Guide to Secret Sunset Views in Nakhon Phanom

Watching the sunset is a great way to end the day. Nong Han Lake, the Naga statue, and rooftop restaurants along the Mekong River are just some of the best places to enjoy the sunset in Nakhon Phanom. Because smaller cities in Thailand don’t have public transit, the best way to get around is with a car rental in Nakhon Phanom.

Fortunately, Drive Car Rental has a wide selection of vehicles at our office in the Nakhon Phanom airport. Simply fly in and drive away! 

Now that you’ve got your rental keys in hand, here are the best spots for amazing sunset views in Nakhon Phanom:

Rooftop Restaurants and Bars

Nakhon Phanom thrives thanks to its location on the Mekong River bordering Laos. Cross-border trade means business travelers frequent the area, and after a long day of meetings, many head down to the riverside. 

Along the riverside are several hotels, bars, and restaurants with 360-degree rooftop views. From here, visitors can get an excellent view of the landscape and enjoy a cocktail while the sun goes down. 

Riverside Clock Tower and Naga Statue

The riverfront isn’t just for bars and restaurants. It’s also the home of the weekend walking street, which extends from the Vietnamese clocktower to the Naga statue. While there isn’t a direct view of the setting sun, orange skies lighting up the river at sunset provides a peaceful atmosphere. 

Grab some tasty treats and drinks at any of the hundreds of street vendors and have a seat on the riverside steps. Tourists can watch massive barges and river boats sail down the Mekong on their way to destinations throughout Southeast Asia. 

Sunset From the Laos Side

Those staying in Nakhon Phanom for a few days can spend one day on the Laos side of the river and see the town of Thakek. The nearby mountains to the east provide perfect viewpoints for the sunset. Visas for Laos can be obtained online or at the border for approximately £38. 

The primary crossing point is the Third Thai Laos Friendship Bridge, located just to the north of the city. The border opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. Remember to add in extra time for filling out immigration forms and stamping passports. 

Just after sunset, those on the Laos side of the river can watch as Nakhon Phanom lights up. The naga statue in particular is brilliantly lit at night for everyone along the river to see. 

Mekong Underwater World

To the west of the city is the Mekong Underwater World aquarium. This is a great place to take the family for an afternoon of learning about the ecosystem of the Mekong River. The aquarium has several species of fish, crabs, shrimp, and other wildlife that inhabit the river. 

Interactive exhibits allow visitors to see how the river flows and changes the landscape over time. They also show how human interactions with their environment are changing the wildlife that lives in the waters. 

Afterwards, head outside to the nearby reservoir and head to the eastern shore for sunset. The lake makes the perfect foreground for a Southeast Asian sunset. 

Nong Han Lake

Nong Han Lake is located just to the north of the Nakhon Phanom Airport. On the northern edge of the lake is a bridge that extends out to a small island viewpoint. From here, travelers can look out over the lake across a field of lotus flowers. The sunset to the west is equally spectacular. 

Those coming in the early morning might see locals in traditional shallow boats navigating the lotus ponds with a pole similar to the gondolas of Venice. These locals are gathering lotus flower buds to sell as offerings at temples across the province. 

See More With Drive Car Rental

Regardless of which hidden gems and main attractions in Nakhon Phanom you’d like to see, Drive Car Rental has the right vehicle. We provide renters with a wide selection of SUVs, luxury cars, electric vehicles, and compacts!

Anyone who books early gets a 10% discount. Those arriving in the high season (from November to April) are advised to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee the best selection and rates. 

For even bigger discounts, long-stay tourists, business travelers, and expats can choose monthly, semi-annual, or yearly vehicle rentals. The longer the booking, the more money you can save!