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Nakhon Phanom at a glance
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.
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