Hidden Gems Versus Main Attractions in Nakhon Phanom

When deciding what to see in eastern Thailand, the choices often come down to hidden gems versus main attractions in Nakhon Phanom. Larger crowds can distract from main attractions, but hidden gems can be more difficult to get to. Fortunately, you can easily see everything the Laos border region has to offer with a car rental at the Nakhon Phanom airport.

Nakhon Phanom is a provincial capital city located on the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand. The city has a lot to offer and is generally seen as off the tourist radar. However, it does have its share of tourist sites. 

Must-Sees in Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom’s location on the border of Thailand and Laos makes it an important trading centre of the region. It was founded in the late 1700s, but the history of the region dates back a millennium or more. 

This makes it a historical centre for the region and a destination for eastern Thai Buddhist pilgrims. A major site for such pilgrims is a temple located about seventy kilometres away in That Phanom, which is still within the Nakhon Phanom province. 

Wat Phrathat Phanom

The founding of this temple has been dated to around the 7th or 8th century, with the foundations of some buildings dating to around 1100. The modern temple seen today was built over centuries and expanded several times by Khmer (Cambodian), Lao, and Thai Buddhists. 

The temple is a sacred pilgrimage site in Buddhism because of the legendary Buddha relics enshrined there. It’s said that the breast bone of the Buddha himself is buried inside the main Chedi (the bell-shaped structure at many Thai temples). This also helps explain temple rituals in Nakhon Phanom that thousands of people participate in every year.

Mekong Walking Street Market

The Nakhon Phanom walking street is conveniently located between two of the city’s landmarks. It begins at the Vietnamese clock tower and extends down to the riverside Naga statue and fountain. 

This stretch of road is nearly one kilometre of stunning street food, stalls selling trinkets, and street performers. The walking street is open Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Our guide to secret sunset views Nakhon Phanom also mentions this market!

Wat Maha That

This temple is another historic site in Nakhon Phanom, with some sources dating the temple to the 7th century. It was made to resemble the aforementioned Wat Phratat Phanom to the south of the city and was once the primary temple residence of the supreme leader of Thai Buddhism. Today, the temple remains an important site along the Mekong River for locals and visitors. 

Hidden Gems of Nakhon Phanom

Given its location on the border of Thailand and Laos, Nakhon Phanom’s history is tied to its status as a part of three kingdoms: Laos, Thailand, and Khmer (Cambodia). The city also played a role in accepting refugees from French Indochina during France’s rule over Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Numerous well-known individuals have called this city home over the years and left behind some interesting history along the way. 

Ho Chi Minh’s House

The legendary leader of communist North Vietnam spent time here in the 1920s and 1930s while on the run from French authorities. He lived a quiet life just outside of town in a tiny house with a small garden. Today, the site is a museum where visitors can see photos of Minh’s early life before he rose to fame as Vietnam’s leader. 

Historical Architecture

The city’s reputation as a hub for cross-border trade led more visitors than just Ho Chi Minh to the city. Centuries of construction included many colonial-era buildings that still stand today. Tourists can see these pieces of history just one or two blocks back from the river from the Mekong Walking Street. 

Maekong Underwater World

This small aquarium is dedicated to showcasing the life of the Mekong River. It has many native river creatures and fish, along with exhibits explaining the ecosystem of the river. 

See Everything With Drive Car Rental

Nakhon Phanom town is just one part of a large province visitors can explore. The most convenient way to see everything Eastern Thailand has to offer is with a rental car from Drive Car Rental. 

We have an office at the Nakhon Phanom Airport so visitors can fly in and drive away. We offer a wide variety of vehicles, from compacts and electrics to SUVs and luxury vehicles!

Those who book early are awarded a 10% discount, and we offer large discounts for long-stay tourists, business travelers, and expats who rent for a month or longer. Check out our site and see all the vehicles on offer!