That Phanom (That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province) is a major tourist area, especially known for Wat Phra That Phanom. There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from, ranging from riverside locations with beautiful views, proximity to the temple, to budget-friendly options. Here are some popular hotels/accommodations:
Recommended Hotels
1. That Phanom River View Hotel: Highlights: Located right on the Mekong River with stunning views and a great atmosphere. It's an older hotel but one of the most popular in the area.
Approximately 1.1 km from Wat Phra That Phanom (15-minute walk).
Features a restaurant, bar, parking, and occasional airport shuttle service.
Prices start from approximately 800-1,500 THB/night (depending on the season).
Ideal for those seeking Mekong views and a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Thatphanom View Hotel: Highlights: Good views, near Lotus supermarket for easy access to food and drinks.
Approximately 1.9 km from Wat Phra That Phanom.
Offers a buffet breakfast, 24-hour reception, and luggage storage.
Relatively budget-friendly, suitable for families or groups of friends.
3. Sangthong Heritage: Highlights: Beautiful atmosphere, heritage-style design, close to Phra That Phanom.
Praised for cleanliness and good service.
Prices start at around 1,400+ THB/night.
4. Na That Panom Place Hotel: Highlights: Views of Phra That Phanom from the accommodation, only 650 m away (9-minute walk).
Features a garden, restaurant, free parking, and massage services.
Ideal for walking to the temple in the morning or evening.
5. Baan Sabaijai Resort: Highlights: Homestay/resort style, warm atmosphere, clean, spacious.
Suitable for couples or families.
Prices start at approximately 1,000-1,500 THB.
Additional Recommendations
- If you plan to visit during the annual Phra That Phanom festival (15th day of the 3rd lunar month), book several months in advance as accommodations fill up very quickly.
Overall accommodation prices in That Phanom are relatively cheap to moderate (starting from 500-2,000 baht/night).
- If you want a Mekong River view → choose River View.
- If you want to be closest to the temple → choose Na That Phanom Place or Sangthong Heritage.
Attractions
- Phra That Phanom (Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan) – Main highlight.
It is one of the oldest pagodas in Thailand, enshrining the Uraṅgadhātu (the chest bone of the Buddha).
The current pagoda was rebuilt after collapsing in 1975. It is approximately 53 meters high, and its white and gold color scheme is very beautiful, especially during the morning or sunset.
The temple is spacious, clean, quiet, and suitable for walking around, taking photos, and making merit.
Open ≈ 06:00–20:00. Free entry.
Nearby attractions in That Phanom
- That Phanom Walking Street / That Phanom Market – Stroll around and shop for souvenirs, kalamae (traditional Thai sweets), local snacks, and enjoy local food in a retro atmosphere.
- The magnificent Ratsadakorn Archway + Phra That Phanom Temple Archives – Beautiful photo opportunities and historical learning.
- Wat Marukhanakhon – Another beautiful temple nearby with a small stupa.
- Phra That Noi Sri Bunrueng – A small and charming stupa.
- Mekong Riverbank – Stroll along the river and enjoy the view of the Laotian side; a very relaxing experience in the evening.
Other nearby attractions in the province (30-90 minute drive)
- Phra That Renu (Renu Nakhon District) – A beautiful pastel pink stupa, associated with Monday.
- Phaya Sri Sattanakarat (Nakhon Phanom City) – A large and sacred seven-headed Naga statue.
- Nakhon Phanom City – Mekong River Walking Street, street art, Governor's Residence Museum, Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Small Tips
- It gets very crowded during Makha Bucha or Visakha Bucha days (large events).
- What's delicious to eat? Grilled prawns/grilled Mekong River fish, Nem Nuong (Vietnamese grilled pork sausage), Khao Jee (grilled sticky rice), coffee by the Mekong River.
-If you like to chill, I recommend sitting by the Mekong River in the evening, drinking coffee/beer, watching the sunset + the lights of the temple at night. It's beautiful!