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!


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!

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.

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.


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.


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.

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!

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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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!!