Venue & Travel

Conference venue, how to get there, and visa information for international participants.

VELA Dhi Nakhon Phanom — Conference Hall

19 Nakhon Phanom-That Phanom Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom 48000, Thailand

SAADC 2027 will be held at the conference hall of VELA Dhi Nakhon Phanom, a 4-star riverside hotel on the Mekong River. The hotel offers banquet and meeting function rooms alongside full conference facilities.

Open in Google Maps →
VELA Dhi Nakhon Phanom — Conference Hall

Hotel Gallery

VELA Dhi exterior
VELA Dhi riverside
VELA Dhi view
VELA Dhi lobby
VELA Dhi pool area
VELA Dhi building

International participants

How to Get to Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom is located ~730 km northeast of Bangkok on the Mekong River. Here is a step-by-step guide for international participants.

1

Enter Thailand

Visa-Exempt Entry (no visa required) — 93 countries, up to 60 days

ASEAN: Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei
Asia–Pacific: Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, HK, Taiwan
Western: USA, UK, EU members, Canada
Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain
Check full list at thaievisa.go.th →

Require a Visa?

Apply online at thaievisa.go.th. Processing takes up to 14 business days — apply at least 3 weeks before travel.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — Mandatory for all visitors since 1 May 2025. Complete online at least 3 days before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th

2

Fly to Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) is domestic only. International participants must connect via Bangkok.

Leg 1 — International flight

Fly to Bangkok

Main hub Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — most international airlines
Budget hub Don Mueang (DMK) — AirAsia, Lion Air
If arriving at BKK, transfer to DMK (~30 km, 45–60 min by taxi/Grab) to catch the NKP flight.

Leg 2 — Domestic flight

Don Mueang (DMK) → Nakhon Phanom (KOP)

AirAsia ~3 flights/day · 1h 10min · from USD 38
Lion Air ~1-2 flights/day · 1h 15min · from USD 35

Book 2–3 months ahead for best fares.

3

Nakhon Phanom Airport → Venue

Distance: ~15 km · Travel time: ~20 minutes

Taxi (metered)

150–250 THB · available at airport

Grab (recommended)

120–200 THB · fixed price, cashless

Download Grab app before travel

Alternative Routes

Overnight Bus from Bangkok

Bangkok Mochit → Nakhon Phanom direct. Comfortable sleeper coaches depart every evening.

~11–12 hours
~600–1,200 THB (~USD 17–35)

Train + Bus

Bangkok → Udon Thani (train), then bus to Nakhon Phanom. Budget-friendly option.

~14–15 hours total
~500–1,700 THB (~USD 14–50)

Via Laos (Friendship Bridge 3)

From Laos, Vietnam, or China via the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nakhon Phanom — direct entry to the city.

~8 km from city centre
Visa on Arrival available (USD 40 cash)

Practical Information

Time ZoneUTC+7 — Thailand Standard Time (no daylight saving)
CurrencyThai Baht (THB) · 1 USD ≈ 33–35 THB · ATMs available in city (fee ~180–220 THB/withdrawal for foreign cards)
Mobile / SIMBuy a tourist SIM at Bangkok airports (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove) — strongly recommended. Grab app works in Nakhon Phanom.
Electricity220V / 50Hz — Plug types A, B, C (most universal adapters work)
Weather (Nov)Cool season — 22–30°C, low humidity, minimal rain. Ideal outdoor conditions.
LanguageThai. English understood at hotels and major venues. Signage in both Thai and English.

Health & Emergency

191

Police

1669

Medical emergency / ambulance

1155

Tourist Police

199

Fire

Nearby hospitals in Mueang Nakhon Phanom and pharmacy details will be listed here. Travel insurance is recommended for international participants.

Explore Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom sits on the Mekong River facing Laos PDR — one of Thailand's most scenic provinces. Here are highlights to enjoy around the conference.

Phra That Phanom

A revered Buddhist stupa and the spiritual landmark of the province, located in That Phanom district south of the city.

Naga Monument

An iconic riverside monument honouring the Mekong Naga, a popular spot for photos and evening strolls.

Riverside Walking Street & Night Market

A vibrant Mekong promenade with local food stalls, crafts and views across to Laos.

Note: A detailed visitor guide — including local cuisine and day trips — will be published closer to the conference.