Thailand Guides - Sakhon Nakhon

Sakhon Nakhon is a beautiful province in the upper northeast and encompasses the Phu Phan mountain range. The provincial capital is a busy town and makes a good base for exploring this interesting and little visited part of Thailand.

Overview

Sakhon Nakhon is the second most important commercial centre in the upper northeast after Udon Thani. The surrounding area is mainly agricultural and is also home to the beautiful 645 square kilometre nature reserve in the Phu Pan Mountains. The town itself is pleasant, bustling place with vibrant markets and some fine old temples.

Attractions

Phra That Choeng Chum temple is situated in the town next to Nong Han Lake and features a 25 metre-high Laos-style chedi. Nong Han Lake is a large freshwater lake covering 123 square kilometres. Several waterways converge at the lake and it is an important fisheries resource for local people. The banks of the lake have been developed into a public park.

The Aquarium at the Sakhon Nakhon Fishery Station contains freshwater fish and animal species commonly found in northeast Thailand. It also houses crocodiles and a crocodile hatchery.

Phra That Narai Chen Weng sanctuary is five kilometres west of the town and was originally part of a Khmer Hindu temple. The sandstone chedi sits on a laterite foundation and the lintels, doorways and window display beautifully ornate carvings.

Phu Phan Ratchaniwet Palace sits atop the Phu Phan mountain range and is used as the royal residence when the royal family visits the northeast.