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7 Best Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom

If you’re looking for things to do in Nakhon Phanom, one of the lesser known cities in Thailand, then look no further.

1. Take A River Cruise Along The Mekong

The most popular of things to do in Nakhon Phanom.

If you’re heading anywhere near the Mekong then we recommend jumping on a boat and taking an hour cruise up and down the river.

It’s the opportunity to literally sit in between two countries and although it’s not the cleanest water in the world, it’s definitely an opportunity to add a big fat tick to the bucket list!

Mekong River Cruise Thailand Thai Foot Massage Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom River
Charlie ready to embark on a Mekong River cruise
Mekong River Cruise Thailand Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom
Our captain steering us along the Mekong

2. Rent Bicycles And Explore

If you don’t fancy river cruising then many of the guys on our trip recommended taking bicycles.

So off we set with our helmets for an early morning ride on our penultimate day!

We got up at 5am and rode around the town, which is very popular for cycling among locals.

There’s a bike lane that runs all the way along the promenade and matches the Mekong River for around 13km. Making for a beautiful way to start the day!

Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom Mekong River Bike Ride
Lauren taking the healthy and early option

3. Wat Phra That Phanom

Wat Phra That Phanom is one of the most photogenic temples we’ve ever seen.

Of course it’s also a very old and sacred religious site that’s known for keeping the Buddha breast bone relic in the chedi – the central Buddhist stupa.

Wat Phra That Phanom Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom Temple
The beautiful Wat Phra That Phanom

4. Visit The Night Market

Open from 5pm – 9pm on Fueang Nakhon Road, this was one of our favourite things to do in Nakhon Phanom!

Surprisingly enough this small town night market was HUGE! It was full of cheap foods, gifts and denim shorts…a lot of denim shorts!

Lauren managed to pick up a couple of cool character tees and Charlie got an amazing chocolate brownie so if you ask our opinion it’s well worth a visit.

Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom Night Market
Sunsets over the Nakhon Phanom night market…
Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom Night Market
…with some interest snacks for sale

5. Stand On The 3rd Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge

Ok, so this one is kind of impossible, highly illegal and we don’t recommend it!

The Thai-Laos Friendship bridge is exactly what it says on the tin. A bridge built over the Mekong River connecting the neighbouring countries of Thailand and Laos.

The bridge is highly patrolled with security and works as an immigration check point for those crossing the boarder by land.

On the day we visited we were lucky enough to be travelling with members of the tourism board on our conference who granted us access to pop through (without any passports) and stand in the middle of the bridge to take photos.

Never the less it’s a cool monument and one that’s visible from the cycling lane along the river.

Third Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge Nakhon Phanom Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom
The incredible long stretch of tarmac connecting Thailand and Laos
Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom Mekong River Bike Ride
The Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge from a distance

6. Experience A Local Massage

When we pulled up a chair to a lady covered in orange powder it wasn’t the kind of massage we were expecting.

A mixture of tamarind, coffee and lemon infused water was the most refreshing way to reward our feet and try out a local tradition at the same time.

Thai Foot Massage Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom
Lauren enjoying a local foot massage – a must on your things to do in Nakhon Phanom list

7. Mix With The Locals

One thing we love about visiting less toursity areas of Asia is seeing the reaction of the local kids.

9 times out of 10 they’re sooo excited to mess around and mix with the westerners so if you see a smiley kid make sure to stop and put the effort in. You may be the first non-thai person they’ve ever seen!

Thai Children Nakhon Phanom Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom
Charlie hanging out with the locals

Where To Stay In Nakhon Phanom

Mid-Budget – The River Hotel

Located in Nakhon Phanom, The River Hotel features rooms with a private balcony.

Other services include massage and free Wi-Fi, which is available in all areas. 

The River Hotel is a 5-minute ride from Wat Mahatat and Indo-China Market. Air-conditioned rooms are provided with a flat-screen cable TV, a fridge and a safety box. An en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer. 

For convenience, the residence provided a 24-hour front desk and a laundry service. On-site parking area is available.

For more places to stay in Nakhon Phanom, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

More Thailand Blogs

4 Days In Bangkok Itinerary – A Complete Guide

Best Things To Do On Koh Phangan – Ultimate List

Arriving In Bangkok – Things To Know + Tips

Best Things To Do In Koh Samui – Ultimate List


This trip was coordinated by Destination Mekong
@mekongmoments
www.mekongmoments.com


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7 Best Things To Do In Nakhon Phanom

Leanne Marshall

Wednesday 11th of July 2018

Love going to local night markets! Such a good vibe and you get pretty cool bargains too!

Leanne

Charlie Pauly

Thursday 12th of July 2018

Yes yes! We're all about the night markets in Asia!!