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NakhonPhanom

The City of the Revered Phrathat Phanom, Cultural Diversity, Beautiful Phu Thai Ladies, Brilliant Illuminated Boat Procession, and Picturesque Mekong River.

Nakhon Phanom, once the center of the ancient Sri Kotrabun Kingdom, lies along the western bank of the majestic Mekong River, although over the centuries it has moved back and forth across the river. The lovely setting of Nakhon Phanom town is enhanced by the rugged beauty of the jungle covered mountains that lie beyond the town of Thakaek on the Laotian side of the river. King Rama I chose the name Nakhon Phanom, city of mountains, because of the remarkable mountains found in the province.

Partly a result of its long history, Nakhon Phanom is a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and traditions, particularly represented by the Lao, who have lent a strong influence to the architecture, customs, and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom, including the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan welcoming ceremony.

Covered with both high hills and low lying, forest covered plains, Nakhon Phanom is the site of Phra That Phanom, the most ancient and sacred religious monument in Northeastern Thailand. Thais and Laotians are both common pilgrims to this highly venerated Buddhist shrine where they come to ask for blessings.


Throughout the history of Nakhon Phanom, Laotians and people from smaller ethnic minority groups migrated across the Mekong River giving modern Nakhon Phanom a distinctive cultural fusion that is apparent in the local language, customs, and cuisine. Visitors can appreciate this culture during the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony or by witnessing one of the regions folk dances, such as the Sri Kotrabun, Fon Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak, and So Tung Bung, some of which are only performed on special occasions.

In addition to its rich culture, Nakhon Phanom, which literally means city of hills is an area with great natural beauty and which features a number of opportunities for visitors to participate in outdoor activities, including trekking in the national park or shooting a round of golf.

Transport

As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Nakhon Phanom is best reached via private car or public bus. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, as the there is no local bus service and the only chartered vehicles available are Skylabs, a local form of tuk tuk.

Getting to and from Nakhon Phanom

  • 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 along Highway No. 22 to Nakhon Phanom; the total distance is 740 kilometers.

Route 2: From Bangkok take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi. At the main junction located at the kilometer 107 marker, turn right onto Highway No. 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; the total distance is 735 kilometers.

  • By Bus:

Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 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:



Nong Khai: Regular bus services operate between Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom via Sakon Nakhon; air-conditioned bus services are provided hourly from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Udon Thani: Regular bus and air-conditioned bus services make trips to Nakhon Phanom daily.

Mukdahan: 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

Kho Rat: Air-conditioned bus service between Nakhon Phanom and Khorat are provided 3 times a day.

By Other:

By Boat

A ferry across the Mekong River to Tha Khaek, Laos costs around 40 baht per person. Only travelers with valid Lao visas (not available on site) are permitted to cross to Tha Khaek.

Getting Around Nakhon Phanom

There is no bus service to get around the city. The only chartered vehicles available are Skylabs, a local form of tuk tuk. The fare ranges from 10-60 baht, depending on the distance.


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