Nakhon Phanom is thriving: over 100 cafes and booming tourism!

Nakhon Phanom is thriving: over 100 cafes and booming tourism!

Nakhon Phanom Province has become a real magnet for tourists in recent years. So reported Bangkok Post that over three million visitors flocked to the region from January to October 2025 - a doubling compared to the previous year. This development is not least due to the return of locals during the pandemic, who are giving new impetus to their hometown. Wisarut Sroikham, owner of Chewa Café By SK Sroikham, has experienced this development first hand. Five years after opening his cafe, there are now over 100 coffee shops in Nakhon Phanom, a clear increase from just 15 to 20 at the start.

The economic upswing also has a positive effect on the catering industry. The number of orders on the LINE MAN Wongnai platform is growing at an average of 12% in Nakhon Phanom, which is above the regional average of 10%. The most popular drinks are black coffee, matcha and iced espresso, while the most sought-after dishes come from local northeastern cuisine, particularly different versions of papaya salad, also known as som tum. These culinary delicacies attract not only locals but also many tourists.

Boom through faith travel and ecotourism

With the tourism boom, local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, have seen strong growth. The province's tourism industry is now worth over 500 million baht a year. Loud Nation of Thailand This recovery is being driven by faith journeys, particularly to significant sites such as Phra That Phanom and the Naga Statue, as well as Mekong ecotourism. Nakhon Phanom Airport is recording its highest passenger numbers in two decades, strengthening regional infrastructure and facilitating transportation.

The number of passengers has almost doubled this year; In October 2025, almost 50,000 travelers were counted. Companies report brisk demand and high sales. A sharp drop in flight prices, particularly on the route between Bangkok and Nakhon Phanom, is also providing an additional incentive. Average prices of 800 to 900 baht per flight make traveling more attractive.

The future of health and wellness tourism

Nakhon Phanom Province has big plans to further expand its success. In addition to diversifying its economic base, the region plans to focus on health and wellness tourism. Politicians in the region have also recognized this. A cabinet meeting recently secured nearly 30 million baht for local developments, including an international illuminated boat festival and the establishment of a medical school at Nakhon Phanom University.

The economic boom also offers positive prospects for local workers. The average daily income of delivery drivers in the region is 480 baht, exceeding the regional minimum wage, which is 350 baht per day. Overall, the developments in Nakhon Phanom are an example of how a region can make good business through clever use of its cultural and natural resources.

In summary, Nakhon Phanom is well on its way to becoming a major tourist destination. The mix of culture, history and hospitality attracts not only tourists but also locals back to the region. Country data shows that this trend can be observed not only in Nakhon Phanom, but also across Thailand, where popular travel destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai attract large numbers of travelers.