Nakhon Phanom

Travel guide

Home to some of Thailand's most spectacular Mekong riverfront scenery, Nakhon Phanom province, although primarily a gateway to Laos and onwards to Vietnam, is also home to one of Isan's (and southern Laos') most important wats, Phra That Phanom in the southern town of That Phanom.

While the province's position on the Lao border has created a relatively high Vietnamese and Laotian population -- with an influence that can be seen primarily in the food, this is nevertheless still a very Thai province.

Nakhon Phanom (City of Mountains) sits alongside the Mekong River and approximately 735km from Bangkok. Primarily a farmer's market town, there are as many tractor stores as mobile phone stores (or almost anyway) and it has an overall very rural feel to it.

Few travellers find themselves here for any reason other than leaving again to visit Laos via Tha Khaek, which sits opposite Nakhon Phanom across the waters of the Mekong.

If you are planning on entering Laos at this point, we'd suggest staying at That Phanom (at Niyana Guesthouse) an hour south of town -- it is a far more interesting place to stay, although the riverside view is better at Nakhon Phanom.

Book online

Nakhonphanom River View Hotel
Nakhonphanom
From: US$30.00 with Sawasdee

Nakhonphanom River View Hotel
9 Nakhonphanom-Thatphanom Road Muang District
From: US$37.00 with Agoda

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Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Nakhon Phanom. You can find the full forum here.

Nakhon Phanom reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

NKP is a great little city!
By MADMAC (dabbler - 8 reviews)
Written on 6th June, 2009 after a visit to Nakhon Phanom in April, 2009
I love this little town. Rich in history, Nakhon Phanom is where Ho Chi Minh spent several years (the house is now a museum). The airport allows for easy access to Bangkok - PB Air flies several flights a week into the old Air America airport there. Much of the secret war in Laos was fought from and around Nakhon Phanom.

As the original article states, That Phanom is definitely worth seeing, and it's the nicest temple I have seen in my two years in Thailand.

I love the nightlife there. Centred around the Vietnamese clock tower there is a nice little mix of bars and restaurants.

I found the locals to be extremely friendly and charming.

Sights & activities   History & culture   Scenery & environment   Eat & drink

Traveller's scene   Romance   Value for money   I'll be back (or not)

Also reviewed by MADMAC: Mukdahan, Savannakhet, That Phanom, Udon Thani, Yasothon,

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