Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, Nakhon Phanom hotels, Nakhon Phanom map, Fargo Travel, Thailand and Worldwide Hotels Reservations

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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