Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom (นครพนม) is a city and province in Isaan, Thailand.

An introduction to Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom is in the northeastern region of Thailand, roughly 734 kilometers northeast of Bangkok and 378 kilometers southwest of Hanoi,Vietnam. It borders Lao PDR's Khamoun Province, Tha Khaek District. Nakhon Phanom was the site of a US base during the Vietnam War, housing the 56th Air Commando Wing, based at Nakhon Phanom Royal (Thai) Air Force Base.

Its mission was search and rescue and interdiction of the Ho Chi Minh Trails in Laos 48 kilometers to the east.

The city has a beautiful landscape, with the Mekong River running adjacent to the city, marking the current border between Thailand and Laos.

The population of Nakhon Phanom is a diverse mix of Thais, Thai-Vietnamese, Thai-Chinese, and perhaps a few Thai-Indians. The main languages spoken are (Thai), Isaan, and Vietnamese, Isaan being the most popular of them. The primary culture is Lao, as Isaan was part of Laos until the late 19th century. Ho Chi Minh resided in a small village between the downtown and the air base to the west during the late-1920s and early-1930s.

A new museum has been constructed there, his home is preserved and is open to the public, and it draws many Vietnamese tourists.

Although a small town, Nakhon Phanom is famous for its centuries-old temples and beautiful landscape. The city has a reserved and traditional Isaan culture. A traveller may well find the residents of the city very hospitable and kind. The surrounding villages have many tribal cultures unique to Isaan and Laos.

Get in

By plane

Nok Air operates Flights to Nakhon Phanom (KOP), as does (Thai) Air Asia. From the airport to town is about 20 km.

A meter taxi from the airport to the city is roughly 200 Baht (35 Baht flagfall and then 20 Baht per Km - trip is about 18 Km). "Limousine" shuttle van tickets are 100 Baht per person. December 2022]

From Laos

Friendship Bridge III between Thailand and Laos is now open. It is around 10 kilometers north of town and the Thai-Laos International Bus runs between Nakhon Phanom bus station and Thakhek from 08:00 to 17:30 eight times daily (every 60 - 90 minutes). It is not feasible to cross the bridge on foot. Note: you need Baht for the bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek. Kip or USD are not accepted. Allow about 1.5 hours for the customs rituals on both side of the bridge. Visa on arrival available on the Laos side. If you enter Thailand from Laos, most nationalities get a 30 day visa exempt entry. But note that since 31st December 2016, foreigners entering Thailand under the Visa exception scheme are permitted to enter Thailand at a land border crossing only twice in a calendar year.

By train

The closest train stations are about four hours away, in Ubon, Udon Thani, or Nong Khai.

By road

Two of the most common means of getting to Nakhon Phanom from Bangkok are by road in private tour buses or government-operated tour buses. These buses start from the central North and Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) in Bangkok. The fare for bus travel ranges from 300-850 Baht, depending on the type of bus. A more convenient and popular bus is operated by the Transport Authority of Thailand. These VIP air-conditioned buses operate under the label 99 or 999. These buses are 24-seaters, with seats as comfortable as seats in the business class of an aeroplane. A toilet is also available inside the bus. The distance between Nakhon Phanom and Bangkok is roughly 740 km. This is about an 11-hour journey. Although it seems long, a bus travelling out of Mor Chit at 19:15 arrives at Nakhon Phanom around 06:30. Buses leaving from Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok at 18:00 arrive at around 05:30.

Get around

The most convenient way to get around the city is via the famous three wheelers of the northeast, more commonly referred to as "skylabs". There are also buses and vans running to other provinces throughout the day, easily accessible from the central bus terminal or in front of the local market.

What to see in Nakhon Phanom

• Fire Boats / Communities from the province build large scaffolding out of bamboo, which they put on boats and float down the river in the annual fire boat festival. Tin cans are filled with kerosene and stuffed with rags and then arranged on the scaffolding to form images of temples and the king, dragons, etc. At night the boats float down the Mekong for the appreciation of spectators. Held one night a year, at the end of Buddhist Lent (July - Oct).

• Ho Chi Minh House / Uncle Ho lived here for a time.

• Old Governor's Mansion / Contains a wide array of historical photographs, including topics such as the fire boats and royal visits to the province. Descriptions are primarily in (Thai), often accompanied by limited English translations.Also contained in the building is an English language lending library, open to the public. The library was established by the volunteer teachers from WorldTeach 2009-10, and continues to grow with new contributions.

• Phra That Phanom Temple near Mukdahan.

• That Phanom Festival / In February of each year, a festival is hosted in That Phanom to commemorate the rebuilding of the Wat That Phanom. The city draws thousands of (Thai) and Lao tourists from the surrounding areas, and the generally sleepy town is packed with people, markets, and food stalls. Worth attending if you happen to be in the area.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom is famous for its silk fabric and silver ornaments. Most of the manufacturing is done on handmade looms in the local villages in traditional Lao-style. The silver is manufactured and crafted both within Isaan and Laos.

• Thai-Lao Open-Border Market / Hundreds of Lao cross the river to shop and sell at this biweekly market. It's mostly the same stuff found in other (Thai) markets, but a few of the Lao traders in front of the temple sell roots, honey, mushrooms, orchids, and other forest products.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom has some of the best sticky Rice and grilled Chicken with papaya salad in the nation. This local food is most popular among tourists travelling to Nakhon Phanom.

To be updated

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Nakhon Phanom

eHalal Group Nakhon Phanom is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Nakhon Phanom. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Nakhon Phanom.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Nakhon Phanom ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Nakhon Phanom. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Nakhon Phanom, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Nakhon Phanom are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Nakhon Phanom

• Nakhon Phanom River View Hotel | 122 rooms of four types: suite, river view, superior and standard. All have air-con, hot water, shower, TV with international channels, Minibar with alcohol removed, safe deposit box. Swimming swimmingpool and café. Has a nice restaurant/bar with decent selection of fruit cocktails, soft drinks, and great food. Free Wi-Fi.

Go next

• Tha Khaek in Laos to visit the new jungle preserves created by the Democratic People's Republic of Laos as well as to visit the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail.
• There are 8 buses daily between 08:00 and 17:30 (workdays) / 17:00 (weekends) leaving every 60-90 minutes. The price is THB 70 / 18000 kips during the week and THB 80 / 20000 kips during the weekend.
• Mukdahan, Sakhon Nakhon or Bueng Kan in Thailand.

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