Nakhon Phanom Attractions and Travel Guide

Attractions

Phra That Tha Uthen 

Phra That Tha Uthen is located opposite Hin Bun town in Laos. It is situated approximately 26 kilometers 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 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.

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.

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 Renu Nakhon

Phra That Renu Nakhon is located 52 kilometers south of Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. Upon reaching the kilometer 44 marker, turn right and proceed for another 7 kilometers. 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 Phanom 

Phra That Phanom is located 50 kilometers 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.

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.

Phu Langka National Park 

This park is in the Langka Mountain Range, 6 kilometres from Ban Phaeng district and comprises 2 waterfalls.

Namtok Tat Kham is located near the park office. This small 4-tiered waterfall is superb for relaxation.

Namtok Tat Pho, which can be seen from the highway paralleling the Mekong River, is located 11 kilometers from Ban Phaeng and 5 kilometers from Tat Kham Waterfall. Equally beautiful, Tat Pho is best visited during the rainy season. A trail to the waterfall allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of both sides of the falls while walking a little over 1 hour.

Tha Khaek (located in Laos) 

Foreigners wishing to extend their journey to Tha Khaek should obtain Lao Visas. Only travelers with valid visas are allowed to cross to Laos by ferry. Tha Khaek is a trade outpost with interesting French colonial architecture.

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.

Riverside Promenade 

Fancy a walk along the mighty and famous Mekong Riverω Visitors can stroll along the riverside promenade parallel to the Mekong River and enjoy the view across the river of Tha Khaek City against the mountainous backdrop. The view is spectacular in the evening as the sun sets over the mountains on the other side of the river.

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.

Phra That Nakhon 

Located in amphoe Mueang, the stupa is designated as a holy place, expecially for one born on Saturday. It is believed to grant the wish of being a respectful leader.

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.

Phra Achan Bua Temiyo Museum 

Phra Achan Bua Temiyo Museum is situated at Wat Sila Mongkhon in Ban Lak Sila, only 5 kilometers 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.