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.
Today’s
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.
Ban Nong Chan Old
Town
This is
the only site where it is possible to see the brick
ruins and a number of large trees that are over a
hundred years old. Archeological evidence reveals that
the place was formerly the camp site of Phraya Chiangsa
who led his troops from Vientiane to assist Tao Kumsing
in the fight to liberate Tao Kumsingํs
Kingdom from Tao Gugnewํs
control. This old town is located about 5 kilometers
from the city.
Hat Thai Mueang
Thai
Mueang Beach is a freshwater beach that appears only
during the dry season from February to April when it
extends to the middle of the Mekong River almost
reaching the river bank on the Laos side. This beach is
another excellent place from which to enjoy the river
view from dusk to dawn.
Phu Kratae Golf Club
Located
in the compound of NaKhon Phanom Technical School,
Nitayo Road, Nakhon Phanom 48000, golf lovers may call
042 511177 for reservation or more details.
Riverside Promenade
Fancy a
walk along the mighty and famous Mekong River? Visitors
can stroll along the riverside promenade parallel to the
Mekong River and enjoy the view across the river of Tha
Khaek City against the mountainous backdrop. The view is
spectacular in the evening as the sun sets over the
mountains on the other side of the river.
Saint Anna Nong Saeng Church
Saint
Anna Church is located on Sonthornvijit Road which runs
parallel to the dame in front of the city of Nakhon
Phanom. The church was built in 1926 by a Catholic
priest. The church stands as a symbol of an
international city that welcomes inhabitants from all
walks of life. Before Christmas eve, Christians will
make different styles of stars and put them together in
the church.
Tha Khaek (located in Laos)
Foreigners wishing to extend their journey to Tha Khaek
should obtain Lao Visas. Only travelers with valid visas
are allowed to cross to Laos by ferry. Tha Khaek is a
trade outpost with interesting French colonial
architecture.
Wat Maha That
This
monastery is located on Sunthon Wichit Road, on the bank
of Mekong River. The compound includes Phra That Nakhon
– a sacred pagoda highly worshipped by Buddhists. With a
square base of 5.8 meters wide and a height of 24
meters, the pagoda was built by Phraya Ammat (Pom), the
army commander-in-chief from Vientiane who built Nakhon
Phanom City.
Wat Okat (Wat Okatsibuaban)
The
temple, which is located along the bank of the Mekong
River, on Sunthon Wichit Road is an ancient monastery
that has not been dated. The temple was built before the
provincial town was established and houses many
highly-revered old Buddha images such as Phra Teaw and
Phra Tiam. Additional attractions at the temple are its
magnificent murals.
Wat Si Thep
Wat Si
Thep is situated on Sunthon Wichit Road and houses the
highly revered Phra Saeng, which is said to have been
built along with Phra Suk and Phra Sai, two other Buddha
images. In addition, the ordination hall features
exquisite murals.
Tha Uthen
Phra That Tha Uthen
Phra
That Tha Uthen is located opposite Hin Bun town in Laos.
It is situated approximately 26 kilometers north of the
city on Highway 212. Similar in style to Phra That
Phanom, Phra That Tha Uthen is 66 meters high.
Constructed in 1912, the chedi (pagoda) houses the
relics of the Lord Buddha’s disciple brought from over
from Yangon, Myanmar.
Wat Trai Phum
A
riverside temple located in Tha Uthen District where the
15th century, 80-inch tall Phra Bang image with an
octagon base surrounded by 8 elephants is enshrined. It
is believed that a procession with the image during the
dry season will bring rainfall.
That Phanom
Phra That Phanom
Phra
That Phanom is located 50 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom
town on Highway No. 212. It is the most important
Buddhist site in the province. A 53-meters tall
square-shaped pagoda, it was believed to have been built
before the 12th century. The pagoda, which is believed
to have originally been of Khmer design, was renovated
through the years to its present Laotian design. The
pagoda enshrines the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. On
August 11, 1975 at 7 p.m., the entire pagoda collapsed
after many days of rainstorm. The Thai public
subsequently made considerable donations to rebuild the
pagoda to its original splendor. People placed many
valuables inside and placed a 110-kilogram solid gold
spire on top of the pagoda.
Pla Bak
Phra That Maha Chai
Phra
That Maha Chai is located at Wat Khosadaram, Tambon Maha
Chai, some 40 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom town on the
Nakhon Phanom-Sakon Nakhon (Highway No. 22). The
monastery is easily accessible via a 2-kilometer road
that leads directly to the temple. The chedi enshrines
the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Inside the convocation
hall is Thailand’s largest wooden Buddha image. The hall
also features exquisite murals depicting the life of
Lord Buddha that are regarded as one of the finest and
rarest murals of the Northeast.
Renu Nakhon
Phra That Renu
Nakhon
Phra
That Renu Nakhon is located 52 kilometers south of
Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. Upon reaching the
kilometer 44 marker, turn right and proceed for another
7 kilometers. The pagoda, which is 35 meters high, was
built in 1918 and is a scaled down replica of Phra That
Phanom. Inside the pagoda are a Buddhist scripture and a
gold Buddha image.
Renu
Nakhon is home to many Phu Thai ethnic minorities who
retain their culture, especially their dances and the
custom of the Bai-Si-Su-Kwan ceremony. This indigenous
group excels weaving cotton and their products that are
highly sought after by tourists.
Ban Phaeng
Phra Achan Bua
Temiyo Museum
Phra
Achan Bua Temiyo Museum is situated at Wat Sila Mongkhon
in Ban Lak Sila, only 5 kilometers from Amphoe That
Phanom. The museum houses the remains of the famous monk
Phra Achan Man Phuritatto and the religious items of
another monk, Phra Achan Bua Temiyo. The well-preserved
body of the latter monk is kept here and is highly
revered by locals.
Phu Langka National Park
This
park is in the Langka Mountain Range, 6 kilometres from
Ban Phaeng district and comprises 2 waterfalls.
Namtok Tat Kham
is located near the park office. This small 4-tiered
waterfall is superb for relaxation.
Namtok Tat Pho,
which can be seen from the highway paralleling the
Mekong River, is located 11 kilometers from Ban Phaeng
and 5 kilometers from Tat Kham Waterfall. Equally
beautiful, Tat Pho is best visited during the rainy
season. A trail to the waterfall allows visitors to
enjoy the beauty of both sides of the falls while
walking a little over 1 hour.
