Nakorn Phanom

As the Mekong River flows east pass Nong Khai and then south, it progresses down the entire elongated eastern side of Nakorn Phanom Province, separating it from Laos. With a past that dates back many thousands of years, the province is a collection of diverse cultures and traditions from the various ethnic groups that now inhabit this land. The province, takes its name from its capital, literally translated as “city of hills,” though one must wonder where the hills are – certainly not close to town!

Capital City Attractions

Ho Chi Minh’s House for 7 years (from 1923-1930) is located here. The old man who takes care of the place now was a child when the Hero Ho lived here. You can ask him about his fascinating memories.

The Old Sala Klang is today a library. The architecture is perhaps more reminiscent of what one would see in Hanoi, rather than Thailand; a telling sign of cultural influence. Today this lovely building is the city library.

Hat Sai Tai Muang only appears during the warmest months. It is a pristine sandy beach which extends nearly half-way across the Mekong River to the Lao side.

Wat Okat, Nakorn Phanom’s principal temple, was built by one of the town’s earliest rulers many centuries ago. It is situated on the banks of the Mekong River near the ferry and offers a scenic view, particularly in the early mornings when the sun rises above the rugged, green mountains of Laos.

Wat Kosadaram was home to another important northeastern Buddhist monk, Luang Pu Kumpan Kosapanya. Within the compound, the Phra That Mahachai houses holy Buddha relics, the largest wooden engraved Buddha image, and the region’s most exquisite wall murals. Buddhist devotees visit the Achan Bua Temiyo Museum to view his personal items and pay respect to his corpse, which miraculously doesn’t decompose though it was never chemically treated.

Wat Srithep Pradit Tharam has a very beautiful ordination hall with exquisite wall murals. Enshrined here are the very important Buddha image of Pra Sang and the revered sculpture of Luang Phu Chan, a well-known monk and highly respected by the people of this region.

Terdprakiat Park and Strand is adjacent to the Mekong River. During the summer months of February to April, the water level drops to reveal a stretch of unspoiled sand that extends almost to the Lao side of the river. It's an ideal picnic area and popular hangout for the locals in the evenings.

Provincial Attractions

The Phu Pan Mountain Range, 50 kilometers south of the provincial capital, though, is renowned for its beautiful landscapes. Nakorn Phanom Province is situated on the huge Korat Plateau which extends from Saraburi, about 150 km north of Bangkok, north and east to the Mekong River and comprises nearly a third of Thailand’s land mass. The town itself is a great place to spend a few relaxing days by the Mekong River. The city contains many wonderful temples, many of them built on the riverside. The province is opposite Tha Kaek in Laos, one of the gateways to that lovely country.

Phra That Phanom is about fifty kilometers from the provincial capital. It has not been conclusively proved when it was built. However, according to archaeologists, it is about 1,500 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 worshippers flock to Nakhon Phanom province to pay homage to this most important religious shrine in the Northeast. Stalls and performances staged throughout the 7-day celebration

Phra That Renu Nakhon is the main religious monument in the town of Renu Nakhon. It is similar to the Phra That Phanom but on 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.

Phra That Tha Uthen is opposite Hin Bun town in Laos. Similar to the Phra That Phanom chedi, it is 66 meters high and was constructed in 1912 to house the relics of monks brought from Yangon in Myanmar.

Festivals

Fireboat Festival is celebrated on the full moon of the 11th lunar month (usually late October) at the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat, Nakorn Phanom residents celebrate Wan Phra Jao Prot Lok – a holiday in honor of Buddha’s descent from the Devaloka (Deity World). Besides the usual wat offerings, festival activities include the launching of reua fai (fire boats) on the Mekong. Originally these 8-10m boats were made of banana logs or bamboo, but modern versions are sometimes made from wood or synthetic materials. The boats carry offerings of cakes, rice and flowers. At night the boats are launched on the river and illuminated in a spectacular display. Also during the festival, the city hosts colorful dragon-boat races on the Mekong River, pitting Thai and Lao teams against each other.

Phra That Phanom Festival lasts for about one week and takes place in That Phanom during the period of the full moon in February or early March. It is one of the biggest and most important festivals for the people of the Northeast, both Thais and Laos.

Accommodation

River View Hotel
9 Nakhon Phanom-That Phanom Rd. [Tel: 0 4252 2333] 900+ baht

Mae Nam Khong Grand View Hotel
527 Sunthornvichit Rd. [Tel: 0 4251 3564] 500+ baht

Dining

Pla Buek Thong serves fresh seafood on the Mekong. Sunthornvichit Rd.,
dishes 60-120 baht

Pornthep offers Vietnamese cuisine for breakfast and lunch. Srithep Rd., dishes 20-40 baht

Raan Put Thai Ban Dtai cooks up outstanding fried noodle dishes. Pinitrangsan Rd., dishes 20-40 baht

Le Tonkin serves an elegant blend of Western and Thai food. Sunthornvichit Rd.

Camp G.I. offers Thai and Isan food in a trendy atmosphere. Fuang Nakorn Rd.

Rain Tree cooks up many delicious Thai and Isan dishes. Fuang Nakorn Rd.