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SakonNakhon

Having a long, culturally diverse history, Sakon Nakhon features a unique mixture of ancient traditions.

Sakon Nakhon is in the upper northeast of Thailands Isan region. It lies within the Phu Phan mountain range and features many forested temple retreats for Buddhist meditation, where a number of famous monks reside.

The capital of the province, also called Sakon Nakhon, is a Buddhist town with five Buddhist stupas. Its history can be dated back three thousand years. More recently, Nongharn town, where present day Sakon Nakhon stands, was originally believed to have been built in 11th century when the Khmer ruled this region. After the fall of Angkor, the town was under the rule of Lan Xang, a Laotian Kingdom, and it was renamed Muang Chiang Mai Nongharn. When the town was finally brought under control of the Siamese it was renamed again: Sakon Thavapi. In 1830, during the reign of King Rama III, the town was finally renamed Sakon Nakhon.


Having a long, culturally diverse history, Sakon Nakhon features a unique mixture of ancient traditions. In addition to historical sites and temples that reflect this, there are a number of traditional festivals that visitors may also enjoy, including the wax castle and illuminated boat festival. Local products from Sakon Nakhon feature handicrafts, including earthenware, cotton clothes, silk products, and hand-woven Khit clothes with natural bark dye.

 

Transport

As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Sakon Nakhon is best reached via private car or public bus. However, it is possible to take a train or plane to nearby Udon Thani an then a short bus to Sakon Nakhon. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk.

Getting to and from Sakon Nakhon

  • By Train:

There is no direct train from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon. Visitors can take a train to Udon Thani and continue the journey by bus to Sakon Nakhon. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.

  • By Car:

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi and then Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) to Ban Phai which connects with Highway No. 23 to Maha Sarakham; finally, continue the journey along Highway 213 via Kalasin to Sakon Nakhon, a total distance of 647 kilometers.

  • By Bus:

Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon buses depart from Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information

Getting Around Sakon Nakhon

As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and some form of tuk tuk are usually available for private charter as well.


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