Nakhon Phanom is situated on the bank of the Mae Khong River opposite Muang Ta Kaek of Laos. It is where the Phra That Phanorn, the most sacred and ancient religious monument of the Northeast, is located. For the Phra That is venerated by both Thais and Laotians along the Mae Khong. Although it partially collapsed some time ago, it has since been restored to its glory. Nakhon Phanom is 740 kilometers from Bangkok.

NAKHON PHANOM's ATTRACTIONS

Riverside Promenade is alongside the Khong River in the municipal area. It gives a good view across the river especially in the early morning when the sun rises above the mountains.

Phra That Phanom is about fifty kilometers from town proper. It has not been conclusively proved when it was built. However according to archaeologists, it is about 1,500 - year - old. Fifty - two meters high; each of its rectangular bases measures 12.33 meters, and its decorative top is made of gold weighing 110 kilograms. The annual Phra That Phanom Fair is celebrated on the hill - moon evening of the 3rd Lunar month. Thousands of worshippers flock to Nakhon Phanom to pay homage to this most important religious shrine in the Northeast. Stalls and performances staged throughout the 7 - day celebration.

Phra That Renu Nakhon the main religious monument in Amphoe Reno Nakhon about fifty kilometers from town, is similar to the Phra That Phanom but in a smaller scale. Renu Nakhon boasts a market place not unlike Sun Kamphaeng in Chiang Mai, with cotton, silk, dresses and quilted Blankets as leading local products.

Prathat Tha Uten situated in Amphoe Tha Uthen has the likeness of Phrathat Phanom. Its was built in 1912 A.D. to store a relic of the Lord Buddha brought from Myanmar.

Nam Tok Tat Kham Forest Park 7 kilometers from amphoe Ban Phaeng; has been preserved in its natural beauty state and is where the rivers originating from Phu Langka mountain meet in a confluence to form the Huai Kham ricer. The river cascades through 4 steps of the fall before continuing on its way to the Khong river.

Nam Tok Tat Pho 5 kilometers from Nam Tok Tat Kham, can he reached after 2 hour walk. The waterfall is from a river originating from Phu Langka mountain and the area has its own natural beauty especially in the rainy season.

Illuminated Boat Procession held annually in October or November, the event represents a traditional Loi Krathong ceremony of northeasterners marking the end of the Buddhist Lent. The illuminated boats are made of banana barks, bamboo or other floatable materials with a length of at least 6 meters. The boat is elaborately fashioned into various shapes. The procession is staged in the streets during the day while at night, religious rites will he observed. later, the boats will he illuminated and launched into Mekhong river.