| Sakon Nakhon |
Sakon Nakhon is in the upper Northeast. It is on the Phu Phan mountain range and
has many forest temple retreats for meditation. These temples are also where
famous monks well known in meditation circles reside.
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.
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| Nakhon Phanom |
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).
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