|
|
| |
 Introduction |
|
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. |
| |
|
|
|
How
to get there |
|
(Information may be changed
without prior notice.)
 There are daily flights to
Nakhon Phanom.
»
Bangkok to Nakhon
Phanom
|
Airline |
Dep. |
Arrival |
Days |
Flight No. |
Fare |
|
Thai Airways
Thai Airways
PB Air |
06.10
15.20
11.45 |
08.15
16.35
13.05 |
Mon - Fri
Sat - Sun
Daily |
TG70
TG76
9Q874 |
2,195
2,195
2,195 |
|
»
Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok
|
Airline |
Dep. |
Arrival |
Days |
Flight No |
Fare |
|
Thai Airways
Thai Airways
PB Air |
08.50
17.10
13.30 |
10.00
18.20
14.50 |
Mon - Fri
Sat - Sun
Daily |
TG71
TG77
9Q874 |
2,195
2,195
2,195 |
|
There
are frequent daily buses from the North eastern Bus Terminal.
»
Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom
|
Fare |
Distance |
Time |
Departure |
|
274 Baht |
817 Km (Route 98) |
10 hrs. |
19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30 |
|
310 Baht |
727 Km |
11 hrs. |
08.30, 19.30, 20.00, 20.05 |
»
Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok
|
Fare |
Distance |
Time |
Departure |
|
421 Baht |
817 Km (Route
98) |
10 hrs. |
17.30 |
|
420 Baht |
817 Km (Route
98) |
10 hrs. |
17.30 |
|
376 Baht |
727 Km |
11 hrs. |
08.00, 18.15, 18.25, 18.30 |
|
|
The distance from Bangkok to
Nakhon Phanom is 735 kms. if you are driving, leave Bangkok on Highway
No. I, Pahonyothin Road, to Saraburi. At the main junction, 107th Km
stone, turn right onto Highway No. II. Follow Highway 2, (Friendship
Highway) pass Korat to Ban Phai (a district of Khon Kaen) and turn right
onto highway 23. Follow the route for Mahasarakham, Karasin to Sakon
Nakhon and then to Nakhon Phanom. |
| |
|
|
|
Festivals
& Events |
|
Prathat
Phanom Festival
February
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 bamboo and decorated with hundreds of lights. |
| |
|
|
|
Provided by
Tourism Authority of
Thailand
|
|
