Bueng Kan, Thailand

Bueng Kan is 750 kilometers away from Bangkok or 136 kilometres northeast of Nong Khai. Its northern border lies adjacent to the Mekong river , opposite to Bolikhamsai Province of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). With a total area of 4,305 square kilometers, the land is mostly covered by forest and agriculture with para rubber as the important economic crop. Major tourist attractions include waterfalls, mountains and beautiful scenery of the Mekong River.

Bueng Kan has been separated from Nong Khai and established as a province of Thailand on March 23, 2011. The province is divided into 8 districts including Amphoe Mueang Bueng Kan, Amphoe Pak Khat, So Phisai, Si Wilai, Phon Charoen, Seka, Bueng Khong Long and Bung Khla.

Boundary

How to get there
By Car
Distance from Bangkok to Bung Kan province is approximately 765 Kilometers, if access from Rama IV, takes Chaloem Mahanakhon Expressway. Then follow Highway No. 31. Then continue to Wiphawadi Rangsit Road. Later, the road will meet Highway No. 1 on Phahonyothin, turn to Highway No. 2 on Mittraphap Road. Then change to Highway 212 which leads to Bueng Kan town.

By Bus
Getting buses from Mochit Bus Terminal
More details, call 1490
Air Udon company offers air-con buses leaving from Bangkok in different routes with the details below.

Festivals & Events
Boon Bang Fai or Rocket Festival
Held in May every year. The festival is Bueng Kan’s indigenous tradition and important folklore. It is believed to appease to the rain gods for giving a lot of rainfall in the coming rainy season. The villagers will adorn themselves in colourful outfits, dance and sing in a procession while carry the rockets containing gunpowder and are around 9 metres in length.

Lai Reua Fai or Light Floating Festival
The festival, a heritage of Isan people has been celebrated at the end of Buddhist Lent. Bueng Kan celebrates the festival 1 day before that. The festival features different shapes of boats which people have been adhered to the traditional way of building with natural materials such as banana trunks or bamboo raft. Soft wood is made into different structures of the boat. Some are as long as 20 metres, 24 metres or 30 metres.

Candle Procession Festival
This annual festival is held during Buddhist Lent. Wax candles are created, elaborately engraved and adorned. They are later brought to participate in a parade. A competition for the most beautiful candle is also organized as well.

Princess’s Cup Boat Race
An inauguration of the new province, Bueng Kan officially formed on 3 August to mark its new status is celebrated on 10 - 12 September. There will be a Boat Race to win HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s cup.