FESTIVALS
Wax Castle Procession
is held in Amphoe Muang at the end of the Buddhist Lent for 3 nights around the middle of October. The second night features a beautiful procession, an ancient boxing dance (a folk play indigenous of Sakon Nakhon) and boat races. Visitors to the festival can continue on to the Illuminated Boats Procession in Nakhon Phanom that is held immediately after.
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Welcome to Sakon Nakhon
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Sakon Nakhon, the ancient, Khmer town formerly known as ‘Nong Han Luang’, is now an important Buddhist religious center that contains a very sacred Buddha relic, and many forest temple retreats for meditation founded by a highly revered, deceased Buddhist monk, considered to be the greatest teacher of all monks. Situated in the upper northeastern region among the Phu Pan mountain ranges, it is also a land of natural beauty comprised of green, overlapping hills. The lifestyle of the people around the town’s vicinity provides an interesting insight of the local Thais and the Thai So group.
Sakon Nakhon is 647 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 9,605 square kilometres. Sakon Nakhon consists of the following districts: Muang Sakon Nakhon, Waritchaphum, Kut Bak, Kusuman, Ban Muang, Phanna Nikhom, Sawang Daen Din, Wanon Niwat, Phang Khon, Akat Amnuai, Song Dao, Kham Ta Kla, Tao Ngoi, Khok Si Suphan, Nikhom Nam Un, Charoen Sin, Phon Na Kaeo and Phu Phan.
Attractions
Isan Freshwater Fish Species Display Centre
Isan Freshwater Fish Species Display Centre is at the Sakon Nakhon Fishery Station on Sai Sawang Road. The centre has on display freshwater fish and animal species found in the Northeast.
Nong Han
Nong Han is a large freshwater lake with an area of 123 square kilometres. It is where many waterways converge and is also a major agricultural and fishery centre of the province. Nong Han’s shorefront has been developed into a public park. In addition, there is Sa Phang Thong, an ancient pool believed to have been constructed at the same time as Phra That Choeng Chum.
Pan Mo (Pottery) village
Pan Mo (Pottery) village is at Ban Chiang Khrua, 15 kilometres away on the way to Nakhon Phanom. Products made here are jars, pots, containers, and flowerpots. All are sold to tourists at reasonable prices.
Phra Archan Man Phurithatto Museum
Phra Archan Man Phurithatto Museum is opposite the Provincial Government Centre on Suk Kasem Road in Wat Pa Sutthawat. The museum is built of fired clay tiles. On display are a wax figure of Phra Achan Man who was a famous monk, his personal items and his biography.
Phra That Choeng Chum
Phra That Choeng Chum is an historical site that has always been with Sakon Nakhon. This plaster-covered brick pagoda has a square base and is 24 metres high. The chapel houses the holy Luang Pho Ong Saen.
Phra That Dum
Phra That Dum is at Tambon Ngew Don, 3 kilometres from town on the way to Phatthana Suksa School. Originally, there were 3 brick Khmer pagodas on the same laterite base, but only one stands today. The pagodas were built in the 11th century.
Phra That Narai Cheng Weng Sanctuary
Phra That Narai Cheng Weng Sanctuary is 5 kilometres from town on the way to Udon Thani. The sandstone pagoda is on a laterite base. Ornate designs adorn the lintel, doorway and windows. It is believed the site was entirely constructed by women who competed with the men who built Phra That Phu Phek. It dates from the 11th-12th Buddhist century.
Pricha Suksan Waterfall
Pricha Suksan Waterfall is on Phu Phan mountain range, 17 kilometres away on the Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani route and 10 more kilometres on the left. The waterfall is a rock plateau with water coming down like a slide. It is suitable for swimming.
Sakon Nakhon Cultural Centre
Sakon Nakhon Cultural Centre is in Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat Institute, about 6 kilometres from town on the Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani Road. Exhibits include utensils of various tribes in the province and information on Sakon Nakhon in the old days.
Saphan Hin or Saphan Khom
Saphan Hin or Saphan Khom is situated right before entering the town on the Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani Road. It is believed to have been a route of the Khmer people.
Transportation
Bus
Bangkok-Roi Et buses depart from Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Ban Phai, then take Highway No. 23 to Roi Et via Borabue and Maha Sarakham, a total distance of 512 kilometres.
Train
There is no direct train running to Roi Et. Visitors can take a train to Khon Kaen, then continue the trip by bus to Roi Et. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
Air
PBAir provides 4 weekly flight services from Bangkok to Roi Et on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2261-0220 – 5.
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