Nakhon Phanom Map Hotels Travel Agents Guide

Nakhon Phanom at a glance

Located on the right bank of the majestic Mekong River is Nakhon Phanom an ancient city with a name that literally means of City of Hills. The lovely setting of the provincial capital is enhanced by the rugged beauty of jungle covered mountains which lie beyond the Laotian town of Tha Khaek, located on the opposite bank of the river. Nakhon Phanom is renowned as a great place with beautiful scenery and relaxing ambiance by the Mekong River.

With a history that dates back many thousands of years, the province is a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and traditions. However, the culture with the strongest influence on the architecture, customs and cuisine of the province is the Lao culture.

Encompassing a total area of 5,512 square kilometers, most of which are high hills and plains covered with lush and virgin forests, Nakhon Phanom is where Phra That Phanom, the most sacred and ancient religious monument of the Northeast, is located. Both Thais and Laotians usually make their pilgrimage to this highly venerated site to ask for blessings. In addition, visitors can experience the unique fusion of Thai and Lao arts and culture through customs such as the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony (the extension of a generous welcome to guests when a potent brew of home-made liquor is usually served).

History of Nakhon Phanom

One of the important cities of upper I-San, Nakhon Phanom was once known as "Sri Kotrabun Kingdom". Most historians believe that when King Rama I ruled Vientiane, the area was named "Maruka Nakhon". It was later renamed "Nakhon Phanom", because of its outstanding geographical feature its location among many hills and mountains.

Throughout history, Laotians and people from other ethnic groups had migrated across the Mekong River. This recurring pattern of migration left its mark on the local dialects, customs and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom. Some historic treasures include folk dances such as the Sri Kotrabun dance, which is regarded as the symbolic dance of Nakhon Phanom's, the Fon Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak and So Tung Bung that are performed on special occasions.

Todays Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom, which is 740 kilometers from Bangkok, covers an area of 5,512 square kilometers and is comprised of the following districts: Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Pla Bak, Tha Uthen, Phon Sawan, Ban Phaeng, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Wa, Na Thom and Wang Yang.

By Car

Route 1: From Bangkok, take the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima route, then proceed to Ban Phai along Highway No. 2, take Highway No. 23 and Highway No. 213 to Sakhon Nakhon Province via Maha Sarakham and Kalasin Provinces and continue the trip along Highway No. 22 to Nakhon Phanom for a total distance of 740 kilometers.

Route 2: From Bangkok take Highway No. 1, Pahonyothin Road, to Saraburi. At the main junction, kilometer 107 marker, turn right onto Highway 2 (Friendship Highway) and proceed past Nakon Ratchasima Province to Ban Phai (a district of Khon Kaen Province) and turn right onto Highway 23. Follow the route to Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom Provinces for a total distance of 735 kilometers.

By Bus

Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) to Nakhon Phanom Province every day between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. There are different classes of bus services provided - regular, air-conditioned and VIP with fares ranging from 360 baht to 579 baht). For more information call Transport Co. Ltd. Tel. 0 2936 2852-66. Alternatively, you can visit www.transport.co.th to find more up-to-date information on schedules and fares.

To/From other neighboring provinces

Regular bus services operate between Nong Khai to Nakhon Phanom via Sakon Nakhon at the rate of 79 bahts, while air-conditioned buse services are provided hourly from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the rate of 143 baht.

From Udon Thani regular bus services are provided at the rate of 128 baht, while air-conditioned bus services are provided at the rate of 211 baht.

In addition, bus services between Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan Provinces are provided on an hourly basis from 5.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily, while air-conditioned buses services between Nakhon Phanom and Khorat Provinces are provided 3 times a day at the rate of 264 baht.

By Air

PB Air provides daily flight services from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom, except Tuesdays and Saturdays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2261-0220 5.

Thai Airways International provides daily flight services between Bangkok and Nakhon Phanom with a flight time of 1.10 hours. In addition, there are flights from Sakon Nakhon to Nakhon Phanom (25 minutes, 300B), but not in the reverse direction. THAI Airways runs shuttle van between the airport, 16 kilometers away, and the city centre. For more information, contact the Bangkok office at tel. 0-2280-0060, 0-2628-2000 or visit its website at www.thaiairways.com.

By Boat

A ferry boat across the Mekong River to Tha Khaek, in Laos, costs 40 baht per person; in both directions. Only travelers traveling with valid Lao visas are permitted to cross to Tha Khaek

Riverside Promenade is alongside the Khong River in the municipal area. It gives a good view across the river especially in the early morning when the sun rises above the mountains.

Phra That Phanom is about fifty kilometers from town proper. It has not been conclusively proved when it was built. However, according to archaeologists, it is about 1500 years old. Fifty-two meters high, each of its rectangular bases measures 12.33 meters, and its decorative top is made of gold weighing 110 kilograms. The annual Phra That Phanom Fair is celebrated on the full -moon evening of the 3rd Lunar month. Thousands of worshipers flock to Nakhon Phanom to pay homage to this most important religious shrine in the Northeast. Stalls and performances are staged throughout the 7-day celebration.

Phra That Renu Nakhon the main religious monument in Amphoe Renu Nakhon abut fifty kilometers from town, is similar to the Phra That Phanom but in a smaller scale. Renu Nakhon boasts a market place not unlike San Kamphaeng in Chiang Mai, with cotton, silk dresses and quilted blankets as leading local products.

Prathat Tha Utun, situated in Amphoe Tha Uthen, has the likeness of Phrathat Phanom. Its was built in 1912 A.D. to store a relic of the Lord Buddha brought from Myanmar.

Nam Tok Tat Kham Forest Park 7 kilometers from Amphoe Ban Phaeng, has been preserved in its natural beauty state and is where the rivers originating from Phu Langka mountain meet in a confluence to form the Huai Kham river. The river cascades through 4 steps of the fall before continuing on its ways to the Khong river.

Nam Tok Tat Pho, 5 kilometers from Nam Tok Tat Kham, can be reached after a 2 hour walk. The waterfall is from a river originating from Phu Langka mountain and the area has its own natural beauty especially in the rainy season.

Illuminated Boat Procession held annually in October or November, the event represents a traditional Loi Krathong ceremony of north easterners marking the end of the Buddhist Lent. The illuminated boats are made of banana barks, bamboo or other floatable material with a length of at least 6 meters. The boat is elaborately fashioned into various shapes. The procession is staged in the streets during the day while at night, religious rites are observed. Later, the boats are illuminated and launched into the Mekhong river.