakhon Phanom River Walk at night

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

Exterior 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.

First floor's Interior of Chaloem Phra Kiat National Library

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.

Bookshelves at Chaloem Phra Kiat National Library

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.

Second Florr of Chaloem Phra Kiat National Library

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

Exterior of Old Town Hall Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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.

The interior of Old Town Hall Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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.

Old Photos at Old Town Hall Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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.

A bed chamber at Old Town Hall Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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

Exterior of St. Anne's Cathedral in Nakhon Phanom

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.

A museum near St. Anne's Cathedral in Nakhon Phanom

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 towers of St. Anne's Cathedral 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

The exterior of Ho Chi Minh House in Nakhon Phanom

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!

Interior of Ho Chi Minh House in Nakhon Phanom

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.

Office at Ho Chi Minh House in Nakhon Phanom

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.

Artifacts at Ho Chi Minh House in Nakhon Phanom

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

The entrance to Hồ Chí Minh’s Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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 garden at Hồ Chí Minh’s Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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.

Displays at Hồ Chí Minh’s Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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.

A shrine at Hồ Chí Minh’s Museum in Nakhon Phanom

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

Pon Thep Breakfast storefront in Nakhon Phanom

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.

Food at Pon Thep Breakfast

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 menu of Pon Thep Breakfast

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

Thai Samakkee Cafe at night

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.

Interior of Thai Samakkee Cafe

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.

View from Thai Samakkee Cafe

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

Food from 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.

Menu of Sabai Dee Nakhon Phanom

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.

Entrance of Sabai Dee Nakhon Phanom

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?

A car driving pass the clock tower at 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?

A riverside walking way at 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.

What to Pack for Nakhon Phanom?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Nakhon Phanom, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Nakhon Phanom, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

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