Nakhon Phanom is a province situated in the Mekong river valley in North East Thailand. The Mekong river, one of the world’s longest rivers, marks the border between the province and neighboring Laos. The provincial seal shows the chedi of the Wat Phra That Phanom, the province’s most highly revered temple. The provincial capital Nakhon Phanom town is situated on the West bank of the Mekong river.
Nakhon Phanom has become a base to travel to Tha Khaek, a small town with some colonial French buildings across the border in Laos. The area around Tha Khaek is known for its spectacular landscape with jungles, mountains, caves and waterfalls.
To do & see in Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom province houses a number of natural, cultural and historical attractions worth a visit.
Illuminated boat procession
The illuminated boat procession or “fire boats festival” is held annually to mark the end of Buddhist lent (the rains retreat) and the return of the Buddha back to earth after preaching to His mother in the Tavatimsa Heaven. Late October or early November depending on the lunar calender, a procession of illuminated boats and rafts with scaffolding floats down the Mekong river in front of city hall, lighting up the river at night.
The Governor’s House Museum
The Governor’s House is a French colonial style building, constructed about a century ago for the first governor of Nakhon Phanom. In 1955 His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit visited Nakhon Phanom and spend a night in the mansion. In 2008 the house was restored and turned into a museum. The first floor exhibits items relating to the history of Nakhon Phanom including old photographs, as well as an exhibit dedicated to the illuminated boat procession. On the second floor visitors can see the bedroom where the King and Queen spend the night, brought back into its original state.
The Governor’s House Museum is located on Thanon Sunthon Vijit on the banks of the Mekong river, North of the center of town. Opening hours are daily from 10 am until 5 pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free.
Boat at the Mekong river