Northern Thailand, including Sakon Nakhon Province, is the best destination for nature, culture, and history lovers. Sakon Nakhon attractions offer many things, from temples to lakes to museums and villages. Most of them only require cheap and free admission. Find more about it below here!
Sakon Nakhon Attractions
Sakon Nakhon is a perfect place for people who wish to heal in a calm and peaceful city. This place is still very underrated, especially compared with Bangkok, Phuket, and other popular towns in Thailand. However, the town looks stunning, so make sure to go around the city to enjoy its beauty.
Sakon Nakhon Attractions: Places to Visit
We’ve rounded up 9 great places you’ll want to explore!
1. Wat Phra That Choeng Temple
There are many famous temples in Thailand, and this place is one of them. It’s near the airport, around 15 minutes or 11 km from there. This temple has a white stupa with a golden tip enshrining the footprints of several Buddha reincarnations.
Inside, an ancient Buddha statue awaits, though only men are allowed to enter this sacred area. However, all tourists—regardless of gender—can explore the temple’s other sections.
- Location: 1255 Rueang Sawat Road, That Choeng Chum, Mueang Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6.00 AM – 10.00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
2. Wat Tham Pha Daen
Are you curious about what to do in Sakon Nakhon? If so, don’t miss this hilltop Buddhist temple, which offers breathtaking natural scenery, a golden pagoda, intricate statues and reliefs, and a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation or a spiritual retreat.
You can reach it after a 35 – 40-minute drive from the airport, considering the two places are 37 miles apart.
- Location: Dong Mafai, Mueang Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6.00 AM – 5.00 PM
- Admission Fee: THB 20 (USD 0.59)
3. Phun Phan Museum
Another tourist destination in Sakon Nakhon that’s worth a visit is the Phun Phan Museum. This relatively small museum is very informative about the province’s culture. It also has replicas of important places and presents various historical facts about the province.
Wax statues of significant historical figures, including monks who introduced Buddhist dhamma, are displayed here. The museum is 10 km from the airport or about a 10-minute drive.
- Location: Ban Non Rua Village, Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.00 AM – 4.30 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
4. Ban Non Rua Village
If you like both culture and fashion, this tourist attraction in Sakon Nakhon is perfect for you. The reason is that you can find natural-dyed indigo clothes made by plant kram here.
It’s their traditional clothing, passed down from generation to generation through their weaving culture. You can learn the weaving techniques and buy handmade clothes from local artisans.
- Location: Ban Non Rua Village, Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
- Admission Fee: Free
5. Nong Han Lake
Calm and scenic, this spot is a gem among Sakon Nakhon attractions—especially from December to April when lotus flowers blanket the lake. You can enjoy boating, fishing, birdwatching, or simply having a picnic.
It’s a peaceful escape where nature takes the spotlight, perfect for a slow, relaxing day out.
- Location: Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
- Admission Fee: Free
6. Tha Rae
Tha Rae Sakon Nakhon is easily one of the most iconic spots to visit, especially if you’re into history and charming architecture. Known as Thailand’s oldest and largest Catholic community, it’s home to beautiful, European-style buildings that feel like stepping back in time.
Surrounded by cozy hotels, cafés, and local eateries, it’s perfect for a relaxed hangout. As one of the standout Sakon Nakhon attractions, it’s just a 20-minute drive from the airport.
- Location: Tha Rae Mueang Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
- Admission Fee: Free
7. Sakon Nakhon Museum
If you’re into history, the Sakon Nakhon Museum is a must-visit spot during your stay in town. Once serving as the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Hall, this museum now offers a fascinating look into the region’s past.
It’s one of the easiest-to-reach attractions near Sakon Nakhon Airport—just 4,5 km away or about a 10-minute drive. Whether you hop in a taxi or drive yourself, it’s a worthwhile stop among Sakon Nakhon attractions.
- Location: Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Village Number 11, Nitoyo Road, That Cheing Chum Subdistrict, Mueang District
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 AM – 4.00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
8. Mon Ethnic Village
The Mon people originally came from Burma (now Myanmar) and have been part of Thailand’s cultural landscape for centuries. In Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, you can visit the Mon Ethnic Village—one of the most authentic Sakon Nakhon attractions for cultural tourism.
Here, their unique traditions are still alive through daily practices and ceremonies. It’s a great chance to learn directly from the locals—just be respectful and take it all in with an open heart!
- Location: Mon Ethnic Village, Sakon Nakhon
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
- Admission Fee: Free
9. Phra That Phu Pek and Phra That Narai Cheng
A historical temple which was established in the 16th or 17th century. The architecture looks amazing, even though some of it is already in the form of debris. However, the statues still exist and stand strong. It is believed that this temple was made by women during that era.
It is about 29 km (32 minutes) from Sakon Nakhon Airport. To reach the temple, you must climb approximately 500 steps, but the stunning view from the top makes it worthwhile. It’s also one of the free Sakon Nakhon attractions.
- Location: 5WRP+RW2, Na Hua Bo, Phanna Nikhom District
- Open Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
So, which Sakon Nakhon attractions look the best for you? Before starting your journey in the province, remember to book a flight and a hotel for a more comfortable stay. Make sure to book them at Airpaz to get the best deal!
