Накхон Пханом
, Таиланд
Nakhon Phanom, once the center of the ancient Sri Kotrabun
Kingdom, lies adjacent to the majestic Maekhong River, 735 kms.
northeast of Bangkok. The lovely setting of the provincial
capital is enhanced by the rugged beauty of the jungled
mountains which lie beyond the Laotian town of Thakaek, on the
opposite bank of the river. King Rama I selected the name Nakhon
Phanom, city of mountains, because of this outstanding
geographical feature.
During the centuries, Lao and other ethnic groups migrated
across the Maekhong River and this is reflected in the local
dialects, customs and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom. Many unique folk
dances, such as the Sri Kotrabun dance, regarded as the symbol
of Nakhon Phanom's long history and the Fon Phu Thai,
Sek-Ten-Sak and So Tung Bung are performed on special occasions.
The custom of extending a generous welcome to guests can be
experienced during a Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony when a potent brew
of home-made liquor is usually served.
There are many ancient religious monuments in Nakhon Phanom. The
most highly revered is Pra Thad Phanom in Amphoe Thad Phanom
which dates back to the time of the Sri Kotrabun Kingdom.
Attractions :
Riverside
Promenade is alongside the Khong River in the municipal area. It
gives a good view across the river especially in the early
morning when the sun rises above the mountains.
Phra That
Phanom is about fifty kilometers from town proper. It has
not been conclusively proved when it was built. However,
according to archaeologists, it is about 1500 years old.
Fifty-two meters high, each of its rectangular bases
measures 12.33 meters, and its decorative top is made of
gold weighing 110 kilograms. The annual Phra That Phanom
Fair is celebrated on the full -moon evening of the 3rd
Lunar month. Thousands of worshipers flock to Nakhon Phanom
to pay homage to this most important religious shrine in the
Northeast. Stalls and performances are staged throughout the
7-day celebration.
Phra That
Renu Nakhon the main religious monument in Amphoe Renu
Nakhon abut fifty kilometers from town, is similar to the
Phra That Phanom but in a smaller scale. Renu Nakhon boasts
a market place not unlike San Kamphaeng in Chiang Mai, with
cotton, silk dresses and quilted blankets as leading local
products.
Prathat Tha
Utun, situated in Amphoe Tha Uthen, has the likeness of
Phrathat Phanom. Its was built in 1912 A.D. to store a relic
of the Lord Buddha brought from Myanmar.
Nam Tok Tat
Kham Forest Park 7 kilometers from Amphoe Ban Phaeng, has
been preserved in its natural beauty state and is where the
rivers originating from Phu Langka mountain meet in a
confluence to form the Huai Kham river. The river cascades
through 4 steps of the fall before continuing on its ways to
the Khong river.
Nam Tok Tat
Pho, 5 kilometers from Nam Tok Tat Kham, can be reached
after a 2 hour walk. The waterfall is from a river
originating from Phu Langka mountain and the area has its
own natural beauty especially in the rainy season.
Illuminated
Boat Procession held annually in October or November, the
event represents a traditional Loi Krathong ceremony of
north easterners marking the end of the Buddhist Lent. The
illuminated boats are made of banana barks, bamboo or other
floatable material with a length of at least 6 meters. The
boat is elaborately fashioned into various shapes. The
procession is staged in the streets during the day while at
night, religious rites are observed. Later, the boats are
illuminated and launched into the Mekhong river.
Festivals & Events :
Prathat Phanom Festival
Febuary
Phra That Phanom Temple, Nakhon Phanom
This Festival, which last for about one week, takes place during
the period of the full moon in February or early March. It is
one of the biggest and most important festival for the people of
the Northeast, both Thais and Laotians.
Annual Illuminated
Boat Festival
October - November
Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom
The most important festival for the people of Nakhon Phanom,
takes place around October 31 - November 4, during the period of
the full moon, and marks the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.
This festival celebrates the time when the Lord Buddha returned
to Earth, after spending the Buddhist Rains Retreat in Heaven.
This day is called as "Wan Chao Lok"
which means "The day the Buddha blessed the World".
The people
marked their showing of respect by illuminating their boats.
This then became a local custom. During this week, there are
Dragon Boat racing on the Maekhong River, and the end of the
festival is marked by Illuminated Boats being paraded down river
for all the people to see. These boats are made from bampoo and
decorated with hundreds of lights.
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