Traveling to and in Nakhon Phanom

Travel

Deep within Isaan, reaching Nakhon Phanom demands a conscious effort, though as usual in Thailand traveling around is easy. The problem is that this town – like Ubon Ratchathani, another important destination in Isaan – is not along National Highway 2, the main road connecting Bangkok with Vientiane in Laos. That means it must be accessed through secondary roads.

On the other hand, the town is along Road 212, which travels along the Thai Mekong riverside, thing that transforms Nakhon Phanom into an excellent base from which to explore the area. South of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan are the natural stops while exploring the riverside.

Car

Reaching Nakhon Phanom by car from Bangkok is easy. Take Highway No. 1, (Pahonyothin Road) to Saraburi and turn right onto Highway 2 (Friendship Highway). Next to Khon Kaen take Road 23 and cross Kalasin and Sakhon Nakhon. Nakhon Phanom is not far from the last on the Mekong riverside.

Bus

Buses for Nakhon Phanom leave Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal between 6 AM and 8 PM. However, it is possible to take buses to Khon Kaen and from there advance with local buses directly to Nakhon Phanom, or with another break at Sakhon Nakhon. If traveling directly, the best is taking a night VIP bus since most of the trip is along plains featuring towns almost undistinguishable from each other.

Train

Unlike other main cities in Isaan, Nakhon Phanom is not yet connected to the Thai railways system. Yet, if willing to combine both adventures, taking the train from Bangkok to Udon Thani or Nong Khai and to continuing from there to Nakhon Phanom with bus or rented car is possible.

Within Isaan

Despite its location, Nakhon Phanom is well connected to other towns in Isaan. Southwards, buses connect it to Mukdahan hourly between 5 AM and 5 PM. Sakhon Nakhon is the nearest city, both are connected with frequent buses that continue afterwards to Nong Khai. Udon Thani, Khon Khaen and Nakhon Ratchasima are also connected by buses several times per day.

Within Downtown

Walking around Nakhon Phanom is recommended; the town is small and best enjoyed in that way. However, samlors and tuktuks abound. As usual care is recommended with them: negotiate the destination and price before boarding the vehicle. It is normal for Thais to inflate local prices while dealing with foreigners: bargaining is expected.

Air

Thai Airways International and PB Air provide daily flights from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom, the first provides a shuttle to downtown. Flights cost slightly above 2000 baht.

River

When a new bridge over the Mekong seems to be built every year, it is easy to forget that Laos can be reached also with ferries. Such a service to Tha Khaek is offered from Nakhon Phanom, though a valid Laotian visa must be purchased beforehand. Bangkok is the best place for that, see more details here.

Crossing here would be a sensible approach only if planning to explore southern Laos, or leaving northwards toward Vientiane. Simply, Laos is a long and narrow country with uncomfortable buses, thus it is best explored making only one north-south trip and using Thailand’s excellent infrastructure for completing the loop.


From journal Mountain City