St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral

St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral is a magnificent church shaped like a ship, representing the bamboo rafts and boats used by early Christian settlers fleeing Sakon Nakhon City to find a new home in Tha Rae. Today, this village is the largest Roman Catholic community in Thailand. Step inside and discover its treasures: a museum telling the fascinating story of Tha Rae’s Catholic heritage, an exquisite marble statue of St. Michael imported from Italy, a century-old bell cast in France, and a monument honoring Father Gombouir, the cathedral’s first pastor.

Visitor Tip: Dress modestly—with trousers or skirts below the knee.

Opening Hours: 06:00–18:00

Tel: 042 751 090

Francisco’s Traditional Rice Noodle

Ban Tha Rae is dotted with charming colonial-style heritage buildings—but if you step out from behind St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral, the very first gem you’ll find is Francisco’s Traditional Rice Noodle. This two-story European-style shophouse stands out with its ornate stucco work, a tradition in which homeowners inscribed the name of their patron saint above the entrance. Here, it proudly bears the name of St. Francis Xavier, the missionary who brought Christianity to Asia—and the true inspiration behind the house’s name (with no connection to San Francisco, California!). Today, this beautifully preserved building welcomes visitors as a cozy Vietnamese eatery, serving up beloved local favorites.

Must-Try Dishes: Rice noodle soup (Khao Piak), Vietnamese-style suki, Maoberry juice, freshly baked bread, and Vietnamese coffee.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00–17:00

Udomdetwat Mansion 

Built in 1933 by skilled Vietnamese craftsmen who had settled in Nakhon Phanom and Tha Rae, this elegant French colonial–style mansion tells a story of heritage and charm. The two-story building once served as a family home and general store — with the ground floor selling household goods and the upper floor housing two bedrooms flanking a central prayer hall. Here, a beautifully crafted altar displayed the crucifix, statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, and revered saints, offering a sacred space for family worship. Today, the ground floor has been lovingly transformed into UDD Udomdetwat Cafe & Bistro, blending history with a modern, cozy vibe.

Must-Try: Udomdet’s Vibes orange latte, Chapter 1 pineapple-honey americano, and lychee cheesecake pie.

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 / Sat–Sun 08:30–18:30

Ong Luang Sorin’s Ancient House

Built in 1932 by the same Vietnamese artisans who crafted the Udomdetwat Mansion, it stands as a timeless symbol of French colonial elegance blended with local craftsmanship. This two-story standalone residence was constructed using a unique mix of white lime, sand, and natural plant resins from yang bong trees and sugarcane juice, replacing conventional cement. The upper floor features mostly wooden structures, while certain fittings were imported directly from France. Its architectural highlights include intricate stucco detailing, folding wooden doors, and graceful archways adorning both the front and sides. Although it is no longer a family home, the mansion remains under the care of the Sorin descendants. Every curve, carving, and corner still whispers stories of the people, traditions, and local wisdom of Tha Rae’s past.

Ancient House

Once the proud residence of the son of Sakon Nakhon’s former governor, it is now a century-old relic steeped in history and mystery. Originally built as a family home, it became an unlikely sanctuary during World War II, when government orders forced the closure of Tha Rae Church. Local Catholics needed a sacred space for Mass, weddings, and other rites, and the owner’s family—having a Catholic priest among their descendants—opened their doors to the community. Legend even whispers that Ho Chi Minh, the former leader of Vietnam, once lived here during his time in Thailand.

Tragically, the house was later ravaged by fire, left to crumble without restoration. Over time, nature reclaimed it—trees sprouting through its walls, turning it into the haunting yet captivating ruin visitors see today.

Nong Han Sunset Viewpoint

Nong Han Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern Thailand and the second-largest in the country, after Bueng Boraphet. Spanning 12 subdistricts of Sakon Nakhon, it’s a vital habitat for freshwater fish, waterbirds, and wetlands, making it one of Thailand’s most important ecological treasures. But Nong Han Lake isn’t just about nature—it’s also a hub of local life. Fishing supports the livelihoods of communities across Sakon Nakhon and neighboring provinces, while for visitors, the lake offers unforgettable experiences like birdwatching and scenic boat rides at sunset, where the skies light up in colors as stunning as anywhere in Thailand.

House of Stars

Every December 22–24, the Christian community of Tha Rae lights up with faith and festivity in the spectacular Star Parade, celebrating the birth of Jesus. First held in 1982, the festival’s highlight is the dazzling procession of stars, both on land and water, creating a truly magical experience. If you visit Tha Rae outside the festival dates, you can still enjoy the magic by visiting Khun Lamphorn’s House of Stars on Fuangfoo Street (also called the Street of Star Makers), where stars are handcrafted and sold nationwide. Sizes range from charming 10 cm stars to impressive 150 cm masterpieces—perfect for taking a piece of Tha Rae home with you.

Tel: 08 4401 8289

Nam-Samai Shop

Step into Namsamai Shop, housed in a charming three-unit wooden shophouse over 70 years old. The ground floor is open to visitors, while the upper floor remains a lived-in home. Run by 74-year-old Mae Thassana, the store has witnessed decades of change—from tailoring shops and pharmacies to photography studios—yet Mae Thassana always greets every guest with a warm, welcoming smile. Inside, shelves are neatly stocked with daily necessities, snacks, and ice cream, reminiscent of a cozy convenience store straight out of a movie scene. Visiting isn’t just a shopping trip—it’s a chance to support the local community and take home a little extra: Mae Thassana’s infectious smile.