Located on the right bank of the majestic
Mekong River is Nakhon Phanom – an ancient city with a name
that literally means of “City of Hills”. The lovely setting
of the provincial capital is enhanced by the rugged beauty
of jungle covered mountains which lie beyond the Laotian
town of Tha Khaek, located on the opposite bank of the
river. Nakhon Phanom is renowned as a great place with
beautiful scenery and relaxing ambiance by the Mekong River.
With a history that dates back many thousands of years, the
province is a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and
traditions. However, the culture with the strongest
influence on the architecture, customs and cuisine of the
province is the Lao culture.
Encompassing a total area of 5,512 square kilometers, most of
which are high hills and plains covered with lush and virgin
forests, Nakhon Phanom is where Phra That Phanom, the most
sacred and ancient religious monument of the Northeast, is
located. Both Thais and Laotians usually make their
pilgrimage to this highly venerated site to ask for
blessings. In addition, visitors can experience the unique
fusion of Thai and Lao arts and culture through customs such
as the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony (the extension of a generous
welcome to guests when a potent brew of home-made liquor is
usually served).
History of Nakhon Phanom
One of the important cities of upper I-San, Nakhon Phanom was
once known as "Sri Kotrabun Kingdom". Most historians
believe that when King Rama I ruled Vientiane, the area was
named "Maruka Nakhon". It was later renamed "Nakhon Phanom",
because of its outstanding geographical feature – its
location among many hills and mountains.
Throughout
history, Laotians and people from other ethnic groups had
migrated across the Mekong River. This recurring pattern of
migration left its mark on the local dialects, customs and
cuisine of Nakhon Phanom. Some historic treasures include
folk dances such as the Sri Kotrabun dance, which is
regarded as the symbolic dance of Nakhon Phanom's, the Fon
Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak and So Tung Bung that are performed on
special occasions.
Today’s
Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon
Phanom, which is 740 kilometers from Bangkok, covers an area
of 5,512 square kilometers and is comprised of the following
districts: Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Pla Bak, Tha Uthen, Phon
Sawan, Ban Phaeng, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Na Kae, Si
Songkhram, Na Wa, Na Thom and Wang Yang.
