FESTIVALS
Phra That Phanom Fair
takes place every February. Thousands of locals and people from nearby provinces flock to the temple to pay homage to this sacred place.
Illuminated Boats Procession
is organised at the end of the Buddhist Lent or every November. Boats are illuminated with colourful lights and arranged into various designs to pay homage to Lord Buddha. Once lit up, the boats make for a spectacular sight. In conjunction with the festival, provincial authorities have also organised a boat race between Thai and Lao teams to promote good relations.
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Welcome to Nakhon Phanom
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
As the Mekong River flows east pass Nong Khai and then south, it progresses down the Nakhon Phanom’s entire elongated eastern side, separating it from Laos. With a past that dates back many thousands of years, the province is a collection of diverse cultures and traditions from the various ethnic groups that now inhabit this land. The province, literally translated as “city of hills”, is renowned for its beautiful scenery and a great place to spend a few relaxing days by the Mekong River. The city contains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, revered in both Thailand and neighboring Laos. The province is opposite Tha Khaek in Laos.
Nakhon Phanom is 740 kilometers from Bangkok. The province has an area of 5,512 square kilometers. It consists of the following districts: Muang Nakhon Phanom, Pla Pak, Tha Uthen, Phon Sawan, Ban Phaeng, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Wa, Na Thom and Wang Yang.
Attractions
A walkway paralleling the Mekong
A walkway paralleling the Mekong is a perfect place to enjoy the area’s scenery, particularly at sunset when the sun drops below the mountain on the Laos side.
Thai Muang beach
Thai Muang beach is a freshwater beach which occurs only during the dry season from February to April when it extends to the middle of the Mekong almost to the Laos bank. This is another good place to enjoy the river view.
Wat Maha That
Wat Maha That, another temple on Sunthon Wichit Road, is on the Mekong bank. Phra That Nakhon is a sacred pagoda worshipped by Buddhists everywhere. It has a square base, is 5.8 meters wide and 24 meters high. It was built by Phraya Ammat (Pom), the army commander-in-chief from Vientiane who built Nakhon Phanom city.
Mukdahan National Park (Phu Pha Thoep)
Mukdahan National Park (Phu Pha Thoep) is 17 kilometres from the city on the Mukdahan-Don Tan Road. To get to the park, turn right at the 14-15 km marker and drive for 2 kilometres. The park has an area of 48.5 square kilometres and consists mainly of many high mountains connected together like Phu Manorom, Phu Nang Hong, Phu Pha Thoep, Phu Tham Phra, Phu Lak Se, Phu Rang, Phu Pong, and Phu Kham Mak Mi. The highest peak is Phu Chom Si, which is 420 metres above sea level. The forest is a hardwood forest and is the source of several waterways.
Wat Okat
Wat Okat on the Mekong bank is on Sunthon Wichit Road and is a temple that has been in the province since it was established. Many old Buddha images regarded as sacred by Buddhists are housed here. The temple also features beautiful wall murals.
Wat Si Thep
Wat Si Thep is on Sunthon Wichit Road. The convocation hall and wall murals are exquisite. The temple houses Phra Saeng, which is said to have been built along with Phra Suk and Phra Sai, two other important images of Nong Khai.
Transportation
Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Nakhon Phanom every day. Call Transport Co. Ltd. 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
Car
From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima route, then proceed to Ban Phai along Highway No. 2 and use Highway No. 23 and Highway No. 213 via Maha Sarakham and Kalasin to Sakhon Nakhon and continue the trip along Highway No. 22 to Nakhon Phanom, a total distance of 740 kilometres.
Air
PBAir 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 has 2 weekly flights connecting Bangkok with Nakhon Phanom every Tuesdays and Saturdays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2280-0060, 0-2628-2000 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.
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