🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Ask anyone in Nakhon Phanom what to take home and the answer comes back almost in unison: moo yor. The town has Vietnamese roots, and people here have been making moo yor (giò) since the days families crossed the Mekong. The recipe is different from elsewhere — soft, springy, and not heavy on MSG. Many shops still make it in home kitchens using recipes passed down for decades. Beyond moo yor there's also naem, Isan sausage, kunchiang, pork floss, and sweet kalamae to choose from.
The edible souvenirs people take home most
Before we get to where to buy, here's a quick rundown of what each item is and how long it keeps — most of these are fresh meats, and some need refrigeration and should be eaten within a few days.
- Banana-leaf moo yor — ground pork steamed in banana leaf, dense and springy. Comes plain or with skin mixed in (extra bouncy). Around 50–100 THB per log depending on size. Slice it to eat with sticky rice, or fry or grill it. Keeps about 5–7 days in the fridge, longer in the freezer.
- Fried moo yor sheets — moo yor pressed into sheets and fried, crisp outside and soft inside, more of a snack. Around 25–50 THB per sheet. Great as a nibble or a gift for kids.
- Naem — sour fermented pork wrapped in banana leaf. Can be eaten raw or fried/grilled. Keep it cold and eat within a few days — the longer it ferments, the sourer it gets.
- Isan sausage — rice-fermented sour sausage, sold both as round links and as a glass-noodle version. Fry or grill it and eat with cabbage and ginger-chili. A souvenir that kids and adults both enjoy.
- Kunchiang / pork floss / kalamae — these three keep longer than the rest, so they're better if you're travelling far. Kunchiang starts at around 10 THB for a small piece, and kalamae is a chewy sweet that many shops make in-house.
How to get it home without it spoiling
Moo yor and naem are fresh products, so if you're driving a long way back, ask the shop to pack them in a foam box with ice, or buy them close to your departure. Once home, freeze them in individual logs and just microwave or steam when you want to eat — they'll keep for a month. Kunchiang, pork floss and kalamae are fine at room temperature and don't need refrigeration.
Want to taste deeper? Try a Nakhon Phanom food tour or cooking class
Half a day with a local who knows the lanes — or cooking a dish yourself — teaches you more than just eating. Book ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide.
Shops Nakhon Phanom locals actually buy from
There are several moo yor makers in town, each with its own loyal following. The flavours differ slightly in sweetness and springiness, so it's worth tasting before you buy a lot — many shops have samples out front. We've ordered them by reputation and how easy they are to stop by.
Rian Thong Nakhon Phanom
The souvenir shop locals name first. The banana-leaf moo yor is soft with a touch of sweetness, available plain or with skin, and the fried moo yor sheets sell fast too. You'll find kunchiang, pork floss, kalamae and naem all under one roof, with samples to try before you buy.
Rung Sap Moo Yor
A traditional Vietnamese recipe tuned to Thai tastes — hand-kneaded, wrapped in fresh banana leaf and steamed, with a signature springy bite. It's a 5-star OTOP product with FDA and TCPS standards. The shop sits in the mid-town area near the Naga landmark.
Daeng Naem Nueang (Indochina Market)
Famous for naem nueang and Vietnamese-style processed foods. Besides eating in, you can buy moo yor, naem and sausage to take away. It's inside the Indochina Market on the Mekong, so you can shop several stalls for souvenirs in one spot.
Chuen Chit Moo Yor
A long-standing moo yor maker in the Indochina Market. Plenty of regulars love the dense texture that isn't too sweet, and the prices are easy on the wallet. Convenient to pick up alongside other souvenirs in the market.
Pong Te Moo Yor
A local brand known alongside the Pong Te som tam restaurant. They make moo yor and processed foods to sell as souvenirs, with a bold Isan-meets-Lao flavour — good for anyone who likes it punchy.
Phon Thep
A shop more than 40 years old where townsfolk come for breakfast and grab souvenirs on the way out. They have kunchiang, moo yor and Vietnamese kuay chap noodles. Small kunchiang pieces start at around 10 THB — a good morning stop before sightseeing.
Moo Thong Cold Storage
A local processing facility making naem, grilled pork, Isan sausage, glass-noodle sausage and frozen goods. Ideal if you want to buy Isan sausage in a big batch to fry up at home.
VT Naem Nueang (Nakhon Phanom branch)
The naem nueang chain many people know by name. They have Isan sausage and Vietnamese processed foods packaged as souvenir sets — tidy, easy to carry, and good for gifting to people who don't like it too spicy.
Where it's easiest to buy
Nakhon Phanom souvenirs are sold in three main zones, each suited to a different point in your trip. Pick based on where you're staying or passing through.
Indochina Market, riverside
On Sunthon Wichit Rd right by the Mekong, with moo yor shops, naem nueang, Vietnamese goods and souvenirs from Laos and Vietnam all in one place. You can shop with a river view, and it's open daily from midday into the evening.
In town, Si Thep Rd
The big souvenir shops like Rian Thong and Rung Sap are around here, with easy parking and everything in one stop. Great to swing by before you leave.
Morning market / breakfast shops
Long-established spots like Phon Thep sell kunchiang and moo yor alongside breakfast — perfect for early risers who want to eat and shop at the same time.
How to fit souvenir shopping into your trip
Fresh items like moo yor and naem are best bought close to your departure day. Here's a rough rhythm so you can see when to stop for what.
Explore and taste
Buy the fresh stuff before you set off
Plan a full Mekong-side eating day in Nakhon Phanom
See the Nakhon Phanom travel guide →