Don Don Island in the Mekong River is close to a river beach, just south of the Grand View Hotel, that is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the local whisky and snacks. On hot days from this beach a mirror mirage of Don Don Island floats upside down in the air over t he real island.

That Phanom is noted for its Monday and Thursday market located near Wat Phra That Phanom. Lao merchants cross the river to sell their produce. There are two similar markets in town in addition to the one near the temple and one on the river bank north of the pier.

Kaeng Kabao is a set of rapids on the Mekong River, 20 km south of the town. Vendors bring their food stalls to the river bank where they conduct a brisk trade at weekends. During the That Phanom Festival in February, this site and other river bank spots are crowded with locals and visitors from across the river enjoy a picnic.
  Festival
The Illuminated Boat Procession is the best known of Nakhon Phanom's festivals. The long ceremonial boats are made of banana tree bark and bamboo and illuminated with paraffin lamps. They are filled with assorted offerings such as food and flowers and further brightened by candles and joss sticks. The boats are launched after dark on the Mekong River in the full moon night of the 11th lunar month (usually October) every year.

The energetic Saek Ten Sak Dance is the traditional dance of the Dak hill tribe. It is performed in a ceremony honoring the former heroes of the village. The fast-paced dance involves rhythmic stepping between two long wooden planks being banged together. Held each year on the second waxing moon day of the third lunar month, the dance can be seen in the Saek village of Art-Samart, 6 km from town.