Thailand Region Guide
Ko Kret
Ko Kret This is a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River, accessible by boat from Wat Sanam Nua, not far from the Pak Kret District Office. Ko Kret has prospered since the Ayutthaya period as is evident from the man temples on the island that are from that period. When Ayutthaya was reclaimed, King Taksin the Great relocated the Mon people here. The Mon people on the island came during the Thon Bun period and during reign of King Rama II. On it live a community of craftsmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. The islanders are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to retain’1 the skills of their forefathers.
Udon Thani
The city itself is a bustling market centre for the surrounding agricultural areas, and a transport hub for traveling to neighboring provinces.
The tipper Northeastern Region (I-san) is crested by Lao RD.R. and bordered by the Mekong River along its northern and eastern limits. Like the rest of the Northeast, it is the most traditional part of the country, preserving time-honored customs, folk arts and festivals as part of daily life. It is also an intensely rural area although a number of cities serve as regional centres; Udon Thani being one of the largest.
The province of Udon Thani covers an area of 11,730 sq. km., with the provincial capital situated slightly over 560 km. northeast of Bangkok. The city itself is a bustling market centre for the surrounding agricultural areas, and a transport hub for traveling to neighboring provinces. While Udon has its own city sights, the big attraction beyond is the World Heritage Site of Ban Chiang, an important archaeological find attesting to a prehistoric civilization. Website: www.udonthani.go.th
Sakon Nakhon
Ancient customs and traditions, such as the Wax Castle Festival held in October, are well preserved in Sakon Nakhon and add a further dimension to interest the traveler.
Lying east of Udon Thani. Sakon Nakhon is 647 km. from Bangkok and the province covers an area of 9,605 sq. km. Like Udon Thani, the provincial capital serves largely as a market centre for the surrounding agricultural communities. Geographically, the province encompasses the Phu Phan mountain range, where several forest temple meditation retreats are located. Some of these temples are famous for having in the past been the residences of revered monks well known for their lofty achievements in meditation practices. Ancient customs and traditions, such as the Wax Castle Festival held in October, are well preserved in Sakon Nakhon and add a further dimension to interest the traveler.
Website: www.sakonnakhon.go.th
Roi Et
Its vast Thung Kula Rong Hai flatlands, formerly regarded as a wasteland, have been developed into fertile and productive agricultural land that is now one of the country’s top sources of high-quality rice.
With its northeast corner bordering Mukdahan and covering an area of about 8299 sq. km., Roi EL 5 12 km. from Bangkok, was once ravaged by floods hut is today making a resurgence. Its vast Thung Kula Rong I Iai flatlands, formerly regarded as a wasteland, have been developed into fertile and productive agricultural land that is now one of the country’s top sources of high-quality rice. The provincial capital is also comparatively new, its focal point being a large artificial lake with a fitness park on an island in the middle. Off the beaten track, Roi Et affords a fresh insight into the life and culture of the Northeast. Website: www.roiet.go.th
Nong Khai
A small leafy town of considerable charm, Nong Khai draws much of its fascination from its riverside location and its role as a frontier post.
Immediately north of Udon Thani and 6 1 5 km. from Bangkok, Nong Khai is an attractive tourist destination, both in its scenery and its cultural sights. The province of some 7,332 sq. km. forms a narrow strip strung out along the banks of the Mekong River for 330 km., which here forms the border with Lao P.D.R. This makes the provincial capital, located 51 km. north of Udon Thani, a major gateway to the Lao capital of Vientiane, a mere 24 km. away beyond the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the river. A small leafy town of considerable charm, Nong Khai draws much of its fascination from its riverside location and its role as a frontier post. However, interest is not limited to a simple matter of geography; there are several venerable temples and other sights along with a tranquil, almost rural atmosphere, which make Nong Khai a satisfying destination in its own right as well as being a hopping off point for visits to Lao P.D.R.
Wcbsite: www.nongkhai.go.th.
Nong Bua Lam Phu
Nong Bua Lam Phu was once the site of an ancient city dating back more than 900 years ago... ..
Located 559 km. from Bangkok and 46 km. from Udon Thani and covering an area of 3,859 sq. km., Nong Bua Lam Phu was once the site of an ancient city dating back more than 900 years ago (ancient artefacts from the area can now he seen in the Khon Kaen Museum).
Nong Bua Lam Phu previously formed a part of Udon Thani but was made a province in its own right on 1 December 1993. Website: www.nonghualarnphu..go.th
Nakhon Phanom
This accounts for some magnificent scenery, including views across the river to the mountains of Lao P.D.R. from which the provincial capital gets its name “City of the Mountains”.
Covering a total area of 5,512, sq. km. and lying directly east of Sakon Nakhon and 740 km. northeast of Bangkok, the province of Nakhon Phanom borders the Mekong River. This accounts for some magnificent scenery, including views across the river to the mountains of Lao P.D.R. from which the provincial capital gets its name “City of the Mountains”. Indeed, the Lao influence over the customs, architecture and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom, add to the fascination of traveling in the area. Many unique folk dances are performed on special occasions, while the custom of extending a generous welcome to guests can be seen at the Bai Si Su Khwan ceremony.
Website: www.nakhonphanom.go.th
Mukdahan
The principal attractions of the province are its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful riverine scenery and the possibility of crossing the river to Sawannakhet, Lao P.D.R.
Directly south of Nakhon Phanom and also bordering the Mekong River, Mukdahan covers an area of 4,339 sq. km., its provincial capital lying 642 km. northeast of Bangkok. The principal attractions of the province are its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful riverine scenery and the possibility of crossing the river to Sawannakhet, Lao P.I).R. There is a lively cross-river trade and together with the intriguing cultural mix of the population, this makes Mukdahan a hustling and fascinating market town. Popular with shoppers is the Indochina Market, which sells goods from Thailand, Lao P.D.R,Vietnam and China. Beyond the town, curious natural rock formations add interest to the landscape. Website: www.mukdahan.go.th
Maha Sarakham
...a regional education centre and is also notable as the site of the ancient Dvaravati city of Nakhon Champa Si. .
Situated in the middle of the northeast region, 470 km. from Bangkok and covering 5,228 sq. km., Maha Sarakham is a regional education centre and is also notable as the site of the ancient Dvaravati city ol Nakhon Champa Si.
Website: www.mahasarakham.go.th
Loei
Because of the province geographical and climatic distinctions, the natural scenery is exceptional and much of it is preserved in a number of splendid national parks, which are major tourism attractions.
Lying directly west of Udon Thani and Nong Khai, Loei is especially scenic. Forming a border between the North and Northeast regions, it is typical of other I-san provinces in being mountainous and having a climate with a wide annual range hotter than elsewhere in summer and cooler, even cold, in winter. It has; however, one similarity with Nong Khai in that most of its northern border is formed by the Mekong River. Because of the province’s geographical and climatic distinctions, the natural scenery is exceptional and much of it is preserved in a number of splendid national parks, which are major tourism attractions. Culturally, Loei blends Northern and Northeastern influences, while its comparative remoteness has allowed for the preservation to a large extend of traditional lifestyles. In size, Loei covers an area of about 11,426 sq. km. and the provincial capital is 520 km. from Bangkok.
Page 1 of 7