Nakhon Phanom is a beautiful province that most people neglect it and perceive it as a passageway to Laos. People should respect Nakhon Phanom as an awesome province with many unique attractions of cultural and traditional significances.
General Information about Nakorn Phanom, Thailand
The province of Nakhon Phanom locates in the northeastern region of Thailand and it has Laos on its border. It once served the U.S. forces during the Vietnam War as it is pretty close to Vietnam with around 48 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh. The most notable feature of this province has to be the Mae Kong River that cuts through the province and creates the border between Thailand and Laos. Once you are here, you can see various mixes of the population like Thais, Thai-Vietnamese, Thai-Chinese, and etc. However, they mostly speak Esan as their primary language here. It might be an old and small province, but the attractions here are amazing and definitely worthwhile. With around 734 kilometers in distance from Bangkok, getting here is a bit challenging, but not that difficult. The first option is to take the plane which operates by Nok Air and Air Asia. You can also drive your car here as well and it could be the most convenient choice for you. Happy traveling!
The famous attractions in Nakorn Phanom, Thailand
Really famous places around Thailand always point out the significant feature of Thailand, especially the really old provinces. Nakhon Phanom is famous for its ages tradition, culture, and temples. You will be able to see it all here and you will also definitely amaze by these!
Nakhon Phanom is the city of Pra That and there are Pra That for every birthday for each day of the week. Every Pra That also has a unique sense of beauty that differentiates them from another. When you pay respect to a specific one, you will also receive different merits. The belief of the people here is that if you pay respect to all seven of them, you will receive a lot of merits for your life. However, if you do not have the time to spare, pay respect to your birthday is enough.
Wat Pra That Phanom
One of the more unique ones is Pra That Phanom at Wat Pra That Phanom Wora Maha Wiharn that is both an important and the biggest Pra That in all of Nakhon Phanom. It is a Pra That for ones who are born on a Sunday.
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 3
If you want something exciting, there is a bike lane with a distance of more than 10 kilometers along the side of Mae Kong River to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 3 which known for being the most beautiful bridge across the Mae Kong River. At some point, you will pass through Nakarach Tunnel which is a bike tunnel with more than 300 meters in distance that lets you see the views of Mae Kong River.
Phaya Sri Sattana Karach
You can also bike your way to the landmark of Nakhon Phanom which is Phaya Sri Sattana Karach. It is actually the biggest seven-headed brass serpent of the entire northeast region of Thailand with more than 9,000 kilograms and a height of 15 meters. The structure shines beautifully bright as well! You will also pass through many places such as Vietnam Nusorn Clock Tower, Wat Nak Boon Unna, and more. If you do not have a bike, you can rent it here.
Local Tells
You might want to have a more unique experience when you are visiting Thailand for the first or second time. At Nakhon Phanom, there are a lot of places that I have been recommended by the locals and they are pretty interesting! Here are some of the places that you should really visit when you are here in Thailand!
Lhai Ruer Fai Festival
The first attraction recommended by the local is Lhai Ruer Fai Festival beside the Mae Kong River at night. It surely is a big festival of Nakhon Phanom that has been inherited from the past generations. This festival will be held around the month of October. The significant part of this festival is the wooden boat that floats with a raft. On the upside of the boat, they use strong bamboos and cross them with each other into a square shape.
The decoration is very beautiful with a bunch of lanterns in various images. In fact, these are techniques by each community of each district of Nakhon Phanom in which the knowledge came from the previous generations. All of the boats in this competition are pretty grand and magnificent with the addition of fireworks. They also use more than 30,000 to 50,000 lanterns to decorate each boat!
Wat Jom Sri
If you are visiting Thailand for the first or second time, you should at least visit some temples here in Thailand as well. The most recommended temple by the local at Nakhon Phanom is Wat Jom Sri. The highlight of this temple is the giant Chamchuri tree or the Monkey pod tree. This tree is pretty old with branches that are so wide that it covers the plain. You can also see some green moss in the middle of the temple and it is suitable for you to take pictures here as well.
Phu Langka Forest Park
This place has more than 50 square kilometers with dry evergreen, mixed deciduous, and deciduous dipterocarp forests. There are various species of animals and waterfalls which is very suitable for ones who like an adventure in the forest, camping, and seeing the beautiful nature. If you happen to come here during May to October, you can see some orchids, wild flowers, butterflies, and various species of birds. The highlight of this place is the top of the mountain with about 563 meters of height where you can see the beautiful first light of the day above the Mae Kong River. You can also see Laos and the vast spaces of the rock square with a variety of plants and the golden Chedi Kong Kao Sri Boon Na that you can visit and pay some respects.
The Golden Sand Beach of Sri Kotara Boon.
Golden Sand Beach of Sri Kotara Boon (????????????????????)
The last place is a natural phenomenon at Mae Kong River called the Golden Sand Beach?of Sri Kotara Boon. It usually happens during the draught period between February and May. What you will see is the beautiful beach in the middle of Mae Kong River with a length of many kilometers. If you come here in the morning, you will see a channel of water that enables you to see the floor that reflects orange sunlight in the morning. You can also see some villagers going fishing in the morning. If you look toward the other side, you can see the country of Laos too. You might want to come here and relax with nature while glancing out toward the water.
Other Interesting Information of Nakorn Phanom, Thailand
The motto of this province is ?Phra That Phanom The Most Sacred Shrine, Various Traditions, Renu Phu Thai Tribe, Wonderful illuminated Boat Procession, and Magnificent Mae Kong Riverside?.
To get around the province,
you can use the tuktuks, buses, and vans around the city. You can also take songthaews as well which comes in various colors to reflect their routes. Be sure to ask them first before you get on the car!
For accommodation,
there are many hotels which are pretty cheap, and some are expensive. The price is around 500 baht per night to more than 10,000 baht per night. Have a great stay!
Suggested Cities
Bangkok ? The Capital City of Thailand
Phuket – The World?s Famous Destination for Beaches, Sea, and Islands in Thailand
Nakorn Ratchasima ? The Gigantic Hub of the Esan Region of Thailand
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