Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in 2010. (Theft of Buddha images is a growing problem in Thailand.) The amazing mural
is one of our favourites in Thailand (it's like a Thai
Where's Wally?
; try to find the back-
packers), and shows the story of Phra Tiew and Phra Tiam floating across the Mekong
from Laos. The temple is beautifully illuminated at night.
Wat Si Thep
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(Th Si Thep; dawn-dusk)
This historic temple's
bòht
has a lot of flair. It's surrounded by
statues of
têp
(angels) and has a colourful triptych on the back wall. The interior murals
show the life of the Buddha around the upper portion and kings of the Chakri dynasty be-
low. The abbot's residence was built in 1921 in French Colonial style.
Former Governor's Residence Museum
(Th Sunthon Wijit; 9am-5pm Wed-Sun)
This museum fills a beautifully restored 1925
mansion with photos of old Nakhon Phanom, many labelled in English, while in the back
are displays about the Illuminated Boat Procession.
MUSEUM
Mekong Underwater World
(Rte 2033; admission 30B; 8.30am-4pm Mon-Fri)
If you like fish, you'll like this aquarium hous-
ing Mekong River species, including
Ъlah bèuk
(giant Mekong catfish). It's 6km west of
town along Hwy 22.
Sŏrng·tăa·ou
to Na Kae (20B, 15 minutes) pass by.
AQUARIUM
Wat Maha That
(Th Sunthon Wijit; dawn-dusk)
The 24m-tall, gold-and-white Phra That Nakhon
chedi
here resembles the previous
chedi
built at That Phanom.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Mekong Walking Street
( 4.30-9.30pm Fri & Sat)
This street market features little of interest for shopping, but it does
make a fun stroll.
MARKET
Chom Khong Park
PARK
(Th Ratchathan; 5am-8pm)
This park used to be a prison, and models of prisoners sit
in some of the old cells. You can also climb the guard towers.
