| 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. |
