Nong Bua Lam Phu is 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It used to be the site of an ancient city over 900 years ago and was once a part of Udon Thani Province.

It was established as a province outright on December 1, 1993. It has an area of 3,859 square kilometres and consists of the following districts: Mueang, Non Sang, Si Bun Rueang, Na Klang, Suwannakhuha and Na Wang.