The province of Sakon Nakhon is
approximately 650 km from Bangkok. It is situated in the far northeast region and borders
with Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan (which all border with Laos), Udon Thani and
Kalasin.
Historically the area was under the control of the Khmers, when it was an important
provincial centre. The second most revered Lao-style stupa, Phrathat Choeng Chum,
is to be found in Sakon Nakhon. On the edges of the town of Sakon Nakhon is Nong Han,
the largest natural lake to be found in Thailand.
The province is also known for two of the most famous Buddhist monks in Thai history;
Acharn Man and his student Acharn Fan Ajaro, who were known to have mastered the Buddhist
meditation, vipassana.
Places of Attraction
Phrathat
Choeng Chum
This highly revered Lao-style temple is
situated on Reuang Sawat Rd, in the centre of town. The chedi, standing at a height of
25m, was built over the remains of a Khmer style prang during the Ayutthaya period.
Phrathat Narai Cheng Weng
This temple is located about 5km from the town,
in the village of Ban That. The five tiered sandstone prang was originally part of a Khmer
Hindu complex dating from the 11th century.
Wat Pa Sutthawat
This temple, situated in the southwest of town holds
the remains of the famous Phra Achan Man. There is a bronze image of the monk as well as
articles linked to the monk on display.
Nong Han
The lake has an area of 32 sq km and contains many small
islands. One of the most pleasant is Don Sawan, which is very popular at weekends and
holidays and can easily be reached by a hired boat.
Wax Castle Festival
The festival is held at the end of the Buddhist Lent. The local
people make well detailed castles from bees wax and parade them through the streets in a
merit-making event.
