Description
Nong Han Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวหนองหาร) is one of the best place to take photos of Nong Han Lake. Spanning 125 square kilometers (30,000 acres), Nong Han is the largest lake in Northeastern Thailand, and filled with diverse aquatic plants, fishes, and birds. The viewpoint is only about 500 meters past Chaloem Phrakiat Lotus Park, on the opposite side of the road. So, you will have to briefly pass the site, and then take a u-turn to arrive at the destination.
A tall, large sign marks the entrance to Nong Han Viewpoint, so it is hard to miss. You will likely want to park in the first parking lot you drive into on entering, and walk toward the small pavilion which sits amidst a pond of lotus flowers. After enjoying this outer area, you'll then want to get back into your car and drive down the small road which takes you to the long walkway toward the small island (known as Nong Han Viewpoint). There is a parking area here, as well.
You then will take a walk along an elevated one kilometer walkway that crosses Nong Han Lake towards the island. You'll see many types of aquatic plants during your walk, water birds such as egrets and herons, and some jumping fish (if lucky). You also may see a local or two traveling around the lake in a traditional wood boat. If you are concerned about the distance of the walk, there are several small pavilions positioned on the walkway where you can take a break.
When you arrive at the Nong Han Viewpoint island, there is a large pavilion from which to take photos, and you can also venture onto the island, and cross through easily navigated forest paths to the far side, where additional perspectives of the lake can be seen, and photos taken. As you walk through the small forest, you'll see many interesting trees (including old sacred Bodhi trees with spirit houses), and a giant termite mound.
The best time of the day to visit Nong Han Viewpoint (for photography) is a couple hours before sunset, and (if possible) on a semi-cloudy day. The sun sets opposite the island, over Sakon Nakhon city. The viewpoint is rarely filled with visitors, usually only a few joggers and couples taking in a romantic sunset. A good itinerary would be to go to the nearby Lotus park around 2:30 pm and then to the viewpoint around 3:30 pm.
As far as nearby Sakon Nakhon temples worth visiting, we would recommend Wat Phraphut Saiyara, which is only 3 kilometers from Nong Han Viewpoint on the way back to Sakon Nakhon city. This temple is especially beautiful in the later afternoon when the sun is at a perfect angle to set the glittering temple tiles into a dazzling display.
