Understand

Nakhon Phanom, located in the northeastern region of Thailand, is a captivating city with a rich history and stunning landscape. Situated approximately 734 km northeast of Bangkok and 378 km southwest of Hanoi, Vietnam, it shares a border with Laos. During the Vietnam War, Nakhon Phanom played a significant role, hosting the 56th Air Commando Wing of the U.S. forces. Their brave missions included search and rescue operations and interdicting the Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos, just 48 km to the east. One of the highlights of Nakhon Phanom is its breathtaking location along the Mekong River, which serves as the current border between Thailand and Laos. The city is known for its diverse population, consisting of Thais, Thai-Vietnamese, Thai-Chinese, and a few Thai-Indians. The primary languages spoken are Thai, Isaan, and Vietnamese, with Isaan being the most prevalent among them. The dominant culture in Nakhon Phanom is Lao, as the region was part of Laos until the late 19th century. Interestingly, Nakhon Phanom holds a special place in history as it was a temporary home for Ho Chi Minh, who resided in a small village between the city center and the air base to the west during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Today, visitors can explore a new museum dedicated to his memory and even visit his preserved home, which is open to the public and attracts many Vietnamese tourists. Although Nakhon Phanom is a relatively small city, it is renowned for its ancient temples and captivating landscape. The city maintains a reserved and traditional Isaan culture, with its friendly and welcoming residents making travelers feel right at home. The strong Vietnamese influence in the city can be traced back to Vietnamese refugees who sought sanctuary here during the struggle against the French colonial rule. While most of them returned to Vietnam in 1960, their legacy lives on, evident in the Vietnamese-inspired clocktower on the main road along the river and signs in the local police station, hospital, and elsewhere, written in Thai, English, and Vietnamese. To top it off, Nakhon Phanom offers the opportunity to savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine in local restaurants.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing