Sakon Nakhon Attractions and Travel Guide

Amphoe Muang Sakon Nakhon

Phra That Cherng Chum (พระธาตุเชิงชุม)

Situated in Wat Phra That Cherngchum Voraviharn, rectangular stupa is 24 metre high and decorated with 3.75 kg golden umbrella. The stupa, or Phra That, has four doors put inside is fill with stone. It is built to cover footprints of four Buddhas namely Phra Kakusantha, Phra Konakom, Phra Kassapa, and Phra Kodom or Phra Sri Ariyametrei ( The present Lord Buddha). Its history is unclear, however, Phra That is considered sacred icon for Sakon Nakhon. Next to the Phra That is the chapel that houses Luang Por Ong Saen, a sacred Buddha statue of the province. On Wan Phra or Buddhist Day, lots of Buddhist always pay homage to the Buddha image at night. The temple holds annual celebration between the 9th and 15th date of waxing moon of January.

Nong Harn (หนองหาร)

The huge and famous lake of Thailand acquires total area of 123 sq. km. It is fed by many streams before supplying to Kam Stream, tributary of Mekong that runs into the big river at Amphoe That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom Province. At the depth between 3-8 metres, the lake facilitates agriculture, livestock farming and fishery of the people around it. There are more than 20 islets in the lake such as Ko Don Sawan, the biggest islet where deserted temple and ancient Buddha images are located. Lush forest on the islet makes it habitat for many birds. There are pavilions of Ko Kaeo and Ko Don Sakham where tourist can take a break. Ko Sonsatung is surrounded with golden freshwater weed which glows under sunshine.

Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Park (สวนสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทร์)

Located next to Nong Harn, in Tambon That Cherngchum, the beautiful park acquires total area of 170 rais. Mother Princess, Phra Srinagarindra, has presided over the opening ceremony on November 9, 1987. The park’s compound includes an ancient pond, called Sra Pangthong, which was built in the same period as Phra That Chernchum. The park comprises beautiful flower and tree, jungle area, water park, rock garden, excercising area and 69 metres high fountain. The park is open for public use in botanical study. It is open between 4AM and 9PM.

The 60th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen Park (สวนเทิดพระเกียรติ ๖๐ พรรษา มหาราชินี)

Located at Ban Nong Bua Yai, the park covers80 rais area of Don Kham and Don Lanka. The park comprises botanical garden, pavilion, fountain, viewpoint and bird sanctuary. It is nice picnic place for Sakon Nakhon people. How to get there. The park is 3 kilometres from Sakon Nakhon city. Take highway 22 (sakon Nakhon-Ban That and turn right. The park is 200 metres off the main road.

Freshwater Fish Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธุ์ปลาน้ำจืด)

Located on Sai Sawang Rd., the Freshwater Fishery Station, the aquarium features different species of endemic freshwater fish species in Isan. It is opens on weekday, from 8.30AMto 4.30PM.

Sakon Nakhon Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมจังหวัดสกลนคร)

Located in Rajabaht Sakon Nakhon University, Nitayo Rd., Tambon Na Waeng, the centre features tools, belongings, history and document of different ethnic group. More information can be acquired at 0-4271-1275. The centre is open from 8.30AM to 4.30PM.

Phra That Dum (พระธาตุดุม)

The stupa is situated in Wat Phra That Dum, Ban That Dum, Tambon Ngiew Don, some 5 km from Sakon Nakhon City towards Pattana Suksa School. The lone Stupa is built with lateriste in the same period as Phra That Narai Jeng Veng, but the stupa is smaller without base. Four lintels are found on each side. The lintel featuring God Vishnu in reclining position is placed on the northern arch. Furthermore, there are carving regarding gods riding different animals over the Rahu. The stupa, in Bapuan Khmer art, can be dated back to the 11-12th Century.

The museum of Archan Man Purithattha Thera (พิพิธภัณฑ์บริขารอาจารย์มั่น ภูริทัตตเถระ)

The museum, with contemporary design in terra cotta building, is located in Wat Pa Sythavas, opposite to City Hall. The museum house bronze statue of Archan Man Purithatto in meditation posture and the glass box that houses his ash that turns into crystal. The display, including his tools, is placed in marble altar and his history is shown nearby.

Archan Man Purithatto is a famous Buddhist monk. Born in Kaenkaeo family, in Tambon Khong chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, he was a novice when he was 15 and entered monkhood at 22 at Wat Leab, Ubon Ratchathani. Archan Man always practice meditation on the trip to remote area and he had many followers such as Luang Pu Fan Archaro, Luang Pu KHao Alanayo, Luang Pu Wan Suchino. Archan Man moved to stay at Wat Pa Suthavas and passed away on November 11, 1949.

Furthermore, the Museum of Luang Pu Lui is located also in the temple’s compound. The museum is built to house ashes of Luang Pu Lui (1901-1989). This famous monk in Vipassana is follower of Archan Man. He loved to travel around until his last day in his life. His Majesty the King presided over his funeral and mentioned “a pagoda to house his ashes should be built in Wat Pa Suthavas, where the pagoda housing ashes of Archan Man is located. For they can stay close together.” His Majesty the King has designed the pagoda.

Sapan Khom or Sapan Hin (สะพานขอม หรือสะพานหิน)

The small historical site is located on Nittayo Rd, at km 161 of highway 22. It is considered as an ancient bridge to link Sakon Nakhon and the countryside as this area once was swamp. The present bridge is make from laterite, replacing the old one that was removed for road construction.

Phra That Narai Jengveng Stupa (ปราสาทพระธาตุนารายณ์เจงเวง)

Located in Wat Phra That Narai Jengveng, Ban That, the lone stupa is built from sandstone on laterite base and carved beautifully. Its lintel feature Lord Krisna killing Lion in Bapuan Khmer art. The Art appears on this stupa is quite similar to many Khmer ruins found in Isan. Stone Carving on door arch and window remain very clear. Legend says this stupa was built by women, who competed with the men group that built Phra That Phu Pek. According to its design and art, it is assumed to be from 11-12th century.

Annual celebration of Phra That Jeng Veng is held from 11th-15th date of waxing moon in March.

How to get there The stupa is 5 km from Sakon Nakhon City. Take highway 22 to Ban That, a bit before bypass intersection. The stupa is 400 metres from the main road, on the left.

Phu Phan Rajanivet Palace (พระตำหนักภูพานราชนิเวศน์)

Located on the mid of Phu Phan Mountain Range, the palace is the royal residence of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and royal family during the mission in Northeast Thailand. The mansion is located amidst shady forest and beautiful garden. The palace is open daily for public visit when it is not in use. Visitor must get permission from the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary, Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd, Bangkok 10200 first.

How to get there Take highway 213 for 13 km out of Sakon Nakhon and turn right.

Phu Phan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูพาน)

The park acquires total area of 655 sq km in Amphoe Muang, Phanna nikhom, and Phu Phan of Sakhon Nakhon as well as Amphoe Somdej, Huay Phueng, and Kud Bak of Kalasin. THe park’s official is located on Phu Phan Range. Established on October 29, 1982, the park features limestone mountain and different forest such as deciduous dipterocarp forest, jungle rain forest, or mixed deciduous forest. Wildlife found in the park include langur, civet, and slow loris. Its attractions in the park include.

Historical attractions

Phra That Phu Pek พระธาตุภูเพ็ก Ancient Khmer Ruins was built from standstone, standing on laterite base.

Tham Seree Thai ถ้ำเสรีไทย The cave is some 4.5 km from the park’s headquarter. During WWII, Seree Thai has used this cave for arm and food storage as it is well camouflage by lush vegetable. A secret airfield is found nearby.

Natural attractions

Phu Phan Mountain Range เทือกเขาภูพาน The famous range is quite well known, however, handful of people can actually reach it natural beauty, particularly at the border of Sakon Nakhon and Kalasin.

Namtok Kham Hom and Kong Ping Ngu น้ำตกคำหอม และ โค้งปิ้งงู The falls is some 14 km from Sakon Nakhon city. Namtok Kham Hom is situated close to Namtok Tad Tone and the royal palace. Nearby are many waterfalls such as Haew Sinchai, Samlan, Sao Hai, Pha Hin Son. Entrance to Namtok Kham Hom, on Sakon Nakhon-Salasin Rd, is very winding like the grilled snake, or Kong Ping Ngu in Thai. On the road side, there is the country’s biggest road mark, decorated around with beautiful flower. The waterfall can be accessed safely, however, it is good to visit during rainy season only.

Pha Nang Mern and Lan Sao E ผานางเมิน และลานสาวเอ้ The cliff and plain is 700 metres and 2 km, via Eng forest, from the park’s head quarter respectively. Pha Nang Mern is a cliff top terrace that allows visitor to enjoy the view at the western side. It is quite a nice place for camping and watch sunset view. Below the cliff, there is a track leading to Lan Sao E, literary means the place for the lady to show beautiful attire. The rock plain is situated amidst wilderness and towering cliff. Druing August to October, wild flower will blossom and allow visitor to enjoy the colourful scenery.

Pha Savoey ผาเสวย Situated in Kalasin, the cliff heading south is the place once His Majesty the King and visited and had lunch.

Namtok Huay Yai น้ำตกห้วยใหญ่ The falls is 12 km from the park’s headquarter. It cascades via several steps amidst dense jungle.

Namtok Preecha Sooksan น้ำตกปรีชาสุขสันต์ The 12 metres wide falls cascade through mountain foot, some part looked like slider. It is quite safe and tourist can enjoy swimming here all the year round. It is accessible easily by car. Situated by Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani Rd., the falls is 24 km from Sakon Nakhon city and 50 km from the park head quarter.

Stone Arch (Thang Pi Pan) สะพานหินธรรมชาติ (ทางผีผ่าน) The stone arch, 1.5 metres wide and 8 metres long, bridges two groups of rock together. So, its beneath becomes a wonderful shelter.

There is nature trail from Pha Nang Mern, Lan Sao E, Kaeng Kiling, via mixed deciduous forest and tropical evergreen forest. Tourist can learn about forest in the park, fern, sandstone, moss and lichen, Lan Sao E and friendly trees. It takes an hour to get through such one km. trail.

Accommodations for tourist are available. For more information, contact Phu Pan National Park, Tambon Huay Yang, Amphoe Muang, Sakon Nakhon 47000, or call 0-4270-3044. More information about accommodation can be acquired also at the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Lifes, Bangkhen, Bangkok or call 0-2562-0760, or visit www.dnp.go.th.

How to get there Take highway 213 to km 10-11. The park is 25 km from Sakon Nakhon city.

Phu Thai Ethnic group at Ban None Hom, (ชาวภูไท บ้านโนนหอม)

Tambon None Hom. Phu Thai Ethnic Group has immigrated from the left side of Mekong River to settle down here since over a century ago. Anyway, they can maintain their unique tradition. Tourist can enjoy Palaeng, or dinner in traditional style, and traditional performance by contacting Marketing Demonstration Centre, Ban None Hom, 5 moo 2 Tambon None Hom, AMphoe Muang Sakon Nakhon 47000.

How to get there From Sakon NAkhon city, take highway 223 for 13 km and turn right. The village is 2 km away.

The three thousands years old cliff carving at Phu Pha Yon. (ภาพรอยสลักผาสามพันปีที่ภูผายล)

Phu Pha Yon, the mountain in the compound of meditation centre, Ban NA Phang, Tambon Kok Pla Siew, 38 km from Sakon Nakhon city, houses cliff carving featuring lifestyle of Thai people in the pre-historical period. The cliff carving was created by using solid tool to mark the cliff wall in the shapes of animals, people and farm. Around the cliff is beautiful nature.

How to get there From Amphoe Tao Ngoy, take Tao Ngoy-Sri vicha Rd. for 5 km and turn into Ban Muang-Na Ang Rd.. travel for 35 km via Ban Phone Bok, Ban Phone Paeng, to Ban Naphang. From Ban Naphang, take asphalted road to the cliff where stairs will lead you to the crest. Stone chairs are available at rest areas on the way.

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