Sakon Nakhon to Nakhon Phanom Stupas and the Mekong
Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom sit right next to each other, just over an hour apart by car, but they feel completely different. Sakon is a town of stupas and a big freshwater lake, while Nakhon Phanom is a Mekong-side town where you can sip coffee looking across to Laos all day. String the two together in one trip and you get Phra That Choeng Chum, the stupa at the heart of Sakon, Phra That Phanom, one of Isan's most important stupas, and Phaya Sri Sattanakarat by the river. This is a self-drive 3-day, 2-night plan: day one covers Sakon, day two takes Highway 22 across to Nakhon Phanom to visit Phra That Phanom, and day three is a riverside morning before heading home. With times, distances, fees and prices we've already checked.
🛕 Stupas in two towns🌊 Nakhon Phanom riverside🚗 Self-drive on Highway 22
✍️ By Doctor Chat
🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
This plan suits anyone driving their own car, or you can rent in Sakon and drop the car off in Nakhon Phanom. The distance between the two towns along Highway 22 is about 90 km, an easy hour and a half. It's a straight main road with light traffic. We've set day one for the in-town highlights of Sakon that are within walking distance of each other, day two heads across the province line mid-morning to visit Phra That Phanom before reaching central Nakhon Phanom and an overnight by the river, and day three is a riverside morning stroll before you set off home.
Where does this trip start and end?
Start in Sakon Nakhon because it has an airport with several direct flights a day from Bangkok. Land in Sakon, see the town first, then drive Highway 22 about 90 km across to Nakhon Phanom. On the way back you can fly out of Nakhon Phanom airport (about 15 km from town) or loop back to fly from Sakon. If you rent a car, check with the company whether they accept cross-province drop-off, as some charge an extra delivery fee. A sedan rental runs about 800–1,200 THB per day.
Day 1
Around Sakon — Phra That Choeng Chum, Nong Han, forest temples
10:30
Arrive in Sakon, drop your bags, start at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum WorawihanThe town's signature stupa in the middle of the province. It's a square-based stupa with a tiered lotus-bud top in the Lan Xang style, white trimmed with gold, built over a Buddha footprint. Open roughly 6am–6pm, free. The viharn also holds Luang Pho Ong Saen, a revered local Buddha image. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. There's a car park in front of the temple.
11:30
Walk Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park (Sa Phang Thong) by Nong HanA waterside public park in the town centre right next to Phra That Choeng Chum, so you can walk straight on from one to the other. There's a red lotus pond that blooms beautifully on cool-season mornings, with a fountain in the middle. Free. You can get nice photos by Nong Han, Isan's largest freshwater lake, in the late morning before the sun gets harsh.
12:30
Raft lunch at Ban Tha Wat Nuea, fresh Nong Han fish out on the waterThe Ban Tha Wat Nuea community tourism spot in Tambon Lao Po Daeng, on the south shore of Nong Han. A raft costs about 300 THB for the first hour, then about 100 THB per hour after that. Fresh freshwater fish dishes start at around 80 THB a plate, with standouts like tilapia and barb fish done in tom yum, fried or steamed. Open roughly 9am–5pm. Go as a group and it works out to a few hundred baht each.
14:30
Stop at Wat Pa Sutthawat, see the Ajahn Mun museum, free entryA forest temple in town where Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto passed away here in 1949. The museum displays a cast figure of him seated in meditation, his relics that crystallised into clear beads, and his alms-bowl and monastic items. Open roughly 8am–5pm. It's a good way to understand the Isan forest-monk tradition before crossing to Nakhon Phanom tomorrow.
16:00
Browse the indigo (kram) shops in town, pick up giftsSeveral indigo-dye shops sit in a row in the town centre, so it's easy to compare in one spot. Indigo scarves start around 250 THB, indigo-dyed shirts from about 500 THB depending on the fabric and pattern. Real indigo has a soft scent and a deep, muted navy that isn't as harsh as chemical dye. It's a craft that exports as far as Japan.
18:00
Vietnamese dinner at Willy Naem Nueang, then restSakon has had a Thai-Vietnamese community for a long time. Willy Naem Nueang is on Sukkasem Road in town, open roughly 10:30am–9:30pm. The naem nueang comes loaded with fillings and a rich dipping sauce, plus mu yo, cha gio, Vietnamese crispy crepes and pho with Phon Yang Kham beef. Tomorrow's a slightly longer drive, so save your energy.
Day 2
Cross Highway 22 to Nakhon Phanom — Phra That Phanom, into the riverside town
08:30
Breakfast, check out, set off along Highway 22Before leaving town, grab an easy breakfast like pho or old-style coffee in central Sakon, then drive Highway 22 toward Nakhon Phanom, about 90 km. It's a straight road with light traffic and takes an hour and a half. Fill up the tank, as petrol stations on this stretch are a bit spread out.
10:30
Reach Amphoe That Phanom, pay respects at Phra That Phanom by the MekongWat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan sits right on the Mekong in Amphoe That Phanom, which you reach before central Nakhon Phanom. The stupa is a tall, striking square-based chedi and is the birthday stupa for people born on a Sunday. Open roughly 6am–6pm, free. The big homage festival is held in February every year. Dress modestly. There are flower and incense stalls out front.
12:00
Lunch around That Phanom, then drive on to Nakhon Phanom townAround That Phanom there are made-to-order eateries and riverside river-fish restaurants. After lunch, drive another 50 km or so into central Nakhon Phanom, hugging the Mekong with open views the whole way. If you have time on the way, stop at Phra That Renu in Amphoe Renu Nakhon, a smaller take on Phra That Phanom and the birthday stupa for Monday.
14:30
Check in at a riverside stay in Nakhon Phanom town, rest upHotels along Sunthon Wichit Road by the Mekong come in several tiers. Pick a river-view room and you'll wake to the sunrise over the Laos side. Drop your bags and rest a bit before heading out in the evening, since the riverside sights are nearly all walkable from one another.
16:30
Pay respects at Phaya Sri Sattanakarat by the MekongA seven-headed naga cast in brass, about 15 m tall, it's the riverside landmark in the middle of town. People come to pray for blessings in the evening, and there's a wide plaza for photos. Free. Walk on along the river and you'll reach the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower built by the local Vietnamese community.
18:00
Sunset by the Mekong, riverside dinnerSunthon Wichit Road along the river fills with people out for an evening stroll, with restaurants and river-fish spots by the water. Order grilled fish or fish larb and look across to Laos. If you're here on a Saturday night there's a riverside walking street open roughly 5pm–10pm, with Isan-Vietnamese food, jaew bong, Vietnamese sweets and old-style coffee.
Day 3
Riverside morning, cafes, gifts before heading home
06:00
Wake early for sunrise over the MekongThe whole point of sleeping by the Mekong is waking to the sun rising over the Laos side. In the cool season a thin mist floats above the water and looks lovely. Stroll along Sunthon Wichit Road for the morning air, where locals come out to exercise and offer alms by the river.
08:00
Breakfast, then a riverside cafeNakhon Phanom has plenty of cafes along the Mekong and in old houses, such as 76A The Space in a colonial-style old building by the river, where you can sit with a coffee watching the water for a good while. Coffee runs about 60–90 THB. It's a nice break before you pack up to head home.
10:00
Buy gifts from Nakhon Phanom and SakonPopular gifts from Nakhon Phanom include mu yo, naem nueang, Chinese sausage, Vietnamese sweets and pickled river fish. From Sakon, the things to take home are indigo textiles and packed-and-shipped Phon Yang Kham wagyu beef. Gift shops are scattered through the town centres of both provinces.
11:30
Pack up, head homeIf you're flying out of Nakhon Phanom, the airport is about 15 km from town, so check the afternoon-to-evening flight times ahead. If you're returning the car in Sakon, allow another hour and a half to drive back on Highway 22. There are also coaches from Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok running in the evening into the night.
Key stupas along the two-town route
Both Sakon and Nakhon Phanom are stupa country, so if you're into temple visits this route lets you collect several in one trip. Nakhon Phanom has a birthday stupa for every day of the week, and people like to visit the one for their own birthday. Pick the ones that fit your timing.
Central Sakon
Phra That Choeng Chum (Sakon Nakhon)
Sakon's signature stupa in the town centre, square-based with a tiered lotus-bud top, built over a Buddha footprint. The viharn holds Luang Pho Ong Saen. Free entry.
By the Mekong
Phra That Phanom (Nakhon Phanom)
A tall, striking square-based chedi by the Mekong in Amphoe That Phanom, the birthday stupa for Sunday. Big homage festival in February. Free entry.
On the way
Phra That Renu (Nakhon Phanom)
A smaller take on Phra That Phanom in Amphoe Renu Nakhon, an easy stop on the way into town. It's the birthday stupa for Monday.
North of town
Phra That Tha Uthen (Nakhon Phanom)
Similar to Phra That Phanom but smaller, north of Nakhon Phanom town. It's the birthday stupa for Friday and suits anyone with extra time.
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Book the activities in your Sakon Nakhon trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Eating and checking in along the Nakhon Phanom riverside, where locals go
1
Phaya Sri Sattanakarat
Sunthon Wichit Road · open all day
A seven-headed naga cast in brass, about 15 m tall, the riverside landmark in the middle of town. Lots of people come to pray for blessings in the evening, with a wide plaza for photos.
LandmarkBlessings
Free entry
2
Sunthon Wichit Road (riverside)
Riverside walk · best at dawn and dusk
The road that runs along the Mekong the length of town, great for an evening stroll in the cool breeze, with spots to sit and look across to Laos. Locals come here to walk and exercise morning and evening.
RiversideStrolling
Free entry
3
Riverside walking street
Saturday, roughly 5pm–10pm
A walking-street market on Sunthon Wichit Road with Isan-Vietnamese food, jaew bong, som tam, Isan sausage, Vietnamese sweets and old-style coffee, all in a riverside setting.
Night marketStreet food
Dishes from ฿20–60
4
76A The Space
Riverside · town centre
A cafe in a colonial-style old building by the Mekong where you can sit over coffee watching the river for a good while, with nice photo corners. Locals like to stop in morning and afternoon.
CafeMekong view
Coffee about ฿60–90
5
Riverside river-fish restaurants
Along the river · evenings
Several waterside restaurants along the riverfront road, with standouts like grilled fish, fish larb and river-fish tom yum, eaten looking across to Laos at sunset.
Waterside diningRiver fish
Fish from ฿120 a plate
6
Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower
Riverside · town centre
A clock tower built as a memorial by Nakhon Phanom's Vietnamese community, standing on Sunthon Wichit Road by the river. Easy to walk to on from Phaya Sri Sattanakarat.
Check-inVietnamese history
Free entry
7
Naem nueang and Vietnamese food in town
In town · lunch to dinner
Nakhon Phanom has a Vietnamese community like Sakon, with naem nueang and mu yo shops scattered through town. Generously filled, with a rich dip, eaten with fresh herbs Vietnamese-style.
Vietnamese foodLocal specialty
Sets from about ฿120–200
8
Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Outside town · to the north
The bridge across the Mekong linking Nakhon Phanom and Khammouane (Laos), north of town. It's a photo spot and a border crossing, good for anyone with extra time.
Photo spotBorder
Free to photograph
Rough budget per person (3 days, 2 nights)
Accommodation, 2 nights — 1 night in Sakon, 1 night by the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom, about 1,200–3,000 THB total depending on tier and room view
Car rental — a sedan at about 800–1,200 THB a day, roughly 2,400–3,600 THB for 3 days, plus fuel for Sakon–Nakhon Phanom–airport at about 600–900 THB. Split among the car it's much cheaper
Attraction fees — Phra That Choeng Chum, Phra That Phanom, Phaya Sri Sattanakarat and the Nong Han park are nearly all free
Nong Han raft — about 300 THB for the first hour plus the cost of fish, working out to about 200–400 THB each including the meal
Food, 3 days — Vietnamese food, river fish, Phon Yang Kham wagyu beef and riverside cafes, about 700–1,200 THB
When's the best time for this route?
Late rains into the cool season (November–February) is best for the riverside stretch: the weather is cool, mornings have mist drifting over the water, and it lines up with the Phra That Phanom homage festival in February, a major merit-making event. Sakon also has the Wax Castle Procession around the end of Buddhist Lent in October. If you come in the hot season the sun is strong, so do outdoor sights in the morning and evening and avoid midday. In the rainy season the riverfront road is still fine to drive, just allow for afternoon showers.
Want to add Mukdahan?
If you have more than 3 days, this route extends comfortably south to Mukdahan. Drive along the Mekong from Nakhon Phanom about 100 km and you'll reach the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the Indochina Market selling Lao and Vietnamese goods, and Ho Kaeo Mukdahan tower for views over the town and the Mekong. That turns it into a three-province Isan riverside route in one trip. If you enjoy long drives hugging the river, this stretch is well worth it.
Want a well-located place to stay in Sakon Nakhon before you set off? See options real guests have reviewed
How far is Sakon Nakhon from Nakhon Phanom, and how long is the drive?
Not far. Along Highway 22 it's about 90 km, an easy hour and a half. It's a straight main road with light traffic, ideal for self-driving or a rental car. On the way into Nakhon Phanom you'll pass through Amphoe That Phanom, which is exactly where Phra That Phanom stands.
Are 3 days enough for Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom?
They're just right for the main highlights of both towns. Day one is Sakon in town: Phra That Choeng Chum, the lakeside park by Nong Han, a raft lunch with fish, and the Ajahn Mun museum. Day two drives Highway 22 to Phra That Phanom and then into Nakhon Phanom town to visit Phaya Sri Sattanakarat by the river. Day three is sunrise over the Mekong, a cafe and gifts before heading home. If you want to add Mukdahan, allow another day.
What time does Phra That Phanom open, and is there an entry fee?
Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan in Amphoe That Phanom, on the Mekong, is open roughly 6am–6pm and free. It's the birthday stupa for people born on a Sunday. The Phra That Phanom homage festival is held big in February every year. Dress modestly, and there are flower and incense stalls out front. You reach it about 50 km before central Nakhon Phanom.
What is there to see along the Nakhon Phanom riverside?
The riverside highlight is Phaya Sri Sattanakarat, a seven-headed brass naga by the water, and Sunthon Wichit Road, which runs along the Mekong the length of town for strolling in the breeze and looking across to Laos. There's the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower, riverside cafes like 76A The Space, and a Saturday-night riverside walking street roughly 5pm–10pm. Early mornings are lovely for the sunrise over the Laos side.
Should this trip start in Sakon or Nakhon Phanom?
We suggest starting in Sakon because it has an airport with several direct flights from Bangkok. Land in Sakon and see the town first, then drive Highway 22 about 90 km across to Nakhon Phanom. On the way back you can fly straight out of Nakhon Phanom airport. If you rent a car, check with the company whether they accept cross-province drop-off, as some charge an extra delivery fee. If you'd rather not pay it, loop back to fly from Sakon as you came.
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