Your Travel Guide to Thailand
All information & tips to prepare your trip in Thailand
All you need to know to visit Nakhon Sawan
Northern Thailand
238 km from Bangkok
Province of Nakhon Sawan
Thai pronunciation : Nakône saouan
- Budget
- 1/5
- Recommended stay
- 2 jours
- Sightseeing
- 3/5
Travel guide to visit Nakhon Sawan
Located roughly halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, whose name literally means The City of Paradise, is often regarded as the gateway to Northern Thailand. Rarely visited by foreign tourists, this province offers an authentic and peaceful atmosphere, far from the main tourist circuits.
Traversed by the Chao Phraya River, which originates here from the confluence of four rivers, Nakhon Sawan blends provincial charm with colorful temples, bustling markets, and Bueng Boraphet Lake—the largest freshwater marsh in Thailand, renowned for its biodiversity and stunning sunsets, and serving as a haven for birds that, for several months each year, transform part of the lake into a sea of lotus flowers. While not an essential tourist destination during a first visit to Thailand, spending two or three days in the province can be highly rewarding for repeat travelers, especially if you have your own vehicle and wish to explore off the beaten path. The atmosphere is welcoming, the locals are warm and friendly, and the local cuisine—infused with influences from both central and northern Thai traditions—is a true delight for food lovers.
For all the options for getting around Nakhon Sawan, see our section on getting around in Nakhon Sawan.
Accommodations in Nakhon Sawan
The city of Nakhon Sawan offers several budget-friendly or mid-range hotels with good value for money. Don’t look for luxury accommodations — most options are equivalent to 2- or 3-star establishments. Booking in advance is not strictly necessary outside of festival periods. I recommend choosing a hotel in the city center or near the main attractions.
Find accommodation in Nakhon Sawan
Practical information about Nakhon Sawan
Nakhon Sawan can be visited year-round, but the most favorable weather occurs from November to February, when the climate is dry and pleasant.
The city of Nakhon Sawan has a significant Sino-Thai community and hosts magnificent festivals for Chinese holidays, especially the Chinese New Year in Pak Nam Pho. It also boasts a renowned lantern festival at Paradise Park. Very rarely visited by foreign tourists, it is an extremely affordable destination, ideal for budget travelers.
How to go to Nakhon Sawan ?
There is no airport in Nakhon Sawan; the nearest one is in Phitsanulok (approximately a 1.5-hour drive). However, the city lies along the train route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Taking the train to Nakhon Sawan is the cheapest option, with journey times ranging from 4 to 5 hours depending on the type of train. Alternatively, air-conditioned buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, offering a travel time similar to that of the train.
Nakhon Sawan can thus be easily reached by train from all cities along the Northern railway line, such as Chiang Mai, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Lopburi. By bus, there are additional departure points available.
How to get around in Nakhon Sawan ?
To get around Nakhon Sawan, don’t expect to easily hail a tuk-tuk or taxi on the road — there are very few circulating, as the city is not heavily touristy. The most practical option is to book a car with a driver via the Grab app, the local equivalent of Uber. Otherwise, you’ll almost always find tuk-tuks at the market or in front of the public hospital. Also, by choosing your hotel wisely, you may be able to walk to many of your main destinations.
Festivals in Nakhon Sawan ?
Here is a list of the main festivals held every year in Nakhon Sawan. Their dates are published as soon as they are official on the Festivals in Thailand page.
Nakhon Sawan Lantern Festival
This festival usually takes place in December
Must-visits in
Wat Khiriwong
วัดคีรีวงศ์My opinion : 5/5
Perched on a mountain right next to the city, this beautiful, golden Buddhist temple offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. It’s the one place you absolutely must visit in Nakhon Sawan — otherwise, it’s as if you hadn’t come at all!
Bueng Boraphet lake
บึงบอระเพ็ดMy opinion : 4/5
This vast lake is a little paradise for nearly 200 species of wildlife, birds, and plants. You can take boat tours to observe them and visit its small “sea of lotuses” during the blooming season.
Bueng Boraphet Aquarium
บึงบอระเพ็ดพิพิธภัณฑ์สัตว์น้ำMy opinion : 5/5
This aquarium, with its remarkably low entrance fee, is located on the shores of Bueng Boraphet Lake and houses a wide variety of local freshwater fish species found in the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries, including some rare specimens. It is generally a favorite attraction among children.
Khao Nor mountain
เขาหน่อMy opinion : 5/5
This mountain, just under an hour's drive from Nakhon Sawan, offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. But it's well worth the effort, as the climb is quite strenuous! Definitely not to be attempted alone!Other places to see in Nakhon Sawan
Nakhon Sawan Observation Tower
How to ask the way in Thai to Nakhon Sawan ?
I want to go to Nakhon Sawan / Yak pai thi Nakône saouan.Where is Nakhon Sawan? / Nakône saouan yu thi nai?
