If I’m honest, I’m not sure why I added Nakhon Phanom to my list, many years ago when I was planning what was then my most extensive trip through Thailand’s Isaan region. Nothing about the sparsely-populated province stands out on paper.
Well, at least it didn’t at that. Obviously, part of the reason I’m taking (virtual) pen to (digital) paper today is because I want to change that.
Indeed, if my round-up of things to do in Nakhon Phanom doesn’t make you want to visit, I hope my pictures will. Are you ready for me to take you to where Isaan ends?
When I Say “Nakhon Phanom,” I Mean “That Phanom”
Before we get into the meat of my Nakhon Phanom itinerary, I should probably disambiguate—and in a couple of ways. Although there’s plenty of see in the rural reaches of Jangwat Nakhon Phanom, what I’m talking about here (and, frankly, what’s of interest to most foreign travelers) is the town of That Phanom. Whose name, I should explain, is pronounced more like the adjective “tot” (as in “tator tot”) than the demonstrative “that.” Bit I digress.
This might seem like a bummer, but it’s actually a good thing: This small (but charming) town on the Mekong River is a much more manageable and less unruly destination than its surrounding province: You’ll have time to relax once you finish sightseeing! Some travelers will bring their night market finds back to their hotel rooms and play real money baccarat as they chow down, while others may click around this website to plan their next trip.
My Favorite Things to Do in Nakhon Phanom
Say a prayer at Wat Phrathat Phanom
By the standards of Thai religious structures, Wat Phrathat Phanom is pretty small. However, it is by far the tallest and most impressive edifice in That Phanom; you can see it from everywhere. Moreover, its importance is evident from the moment you step foot within its grounds, where hundreds or even thousands of worshippers say prayers.
Eat your way through Nakhon Phanom Night Market
Not surprisingly, many peoples’ favorite example of what to do in That Phanom involves food. I’m speaking, in particular, about the Nakhon Phanom Night Market. Here, you can try both pan-Thai and Isaan-specific specialties. My favorite is sai krok isaan, a type of fermented sausage, but I encourage you to be adventurous.
Walk down to the Mekong River
Whether you look across the water and say Sabaidee to Laos, or simply sit down and have a quiet moment, the waterfront of the Mekong River is a serene place to reflect on your time in Nakhon Phanom. Chances are there’ll be a few friendly locals around as well—they may even chat you up, if you can speak or understand Thai!
Continue onward to Sakhon Nakhon or Udon Thani
Once I finished up with my That Phanom itinerary, I made my way back counter-clockwise to Udon Thani. Although I could’ve gone all the way (the driving time is just 3-4 hours—not longer by American standards), I made a pit stop in Sakhon Nakhon, a rural province that’s even less well-known than Nakhon Phanom.
Or stop in Mukdahan on the way
On my way to That Phanom, meanwhile, I made a rewarding visit to Mukdahan. Located north of Ubon Ratchathani, this is a part of Thailand that’s easy to skip, but impossible to forget. In particular, the unique Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom Buddha is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been in Thailand!
How to Get to (and Around) Nakhon Phanom
Surprisingly, Nakhon Phanom does have an airport, and enjoys several flights per day to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, on both Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air. That’s good news if you happen to be starting or ending your trip in the province. The reality, however, is that this isn’t the case for most travelers. Rather, you’ll be stopping along the way from one place in Isaan to another (probably between Mukdahan and Sakhon Nakhon or Udon Thani).
This is just as well. While your own two feet are all you’ll need to navigate my list of what to do in Nakhon Phanom (at least in That Phamon town), it’s better to have your own set of wheels to get around Isaan more broadly. In particular, your best options for renting a car are at a larger airport; I visited Nakhon Phanom on a counter-clockwise journey that took me from (and back to) Udon Thani via Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan.
Other FAQ About Visiting Nakhon Phanom
What is Nakhon Phanom famous for?
To the extent that Nakhon Phanom is famous at all, it is notable for the gorgeous stupa of Wat Phrathat Phanom. However, part of what’s so appealing about this place is the fact that it isn’t famous. In fact, you are very unlikely to encounter any other foreign tourists at all.
How do I go to Nakhon Phanom?
Although you can fly directly from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Phanom, it makes more sense in the context of an Isaan road trip. In particular, I find that it slots in well between neighboring Mukdahan and Sahkhon Nakhon provinces, preferably in that order.
What country is Nakhon Phanom in?
Nakhon Phanom is in Thailand, though you could be forgiven for believing otherwise. That’s because it is located just across the Mekong River from Laos, which you can easily see over the water. As is the case in most of the rest of Isaan, local people can understand (and, in some cases, speak) the Lao language.
The Bottom Line
The bad news? On its own, a list of things to do in Nakhon Phanom might not be enough to compel you to visit. Obviously, I’ve done my best to combat this tendency; I’d like to think that my images quite literally paint a picture of what the city is like. Still, the reality is that somewhere so far off Thailand’s beaten path—and let’s be frank: Nakhon Phanom is extremely far off the beaten path—is not for everyone. It does, however, reward all those who make the effort to go there. Want to ensure your next trip to Thailand is rewarding, whether or not you visit Nakhon Phanom? Consider hiring me to plan a custom Thailand itinerary!
