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Nakhon Phanom at a glance
 Located
on the right bank of the majestic Mekong River is Nakhon Phanom
– an ancient city with a name that literally means of “City
of Hills”. The lovely setting of the provincial capital is
enhanced by the rugged beauty of jungle covered mountains which
lie beyond the Laotian town of Tha Khaek, located on the opposite
bank of the river. Nakhon Phanom is renowned as a great place with
beautiful scenery and relaxing ambiance by the Mekong River.
With a history that dates back many thousands of years, the province
is a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and traditions. However,
the culture with the strongest influence on the architecture, customs
and cuisine of the province is the Lao culture.
Encompassing a total area of 5,512 square kilometers, most of
which are high hills and plains covered with lush and virgin forests,
Nakhon Phanom is where Phra That Phanom, the most sacred and ancient
religious monument of the Northeast, is located. Both Thais and
Laotians usually make their pilgrimage to this highly venerated
site to ask for blessings. In addition, visitors can experience
the unique fusion of Thai and Lao arts and culture through customs
such as the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony (the extension of a generous
welcome to guests when a potent brew of home-made liquor is usually
served).
History of Nakhon Phanom
One of the important cities of upper I-San, Nakhon Phanom was once
known as "Sri Kotrabun Kingdom". Most historians believe
that when King Rama I ruled Vientiane, the area was named "Maruka
Nakhon". It was later renamed "Nakhon Phanom", because
of its outstanding geographical feature – its location among
many hills and mountains.
Throughout history, Laotians and people from other ethnic groups
had migrated across the Mekong River. This recurring pattern of
migration left its mark on the local dialects, customs and cuisine
of Nakhon Phanom. Some historic treasures include folk dances such
as the Sri Kotrabun dance, which is regarded as the symbolic dance
of Nakhon Phanom's, the Fon Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak and So Tung Bung
that are performed on special occasions.
Today’s Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom, which is 740 kilometers from Bangkok, covers
an area of 5,512 square kilometers and is comprised of the following
districts: Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Pla Bak, Tha Uthen, Phon Sawan,
Ban Phaeng, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Wa,
Na Thom and Wang Yang.
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