Nakhon Sawan was the second stop of my train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I had planned to stay for just two days, but I ended up falling in love with the place and extended my stay to four days.

This town feels like a hidden gem. It’s very local, and the cost of living seems even lower than in Chiang Mai. But what really captured my heart were the people. The locals are incredibly sweet and kind, making my experience so much more enjoyable. Nakhon Sawan is also known across Thailand for its great food, and it definitely didn’t disappoint!

During my stay, I took things slow—enjoying a relaxed “sabai sabai” lifestyle, as the Thais would say. I’d start my day with a cup of coffee in one of the many quiet coffee shops, then stroll around the town, or sometimes take a Grab to Central Plaza, the local mall. The town sleeps at 21h!

One day, I visited the Nakhon Sawan Aquarium, which was a lovely experience. There’s also a boat trip you can take for some bird-watching on the lake, but it was too hot and humid during my visit, so I decided to skip it. If you like reptiles, there’s a crocodile show every hour! Families visiting with kids should definitely check out Bueng Boraphet—it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and a great way to spend a day.

Next time I come to Thailand, I plan to spend even more time in Nakhon Sawan. As someone who enjoys cultural tourism, I find exploring local towns like this far more interesting than visiting the busier, more touristy places like Chiang Mai, which has become quite westernized.

If you’re looking for an authentic Thai experience, Nakhon Sawan is definitely worth a visit!