Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More

10 Best Things to Do in Sakon Nakhon

1. Explore Tha Rae and its Colonial Buildings 👍 Must Do

One of my favorite places in Sakon Nakhon, and a spot that’s pretty unique to this province, is Tha Rae, a historic Christian town home to the largest Catholic community in Thailand. The town features many stunning French colonial buildings, some of which have been converted into charming cafes and restaurants, while others remain preserved and untouched, just waiting for you to explore.

The town was established in the late 19th century by French missionaries who settled with a group of Vietnamese Christian migrants fleeing religious persecution. Over time, they built a thriving community centered around St. Michael’s Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest Catholic churches in Thailand, and a place we will discuss next.

Tha Rae retains much of its colonial charm, with French-inspired wooden houses and annual religious events like the Star Procession Festival, held every December to celebrate Christmas in a uniquely local way. If you are looking for a cool place to celebrate Christmas in Thailand, this would be a good place to do so.

While you are here, be sure to spend some time and explore the criss-crossing streets to Tha Rae. You might stumble upon a hidden gem like this abandoned colonial house that the forest has taken over.

The centerpiece of Tha Rae is Udomdechwat Mansion, an old 2-storey colonial building that was once a private residence but has since been converted into a cafe. It has been restored with its vivid yellow colored exterior and fitted with vintage decor and modern amenities. You can escape the heat and take a break here with refreshing drinks before continuing to explore Tha Rae.

If you prefer a colonial building that is not converted and used as a modern establishment, you can just look at the one right next to the cafe. It's an identical building, but it is only mildly renovated and pretty much retains the old rustic feel this town is known for.

You’ll also find several more colonial buildings along the main road in Tha Rae, including one that’s been converted into a charming breakfast spot, perfect for an early morning bite. There are also a couple more historic structures right in front of the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. Be sure to take some time to explore Tha Rae on foot! You can explore anytime you like, but it's best to come in the morning when it's not too hot outside.

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2. Check Out the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel

Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel is one of the oldest and largest Catholic cathedrals in Thailand, and it is one of the main attractions of Tha Rae. In a country full of Buddhist temples, the Cathedral and its futuristic design are not sights you get to see every day.

Originally built in 1884 by French missionaries and later rebuilt in a larger form, the cathedral reflects a blend of Gothic and local architectural styles. Its striking white facade, tall spire, and serene surroundings make it stand out from its surroundings.

The cathedral’s floor plan is shaped like a cone, with the altar positioned at the center and seating areas fanning out in a cone shape. This unique design is reflected on the outside as well, featuring a beautiful triangular tower topped with a cross. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful and modern-looking cathedrals I’ve seen in Thailand. I love it!

The cathedral is located along the same main road as the other colonial buildings in Tha Rae, making it easy to reach on foot. You can park somewhere in the village and stroll over at your leisure. The cathedral is open daily from approximately 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.

3. Stroll Around Kasetsart University Lotus and Waterlily Park

Located not far from Tha Rae, you’ll find Kasetsart University Lotus and Waterlily Park, a charming park featuring a spacious lotus pond with boardwalks and pavilions perfect for relaxing. The park was established by Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s most well-known universities, whose main campus is in Bangkok. Fun fact, the university is actually not too far from my home in Bangkok 😉.

The park features around 12 points of interest, from the main boardwalk over the lotus pond to a pond housing freshwater alligators that visitors can see. To explore more easily, you can rent a bike from the office at the entrance and cycle around, visiting each attraction at your own pace.

If you prefer, you can simply stroll around and enjoy the beautiful lotuses while relaxing in one of the many floating pavilions in the park. It’s best to visit in the morning or evening, as there isn’t much shade. The park is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 6 PM on weekends, and entry is free.

4. Learn More About the History at Phu Phan Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

For those who are interested in the history of Sakon Nakhon, a great place to check out while you are in Sakon Nakhon City is Phu Phan Museum, a well-curated local museum that celebrates the region's history, culture, and natural heritage located in a large park right next to the Nong Han Lake.

The museum features 10 themed exhibition zones, covering everything from the ancient geology and dinosaurs of the Phu Phan Mountains to local ethnic groups, traditional crafts, and the famous Buddhist forest monks of Isaan.

Unfortunately, most of the exhibits are in Thai only, so you might not get as much out of it as I did. That said, many displays and old photographs speak for themselves and don’t require much explanation. I still think it’s well worth a visit, especially if you are planning to spend a night here.

The museum is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day except Sundays, and entry is free, which is why I still recommend visiting, even if most of the exhibits are in Thai. There’s also a lovely little viewpoint overlooking the lake behind the museum that you can walk to, so be sure to check that out as well.

5. Admire the Beauty of Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan is the most sacred and highly revered temple in Sakon Nakhon located right in the city center and it is considered one of the finest examples of Lao-style Buddhist architecture in Isaan.

Its iconic white and gold chedi rises about 24 meters high and was built in the 17th century to enshrine the footprints of four incarnations of the Buddha, whose impressions are said to rest beneath the structure. The temple grounds date back to the 10th century when Sakon Nakhon was part of the Khmer empire, and originally featured a Khmer prang built to protect the sacred footprints.

Beyond the chedi, you’ll find an elegant viharn complex built in the modern Rattanakosin style, similar to what you often see in newer temples around Bangkok, with white walls and colorful roofs. There’s also a small chapel that houses a sacred Chiang Saen–style Buddha image, which is highly venerated by locals.

The temple grounds are spacious and beautifully maintained, with the striking white-and-gold chedi at the center. It’s truly a sight to behold. Be sure to take your time and walk around the grounds while you’re in Sakon Nakhon. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, and entry is free.

6. Buy Indigo-Dyed Cotton Products as Souvenirs

Right next to the temple, you’ll find the Sakon Nakhon Walking Street, though to be honest, it’s not much of a walking street, with only a handful of local vendors setting up small stands. What makes it worth checking out, however, is what they’re selling: indigo-dyed cotton products, a craft that Sakon Nakhon is well known for.

This centuries-old craft is deeply rooted in the region’s culture, especially in villages like Ban Tham Tao and Ban Non Rua, where locals still use natural indigo plants to create rich blue hues through traditional dyeing techniques.

From t-shirts and scarves to pillowcases, you’ll find a variety of indigo-dyed products in shops around the temple or at the evening walking street, usually held around 6 PM on weekends. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, either for someone back home or to remember your trip by, this is a great place to pick one up.

7. Visit Wat Tham Pha Daen

Sakon Nakhon is home to some truly impressive forest temples, and one of my favorites is Wat Tham Pha Daen. Located amid the lush Phu Phan Mountains, about 20–35 km from Sakon Nakhon city, this Buddhist temple is full of colorful sculptures, stunning viewpoints, and much more, waiting for you to explore.

Here, you will find endless rock carvings of Buddhas and monks, some in bas-relief and others in high relief, etched into cliff faces. Its most striking centerpiece is the Naga Prok Buddha, a golden statue sheltered by a seven-headed Naga serpent that stretches an impressive 139 m along the cliff, with the Naga tail wrapping around in three protective coils.

There is also a Buddha footprint carving accompanied by several alms bowls, each labeled with different wishes such as love, money, and more. Visitors can try tossing a coin into the alms bowl representing their wish to make it come true. It’s a fun activity that local tourists enjoy, and I always find it entertaining to watch them try their luck. 😉

The temple is massive and it will take you about an hour to see them all. Be sure to find the stunning elevating Buddha image with stunning wood carvings as the background. I've never seen a Buddha image decorated in this way before; it's stunning.

To reach the temple, you’ll need to park at the base of the mountain. The temple offers a song-taew service that shuttles visitors up and down the hill. A round-trip ticket costs 20 THB per person. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, and aside from the transportation fee, entry is free.

8. Hike Up to Phra That Phu Phek's Khmer Ruin 💎 Hidden Gem

One of my favorite ancient Khmer ruins in Sakon Nakhon is Phra That Phu Phek, located at the top of Phu Phek mountain about 35 km west of Sakon Nakhon City. Believed to have been constructed between the 11th to 12th centuries, this sacred site goes to show just how far and wide the Khmer Empire was back in the day.

Many of the Khmer temples in Sakon Nakhon are relatively small, but Phra That Phu Phek is significantly larger. It is believed that the temple was never completed, as it lacks a roof and pinnacles. You can only imagine how grand it would have been if it were fully completed.

Despite its size, the temple remained hidden for a long time, surrounded by the lush green forest of Phu Phek until locals discovered it. They built a temple at the foothill and made the site accessible to visitors. To reach the summit, you’ll need to climb 491 steps, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s quite a steep hike, but the effort is rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Phu Phan Mountains.

Unfortunately, I visited during the rain, so I didn’t get to see the full view, but the temple shrouded in mist was a mystical sight in itself. If you enjoy history and a good hike, be sure to check out the Khmer ruins at Phra That Phu Phek. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.

9. Check Out Phrathat Narai Cheng Weng

For a more accessible Khmer temple, you can also check out Phrathat Narai Cheng Weng, a highly revered Khmer ruin located not too far from Sakon Nakhon Airport. Believed to have been constructed during the 11th century, this sandstone tower stands on a laterite base and is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

According to local legend, the temple was named after a queen called Phra Nang Narai Cheng Weng, who requested a portion of the Buddha’s relics brought by Kassapa Thera, a 12th-century forest monk from India. However, Kassapa Thera declined, wishing to keep the relics together, and instead gave her the ashes, which she housed in a stone tunnel in her garden. The relics are believed to have been kept where the monument stands today.

This is a small but charming Khmer ruin that’s easy to access, located not far from the main road. It makes a great visit if you’re interested in the history of the region. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.

10. A Quick Stop at Prasat Ku Phanna

If you are planning to drive from Sakon Nakhon to Udon Thani, you might want to make a quick stop at Prasat Ku Phanna, a small Khmer structure located in the middle of a rice field not too far from the highway connecting the 2 provinces together.

This sandstone structure, built on a laterite base, is believed to date from the 11th to 12th century. It served as a hospital or healing outpost for travelers of the Khmer Empire as it expanded across the region during that time.

It's not very big or as intricately designed as Phra That Phu Phek, but since it's on the way, it's a great place to stop by to stretch your legs and see the ruins before continuing your journey, so be sure to drop by here when you can. The place is open 24/7 and it is free to enter.

What to Eat & Drink in Sakon Nakhon?

1. Eat at Pak Mor Paris

Looking for a place to eat in Sakon Nakhon? One of the most famous spots is Pak Mor Paris, a local restaurant serving a small but delicious selection of Thai-style Vietnamese dishes like Vietnamese pizza and fresh rice noodle wraps, all at affordable prices.

Although the menu is limited, they do these dishes exceptionally well, especially their fresh rice noodle wraps, which make for a great snack or quick lunch. I tried both the wraps and the pizza and ended up completely full for the day.

The restaurant is open from 9:30 AM to 7 PM and tends to get busy with locals around noon, which is always a good sign. If you're looking for a quick lunch spot before continuing your exploration of Sakon Nakhon City, be sure to check out Pak Mor Paris.

2. Enjoy a cup of coffee at UDD Bistro & Cafe

If you're visiting Tha Rae Village, be sure to stop by UDD Bistro & Cafe, a charming spot housed inside Udomdechwat Mansion, an old two-story colonial residence that has been beautifully restored and transformed into a café. With its vivid yellow exterior, vintage decor, and modern amenities, it’s a lovely blend of old and new.

They serve refreshing drinks, coffee, and pastries, perfect for a quick break from the heat as you explore the village. The interior is filled with antique furnishings and artifacts, while the seating options include cozy indoor corners and a small garden out back for a more relaxed vibe.

Prices are on the higher side, but the experience of sitting inside a historic colonial building makes it worthwhile. While you're in Tha Rae, don’t miss the chance to visit UDD Bistro & Cafe. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

3. Have Dinner at Ban Fa Prong Restaurant

Ban Fa Prong Restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in Sakon Nakhon. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, both Thai and Western, along with pastries, coffee, and snacks, making it a great choice for any occasion. There are both indoor and outdoor seating options, with the indoor space thoughtfully divided into different zones for dining, coffee, or a mix of both.

This is more of a proper sit-down restaurant, so prices are on the higher side compared to typical street food, but you definitely get what you pay for. The Isaan-style steak here is excellent, and their coconut cake is also a must-try.

The restaurant is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, except on Mondays. If you’re looking for a nice spot for dinner while in town, Ban Fa Prong Restaurant is well worth a visit.

How to Get to Sakon Nakhon?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Sakon Nakhon is to fly from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon 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 Sakon Nakhon City, taking about 15 minutes. You can rent a car through PP Car Rental at the airport. You can send a message to them via Line app.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Sakon Nakhon Bus Terminal 2 in about 9.5 hours. The price is about 650 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

From the bus terminal, you should be able to find a motor-taxi or Sam Lor (3-wheels) to take you to Sakon Nakhon City in about 20 minutes. It's only 7 km from the new bus terminal to the city center.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon. The journey should take about 8.5 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 Sakon Nakhon?

By Car: The best way to get around Sakon Nakhon is to rent a car and drive around the province. You should be able to rent a car from Sakon Nakhon 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.