Nakhon Phanom Province is situated in Isaan and shares borders with Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon and Nong Khai. To the north-east it borders Khammouan of Laos. Towards the end of 2011 a bridge should have been completed connecting Nakhon Phanom to Khammouan, you can read about that here.
Phu Lang ka National Park, about 31,250 Rais or 50 squares kilometers, covers the area in Baan Pang District, Nakhon Phanom Province, and Sega District, Nong Khai Province. There generally are productive forests such as montane forest, rain forest, mixed forest and deciduous forest. The area is the source of water, habitat of a number of animals, and has many wonderful places to visit such as cliffs, caves and waterfalls. Despite the beautiful scenery and productive forest, the area also has many varieties of life and environment.
Phra Achan Bua Temiyo Museum
Phra Achan Bua Temiyo Museum is situated at Wat Sila Mongkhon in Ban Lak Sila, only 5km from Amphoe That Phanom. The museum houses the remains of the famous monk Phra Achan Man Phuritatto and the religious items of another monk, Phra Achan Bua Temiyo. The well-preserved body of the latter monk is kept here and is highly revered by locals.
Ban Na Chok (Ho Chi Minh House)
The village was once a safe house for Ho Chi Minh, an ex-president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, during 1924 -1931 when he led the war for Vietnam’s independence. The village is shady with various plants. Vietnamese cuisine is available. Ban Na Chok is located at Km. 237-238 on Highway 22 (Nakhon Phanom – Sakon Nakhon). For more information, call Tel. 0 4252 2430.
Wat Trai Phum
A riverside temple located in Tha Uthen District where the 15th century, 80-inch tall Phra Bang image with an octagon base surrounded by 8 elephants is enshrined. It is believed that a procession with the image during the dry season will bring rainfall.
Phra That Tha Uthen
Phra That Tha Uthen is located opposite Hin Bun town in Laos. It is situated approximately 26km north of the city on Highway 212. Similar in style to Phra That Phanom, Phra That Tha Uthen is 66 meters high. Constructed in 1912, the chedi (pagoda) houses the relics of the Lord Buddhas' disciple brought from over from Yangon, Myanmar.
Phra That Renu Nakhon
Phra That Renu Nakhon is located 52km south of Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. Upon reaching the kilometer 44 marker, turn right and proceed for another 7km. The pagoda, which is 35 meters high, was built in 1918 and is a scaled down replica of Phra That Phanom. Inside the pagoda are a Buddhist scripture and a gold Buddha image.
Renu Nakhon is home to many Phu Thai ethnic minorities who retain their culture, especially their dances and the custom of the Bai-Si-Su-Kwan ceremony. This indigenous group excels weaving cotton and their products that are highly sought after by tourists.
Phra That Maha Chai
Phra That Maha Chai is located at Wat Khosadaram, Tambon Maha Chai, some 40 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom town on the Nakhon Phanom-Sakon Nakhon (Highway No. 22). The monastery is easily accessible via a 2-kilometer road that leads directly to the temple. The chedi enshrines the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Inside the convocation hall is Thailand's largest wooden Buddha image. The hall also features exquisite murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha that are regarded as one of the finest and rarest murals of the Northeast.
Wat Si Thep
Wat Si Thep is situated on Sunthon Wichit Road and houses the highly revered Phra Saeng, which is said to have been built along with Phra Suk and Phra Sai, two other Buddha images. In addition, the ordination hall features exquisite murals.
Wat Okat (Wat Okatsibuaban)
The temple, which is located along the bank of the Mekong River, on Sunthon Wichit Road is an ancient monastery that has not been dated. The temple was built before the provincial town was established and houses many highly-revered old Buddha images such as Phra Teaw and Phra Tiam. Additional attractions at the temple are its magnificent murals.
Wat Maha That
This monastery is located on Sunthon Wichit Road, on the bank of Mekong River. The compound includes Phra That Nakhon a sacred pagoda highly worshipped by Buddhists. With a square base of 5.8 meters wide and a height of 24 meters, the pagoda was built by Phraya Ammat (Pom), the army commander-in-chief from Vientiane who built Nakhon Phanom City.
Saint Anna Nong Saeng Church
Saint Anna Church is located on Sonthornvijit Road which runs parallel to the dame in front of the city of Nakhon Phanom. The church was built in 1926 by a Catholic priest. The church stands as a symbol of an international city that welcomes inhabitants from all walks of life. Before Christmas eve, Christians will make different styles of stars and put them together in the church.
Phra That Prasit
Located in Amphoe Na Wa, the stupa is designated as a holy place, especially for one born on Thursday. It is believed to grant the wish of working successfully.
Phra That Phanom
Phra That Phanom is located 50km from Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. It is the most important Buddhist site in the province. A 53-meters tall square-shaped pagoda, it was believed to have been built before the 12th century. The pagoda, which is believed to have originally been of Khmer design, was renovated through the years to its present Laotian design. The pagoda enshrines the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. On August 11, 1975 at 7 p.m., the entire pagoda collapsed after many days of rainstorm. The Thai public subsequently made considerable donations to rebuild the pagoda to its original splendor. People placed many valuables inside and placed a 110-kilogram solid gold spire on top of the pagoda.
Ban Nong Chan Old Town
This is the only site where it is possible to see the brick ruins and a number of large trees that are over a hundred years old. Archeological evidence reveals that the place was formerly the camp site of Phraya Chiangsa who led his troops from Vientiane to assist Tao Kumsing in the fight to liberate Tao Kumsing's Kingdom from Tao Gugnews control. This old town is located about 5km from the city.
Phu Kratae Golf Club
Located in the compound of Nakhon Phanom Technical School, Nitayo Road, Nakhon Phanom 48000, golf lovers may call 042 511177 for reservation or more details.
Hat Thai Mueang
Thai Mueang Beach is a freshwater beach that appears only during the dry season from February to April when it extends to the middle of the Mekong River almost reaching the river bank on the Laos side. This beach is another excellent place from which to enjoy the river view from dusk to dawn.
Paying Homage to Phrathat Phanom
Annual event in January including a ceremony to bring the Phra Uppakut Buddha image from the Mekong River in
a procession to be enshrined in the Phra That Phanom compound, ceremony of linking the holy thread from both sides of the river between Phrathat Phanom, Thailand and Phrathat Sri Khot Rabong, Lao PDR., daily circumambulation around the Phrathat, praying for good fortune and luck, placing of gold leaf and sermons of respect to Phrathat Phanom, as well as sales of local products.
Nakhon Phanom Guest Houses & Hotels
i Hotel
136 Moo 14 Chayang Kuan Road, Tumbon Tha Kho, Amphoe Mueang
Nakhon Phanom 48000
Tel: 042-543-355
First Hotel
16 Si-Thep Road, Muang
Nakhon Phanom 48000
Tel: 0-4251-1253
J.B. Place Hotel
388 Moo 4 Nakhonpanom-Nongkai Road, Tumbon Ban Phaeng, Amphoe Ban Phaeng,
Nakhon Phanom 48140
Tel: 042-591-797-8