Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Nakhon Phanom has introduced a new landmark, the ‘Mekong River Eye’, aimed at stimulating tourism during the New Year period. The giant ferris wheel, located along the Mekong River, is currently in its testing phase and is expected to attract both residents and visitors once fully operational. Local authorities believe the attraction will further boost the province’s tourism-driven economy, which has already seen more than 3 million visitors over the past three years.

 

The province has experienced rapid growth in tourist arrivals due to its prominent cultural and economic sites. These include the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge linking Nakhon Phanom and Khammouane, the revered Phra That Phanom and the widely visited Naga statue, Phaya Si Sattanakarat. Officials credit these landmarks with strengthening cultural tourism and helping revitalise the local economy.

 

The new ferris wheel, developed by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning in coordination with Nakhon Phanom Municipality and other agencies, stands approximately 50 metres tall. It can accommodate up to 120 people per round, offering a new riverside attraction intended to enhance the visitor experience. Authorities confirmed that the project is now undergoing operational tests and is scheduled for official opening early next year.

 

Nakhon Phanom municipal councillor Somchok Sakunku expressed confidence in the province’s readiness to become a major tourism hub in the Northeast. He highlighted existing attractions such as river cruises on the Mekong, walking streets, visits to the Phaya Si Sattanakarat statue and pilgrimages to Phra That Phanom. He believes the Mekong River Eye will become another key site drawing more visitors and contributing positively to local economic activity.

 

Matichon reported that officials expect the landmark to integrate smoothly into the province’s broader tourism strategy. With preparations nearly complete, the ferris wheel is anticipated to open at the start of next year, coinciding with increased domestic travel during the holiday season. Authorities remain optimistic that the new attraction will help sustain the province’s upward tourism trajectory.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Nakhon Phanom has launched the 50-metre-high ‘Mekong River Eye’ to support tourism growth during the New Year period.

• The ferris wheel is in testing and is expected to officially open early next year, accommodating up to 120 people per round.

• Officials believe the new landmark will reinforce the province’s position as a key cultural and tourism destination in Northeast Thailand.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-05

 

Yes 40baht for thais 500 baht for foriegners as usual 

Mukdahan Tower is taller @ 65 meters and only cost 50 baht.  No limit to viewing time.  Free when I visited, I think.  Not a fan of ferris wheels, and find them annoying, boring and waste of time, for amount of actually viewing time.

 

That ferris wheel wouldn't give you much of a view anyway, unless wanting to see boring NP from a height.   Get the same view of the hills in Laos from street level along the river.  Maybe if it overlooked Wat Phrathat Phanom Woramahawihan, it might be interesting.

 

Better views in TH for free from well positioned bungalows on hillsides.   So much so, I stopped taking my drones with me when O&A.

 

Go to King Power Mahanakhon, have a nice munch, and up to the SkyWalk for free.  Did that last time there, and OK, if like that sort of thing.  Wouldn't pay for it, but OK since free.