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Introduction
Wat Phra That Choeng Chum
Sakon Nakhon is a unique mixture of ancient traditions province located in the
upper northeast of Thailand’s Isan region. It lies within the Phu Phan mountain
range and features many forested temple retreats for Buddhist meditation, where
a number of famous monks reside. In addition to historical sites and temples
that reflect this, there are a number of traditional festivals that visitors
may also enjoy, including the wax castle and illuminated boat festival. Local
products from Sakon Nakhon feature handicrafts, including earthenware, cotton
clothes, silk products, and hand-woven Khit clothes with natural bark dye.
The capital of the province, also called Sakon Nakhon, is a Buddhist town
with five Buddhist stupas. Its history can be dated back three thousand years.
More recently, Nongharn town, where present day Sakon Nakhon stands, was
originally believed to have been built in 11th century when the Khmer ruled
this region. After the fall of Angkor, the town was under the rule of Lan Xang,
a Laotian Kingdom, and it was renamed “Muang Chiang Mai Nongharn”. When the
town was finally brought under control of the Siamese it was renamed again:
“Sakon Thavapi”. In 1830, during the reign of King Rama III, the town was
finally renamed “Sakon Nakhon”.
Borders
| North |
: Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom |
| East |
: Nakhon Phanom |
| South |
: Kalasin and Mukdahan |
| West |
: Udon Thani and Kalasin |
Distance
| Distances from Mueang District to Other Districts |
| Khok Si Suphan |
22 km |
Waritchaphum |
69 km |
| Tao Ngoi |
28 km |
Sawang Daen Din |
84 km |
| Phu Phan |
33 km |
Wanon Niwat |
85 km |
| Phon Na Kaeo |
35 km |
Chareon Sin |
90 km |
| Phanna Nikhom |
39 km |
Nikhom Nam Un |
99 km |
| Kusuman |
40 km |
Kham Ta Kla |
109 km |
| Phang Khon |
54 km |
Song Dao |
109 km |
| Kut Bak |
56 km |
Ban Muang |
120 km |
| Akat Amnuai |
57 km |
|
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Festivals & Events
So Ram Ruek Festival
When: The 4th day of the waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month
Where: Kusuman District
So Ram Ruek Festival is held annually to commemorate So ethnic group on
the 4th waxing moon of March at Kusuman District. The festival is included
traditional rites conducted by a number of So people will start in late
morning. Around the venue, lots of local products will be put on sale.
Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
When: The 12th- 15th day of waxing moon of the 10th lunar month
Where: Wat Phra That Choeng Chum
Christmas Star Parade
Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival is held during the 12th-15th day of waxing
moon in October to mark the end of Buddhist’s Lent, the festival is an exciting
showcase. On the night of 13th day, people will join hands in decorating wax
castle at Ming Muang Field. The 14th day, beautiful wax castle from different
temples will join the procession, roaming the municipality to Wat Phra That
Cherngchum Woravihara. Isan people believe that the wax will welcome Lord
Buddha who comes back from the heaven to help all creatures on earth.
Christmas Star Parade
When: 23 - 24 December
Where: Tha Rae Village
Christmas Star Parade is held annually 23 - 24 December of each year to
celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus. The festival is included the dazzling
star parade on more than 200 cars together with Santa Claus parade, angels
and join the Mass ceremony and carry the star while walking around the
church. Let's watch the stageplay of Jesus's birth, Choirs, star crafting
demonstration and taking tram to visit Tha Rae village and see the old
building in coronial style which is the architecture influenced by French.
Thai 
