Many people often think that a weekend getaway is only possible for faraway destinations. This used to be our mindset as well, as flight tickets were previously very expensive and inaccessible to many (including ourselves). However, with the current affordability of flight tickets and frequent attractive promotions, weekend trips to the north, south, and northeast regions of Thailand have become much more convenient.

Today, we would like to introduce one of the provinces that we have visited and were impressed by. This is our second visit to this province, which is Nakhon Phanom, the city of ultimate happiness, sacredness, and beauty.

Before the trip

Two months before the trip: Start by finding cheap flights in advance. The round-trip ticket price is 511+1,020 = 1,531 baht/person.

One month before the trip: Book a hotel. After doing some research, we decided to stay at the Pimsiri Hotel for 708 baht per night. The room is clean, new, and includes breakfast.

5 days before the trip: Booked a rental car through AVIS's website in advance for 1,944 baht.

One day before departure: For added convenience and to avoid rushing in the morning, we checked in online in advance. Upon arrival at the airport, we simply printed our boarding passes at the kiosk, picked them up, and headed straight to our gate. (We did not check any bags. If you are checking bags, please do so before proceeding to the kiosk.)

Departure

Saturday

The flight from Don Mueang to Nakhon Phanom departed at 8:30 AM and took approximately one hour. Upon arrival at Nakhon Phanom Airport, we picked up our rental car and headed out for breakfast.

Sample a variety of local breakfast dishes starting with Sri Thep Crispy Pancake Shop (90 baht) followed by Porn Thep Breakfast Shop (70 baht). After our stomachs were filled with plain crispy pancakes, crispy pancakes with fermented sausage, Vietnamese-style vermicelli salad, and stuffed bread, we set off on our sightseeing tour.

Admire the scenic view along the Mekong River. While driving to Wat Phra That Phanom, we slammed on the brakes, captivated by the stunning mountain range on the Laotian side. The sight of fluffy clouds floating above only added to the picturesque scene. We couldn't resist stopping to capture this moment, a true testament to the nickname "the most beautiful."

Paying homage to Phra That Phanom, the sacred symbol of Nakhon Phanom province. The Phra That is associated with those born on Sundays and the year of the Monkey. Inside the Phra That, the sternum bone of the Buddha is enshrined, earning it the nickname "the most sacred." In front of the Phra That, there are statues representing the different zodiac animals, where people can pour water as an offering.

Before leaving, don't miss out on shopping for local products such as rice from farmers, fresh cassava (cassava can be eaten fresh or used in cooking), and local fabrics at affordable prices (we spent quite a while here and got 10 pieces for prices ranging from 120-350 baht, including both printed and hand-woven fabrics).

Prasert's Kalamae is another famous souvenir from Nakhon Phanom. However, we didn't buy any to give as gifts because the shop was very busy when we went. They were packing hundreds of bags for people who had pre-ordered. So, we asked to buy just one bag (100 baht) to share between the two of us. It was delicious and very fragrant.

Relic of Phra That Renu Nakhon, the relic for Monday, is adorned with a sweet pastel pink color. It is believed that those who come to pay homage to Phra That Renu Nakhon will have beautiful skin like moonlight. Beside the relic, there is a chapel enshrining Phra Ong Saen, a 100-year-old brass Buddha statue in a meditation posture. Afterwards, visit the market near the temple to buy local fabrics again. The designs are beautiful and the prices are very cheap (starting from 50-250 baht).

Cruising Between Two Countries A sunset cruise along the Mekong River is a popular activity recommended by many. While I am usually indifferent to riverside sightseeing, having grown up by a river myself, this experience exceeded my expectations and was well worth the 50 baht ticket price. The cool breeze and the informative and entertaining commentary from the tour guide made this a must-do activity when visiting Nakhon Phanom.

Note: If you are visiting with a large group, it is recommended to call and make a reservation in advance. When we visited, there were several large groups that had booked tables. Fortunately, we were only two people, so there were still seats available.

Stroll along the Mekong Riverside Walking Street Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the night market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During the winter season, the cool breeze from the Mekong River creates a refreshing atmosphere, rivaling the coolness of northern Thailand.

Savor the Freshness of Mekong River Fish in a Spicy Dip This is our second attempt at this dish, and it surpasses our previous experience at another establishment. This time, we indulged in the culinary delights of Champasak Restaurant, where they proudly presented freshly caught Mekong River catfish. The fish was expertly prepared in a tantalizingly spicy and sour broth, accompanied by a vibrant array of vegetables. The result was a symphony of flavors that left us feeling both satisfied and invigorated.

Another dish we ordered was the lemongrass-wrapped pork (this meal cost 525 baht).

Take a photo at the viewpoint of Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat. Pay homage to Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat, the creator of the Mekong River, and take photos of the beautifully lit lights at night.

Sunday

After a hearty breakfast provided by the hotel, we ventured out to explore nearby attractions.

Paying respects at Wat Mahathat, the temple for those born on Saturday, and worshipping Luang Pho Ong Saen.

Another photo at the viewpoint of Phraya Si Satta Nakarat. The morning air is so cool and refreshing, like a winter chill that you can't find in the city.

The Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nakhon Phanom-Khammouan)

Renowned as the "most beautiful," the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nakhon Phanom-Khammouan) serves as a vital transportation route for trade and tourism, connecting Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China.

We had lunch at a restaurant in the city near the hospital. We ate papaya salad and were very full. There were three of us, and the total cost was only a few hundred baht. Our friend from Nakhon Phanom treated us to this meal.

Visit Uncle Ho's Old House: A short drive from the city center will take you to Uncle Ho's old house, where he resided during the preparations for the revolution. The house is surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers, and there is no entrance fee. Donations are welcome to help maintain the site.

Note: Ho Chi Minh is written without a final consonant, as per the nameplate in front of the house.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a recently constructed memorial site. It houses a small museum, a souvenir shop, and a replica of Uncle Ho's house where visitors can rent traditional Vietnamese clothing for photo opportunities. However, the interior is largely empty and lacks exhibits.

Stop by to take photos at the Church of St. Anne, a Christian church with unique and beautiful architecture. There is a bridge connecting the two sides of the church's peak. It was built 65 years ago. If you come to take photos here, it would be better to come in the morning because the light is not against you. Last time I came to take photos in the morning, I felt that the light was better.

Relaxing by the River with a View The banks of the Mekong River are lined with a variety of restaurants to choose from. During our visit, the wind was extremely strong, almost to the point of being excessive. It blew our hair around and we had to wear sunglasses to protect our eyes.

Buy souvenirs

- The Indochina Market will feature dried goods, herbs, local fabrics, snacks, and household items from China.

- Giant tamarind in syrup This shop has a very attractive layout. The pods are very large, starting at 30 baht.

- Ruen Roeng Thong buys fermented pork sausage and fermented pork.

• The Talad To Rueng night market has delicious khanom jeen.

The return flight from Nakhon Phanom to Don Mueang departs in the evening, allowing for an arrival in Bangkok before late hours.

Summary of expenses per person, excluding taxi fare and souvenirs

Travel expenses: 2,503 baht

Accommodation fee: 354 baht

Food and beverage expenses: 492 baht

Boat activity fee 50 baht

Bailment (Bankruptcy)

Average of 3,399 baht per person