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Nakhon Phanom |
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).
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Mukdahan |
Mukdahan is a peaceful province located on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite Sawannakhet in Laos. The ancestors of the Mukdahan people migrated from Laos to establish the city in the late Ayutthaya period. The province has always been an interesting mixture of cultures from various tribes since ancient times. Moreover, it is a land of fantastic natural rock parks and is a major gateway to tourism in Laos and Vietnam. The province is renowned for its sweet tamarind fruit and features many natural attractions.
Mukdahan has an area of 4,339 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Kham Cha-I, Nikhom Kham Soi, Don Tan, Dong Luang, Wan Yai, and Nong Sung.
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Amnat Charoen |
Amnart Charoen is located in the south of northern plateau approximately 583 kilometres from Bangkok. It is a newly established province upgraded from Amphur Amnart Charoen of Ubon Ratchathani Province in 1993.
The province is divided into the following districts: Muang, Chanuman, Phana, Hua Taphan, Senangkhanikhom, Pathum Ratchawongsa and Lue Amnart.
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Ubon Ratchathani |
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.
The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can still be seen throughout the province today.
A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Yasothon and Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen Province. The provincial capital is approximately 630 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.
The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July. There are natural beauties and historical sites including the 4,000 years old rock formation, prehistoric rock paintings, national parks, waterfalls, and the two-colored river, etc.
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