Nakhon Phanom province was once a
glorious Kingdom in the past, so it has unique and interesting Cultures and
traditions. It is also one of the pathways to Laos and getting well-known to
tourists.
There are 11 district – Mueang, That
Phanom, Na Kae, Tha U-ten, Renu Nakhon, Ban Phaeng, Pla Pak, Sri Songkram, Na
Wa, Phon Sawan, Na Thom, and 1 subdistrict – Wang Yang.
Nakhon Phanom, once the center of the
ancient Sri Kotrabun Kingdom, lies along the western bank of the majestic
Mekong River, although over the centuries it has moved back and forth across
the river. The lovely setting of Nakhon Phanom town is enhanced by the rugged
beauty of the jungle covered mountains that lie beyond the town of Thakaek on
the Laotian side of the river. King Rama I chose the name Nakhon Phanom, city
of mountains, because of the remarkable mountains found in the province.
Partly a result of its long History,
Nakhon Phanom is a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and traditions,
particularly represented by the Lao, who have lent a strong influence to the
architecture, customs, and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom, including the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan
welcoming ceremony.
Covered with both high hills and low
lying, forest covered plains, Nakhon Phanom is the site of Phra That Phanom,
the most ancient and sacred religious Monument in Northeastern Thailand. Thais
and Laotians are both common pilgrims to this highly venerated Buddhist shrine
where they come to ask for blessings.
Throughout the history of Nakhon Phanom,
Laotians and people from smaller ethnic minority groups migrated across the
Mekong River giving modern Nakhon Phanom a distinctive cultural Fusion that is
apparent in the local language, customs, and cuisine. Visitors can appreciate
this culture during the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony or by witnessing one of the
region’s folk dances, such as the Sri Kotrabun, Fon Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak, and
So Tung Bung, some of which are only performed on special occasions.
In addition to its rich culture, Nakhon
Phanom, which literally means “city of hills” is an area with great natural
beauty and which features a number of opportunities for visitors to participate
in outdoor activities, including Trekking in the national Park or shooting a
round of golf.