Things to do in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand

A peaceful yet charming town located in the northeast of Thailand needs limelight so that travelers can get their ultimate digital detox. Nakhon Phanom has everything a traveler would want and expect. Read along to know the things to do in Nakhon Phanom.

I had the opportunity to visit Nakhon Phanom as it was chosen as a venue for Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF), 2018. I was extremely pleased with the choice of the venue as it gave a different perspective of Thailand which is so uncommon. Bordering Laos and being separated by the tranquil brown waters of Mekong River, this Nakhon Phanom itinerary is the best way to plan your trip for 3 days or more.

I flew to Nakhon Phanom after spending one day in Bangkok. While Bangkok was a sensory overload, the tranquil pace of Nakhon Phanom really made me feel at peace.

WHY NAKHON PHANOM?

While there is no dearth of amazing destinations across Thailand, off the beaten path in Thailand is something a lot of people are looking at. The crowds are less a such places and the experience is authentic. I had not heard about Nakhon Phanom and had no idea what it offered. I was pleasantly surprised with the options of places to visit in Nakhon Phanom.

THINGS TO DO IN NAKHON PHANOM

Chill along the banks of Mekong River

Since the entire town is situated at the Mekong riverbank, you cannot miss the Mekong river no matter where you are. Stay in one of the hotels situated at the river bank or take a walk at the riverfront. The only sounds you will listen to are the bird calls, cricket sounds and the occasional motorboats to catch fresh fish. The ever-changing cloud formations and the colour of the sky will keep you around the river bank for sure. Nakhon Phanom river view hotels are every traveller’s favourite and I enjoyed my stay at The River Hotel and it had the best views in town, period!

I especially relaxed looking at the Laotion mountain on the other side of Mekong riverbank. I found the mountains, river and the overall atmosphere extremely therapeutic.

River Cruise on Mekong River

If you are bored by doing nothing, Nakhon Phanom evening cruise or sunset dinner cruise is the best activity for the evening. It is one of the best Nakhon Phanom attractions and gives a wonderful opportunity to catch the South Asian sunset overlooking the Mekong. It generally rains in the afternoon and the sky colours in the evening are one of the most gorgeous that I have seen so far!

Grab a snack and beer and watch the sun go down, the water splash on your face and people going about their business in Laos! Yup, time to tick off ‘Being in 2 places at once’ from your bucket-list as it is the border town between Thailand and Laos and super pretty.

Cafes in Nakhon Phanom | Food in Nakhon Phanom

The town has a lot of influence from Vietnam because a lot of people migrated here during the Vietnam war after crossing Laos. And that is the reason you will find Vietnam coffee here. Some desserts won’t hurt either! Cute European style cafes are lined up along the main road overlooking the Mekong river.

While exploring Nakhon Phanom on foot and checking out the riverfront during the humidity I couldn’t help but check out a cute little cafe on the crossroads. I had a quick visit to the Cafe Le Landmark. This cafe serves decent coffee, tea various types of smoothies as well as some European desserts such as pastries and croissants.

Street Photography – One of the best things to do in Nakhon Phanom

The riverfront comes alive in the evening as the entire town comes down, to have a good time, catch up with friends, walk or snack. You will not get tired of photographing street art, installations, boats on the river, sunsets, cute children playing on the riverfront and the Multiheaded Naga (Paya Sri Satta Nakara) which is the landmark of Nakhon Phanom.

This street market starts operation between 4 pm to 9:30 pm and there are ample things to photograph and do here. Streetside thrift stores, souvenirs and, of course, lots of food. All the town’s historic buildings are also situated on this street which gives it a nice atmosphere too.

Nakhon Phanom Night Market

Some retail therapy and local gastronomic indulgence is always good for relaxation, right? I found the Nakhon Phanom night market to be cheaper than Bangkok (for clothes) with almost similar varieties if not more. Do indulge in some local lip-smacking starters, mains and desserts. Nakhon Phanom night market timings are 5pm – 9pm on Fueang Nakhon Road, and this was one of my favourite things to do in Nakhon Phanom!

Surprisingly this small town night market is Huge and you can shop for anything and everything under the roof in this market.

Getting a Massage in Nakhon Phanom

Massage parlours in Thailand are famous for Thai spa. In Nakhon Phanom, you can detoxify yourself with a local massage. Forget about expensive lotions and designer scrubs. Let the local community ladies rejuvenate you with freshly ground coffee and turmeric, with a pinch of salt. Don’t worry it does not have an odour and the scrub is amazing and not to forget organic and sustainable! Way to go, you ladies.

Ride a Skylab!

Tuk-tuk is locally called a skylab! The name is derived from its structure which when seen from a distance and going at higher speed looks like a tuk-tuk is flying – hence it is called a skylab. Take a ride around the town by riding one of these vehicles. Do not forget to hold on to the railings for your own safety!

How to reach Nakhon Phanom from Bangkok?

Flight: It is well connected with Bangkok and there are 4 flights every day with a run time of 1 hour and 20 minutes

Bus or Car: There are 2 buses that run daily from Bangkok Bus Terminal to Nakhon Phanom with a run time of 11hours and 30 minutes

Train: There is no direct train but if you choose this option then you have to board at Hua Lamphong to Udon Thani which takes about 9 hours and then a bus to Nakhon Phanom which takes 4 hours.

Nakhon Phanom Weather | Best time to visit Nakhon Phanom

The wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is humid and partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. The best time to visit Nakhon Phanom is between November to February.

Where to Stay in Nakhon Phanom

Being an offbeat destination, generally used by locals for transit, Nakhon Phanom hotels are mid-range ones with very options of luxury hotels in Nakhon Phanom. Most hotels face the Mekong and on its bank. I stayed at the River Hotel and I witnessed some of the best sunrises and sunsets overlooking the Laotian mountains over the 3 days that I spent time there.

Hotels: River Hotel, Blu Hotel, Fortune Riverview Hotel and R Photo hotel

Resorts: Thai Lao Resort and Spa

Hostel: Bike and Bed Hostel

Sustainable Travel Tips for Things to do in Nakhon Phanom

• Most hotels in Nakhon Phanom have refill water station – use it instead of buying PET bottles from 7-eleven stores.
• Nakhon Phanom is still developing and opening up to tourism. Try buying food and clothes from a local market/food joint to boost their economy.
• It is a clean town so do not add your waste to the streets. Always use a dustbin.
• The entire SE Asia is reeling in the single-use plastic storm. Politely say no to a plastic bag when buying the soup or that beautiful indigo shirt!
• Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting a pagoda
• There is a huge local boost to travel startups with sustainable businesses and provided a showcase platform. We should do out bit to keep these startups running successfully.

Read More Thailand posts here:

• Rediscover Thailand with Spirituality
• Things to do in Chiang Rai
• Rediscover Thailand with Spirituality

Read posts from neighbouring countries dotting the Mekong River:

Cambodia: 2 days in Phnom Penh

Laos: Must visit attractions in Luang Prabang

Vietnam: 2 days in Hanoi

Disclosure: I was invited by Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) to attend the Mekong Tourism Forum, 2018. Special thanks to Tourism Authority of Thailand, Destination Mekong and Office of Nakhon Phanom province for organizing this event.

 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.