Sakon Nakhon

Introduction

Located in the Isan region of Thailand, Sakon Nakhon serves as the capital city of both its namesake province and the Mueang Sakon Nakhon District. You will find this destination situated northeast of Bangkok.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the deep cultural roots of this Buddhist town, which features five stupas and a history spanning three millennia. You can explore its heritage from the era of Khmer rule through the influence of the Lanxang Kingdom. The surrounding landscape is defined by the Phu Phan mountains and numerous forest temple meditation retreats.

While Central Thai is perfectly acceptable, you should be aware that English is not widely spoken and translations are limited to road signs. To better connect with the locals who speak a mix of Thai and Lao, consider learning some of the local dialect. For your safety during your stay, avoid swimming in Nong Han lake due to the risk of parasitic liver flukes.

Getting there

You can reach the city by road from Bangkok by traveling through Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima before heading toward Ban Phai. The route continues through Maha Sarakham and Kalasin before reaching Sakon Nakhon via Highway 213. Alternatively, you can take a daily bus from the Northeast Bus Terminal in Bangkok, where both private companies and the Transport Co. Thailand provide regular service.

Rail travel offers another option, with trains departing from Bangkok to Udon Thani. From there, you can catch a bus to reach your destination. Some trains traveling toward Nakhon Phanom or Mukdahan may also make stops in Sakon Nakhon. For those preferring to fly, flights are available from Bangkok directly to the local airport.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using local transport options such as buses, samlors, and motored tricycles. When using these modes of transportation, you should negotiate your fare with the driver.

While there are no specific rental companies catering to tourists, you can arrange a daily or monthly motorcycle rental through a guesthouse or at a local motorcycle shop.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences for your stay in Sakon Nakhon. For those seeking a traditional northeastern-style experience near the airport, you can find a guesthouse featuring a landscaped garden filled with jasmine and orchids, along with spa facilities like a sauna and hot tub. This location offers homemade meals and motorbike rentals for your local travels.

Other options include several hotels located throughout the city area, such as those on Ratbamrung Road, Yuwa Phatthana, Sukkasem Road, and Rop Mueang Road. If you prefer a more residential feel near the football stadium, fully furnished apartments provide amenities like laundry services and 24-hour security.

Food & drink

You can explore a wide variety of culinary styles while exploring the area, from international and Western dishes to traditional local flavors. For those seeking comfort in air-conditioned settings with English menus, several establishments offer diverse cuisines including French and Thai options. If you prefer high-quality meats, a specialized butchery nearby produces premium beef from French cattle breeds and operates an affordable restaurant at midday. You can also find steak houses that provide English menus for your convenience.

For a more local experience, visit the farmers market to browse a vast selection of produce, including fruits, vegetables, and an extensive range of insects, frogs, birds, snakes, larvae, and worms. If you are looking for a drink at night, several venues offer different atmospheres:

• A popular discothèque provides a lively scene.
• The local expat bar offers a familiar spot for international travelers.
• Two distinct Thai pubs cater to a younger crowd; one offers a more relaxed atmosphere in a tucked-away alley, while the other is located at a prominent street corner.

What to see and do

Explore the spiritual and historical landmarks of the region, starting with Phra That Choeng Chum, which houses a sacred Buddha statue featured on local currency. You can visit the Archan Man Purithattha Thera Museum to see a bronze statue and crystal-turned ashes, or explore the Archan Fan Archaro Museum, designed as a pagoda and lotus shape. For a look into local heritage, the Sakon Nakhon Cultural Centre and the Thai So Cultural Centre showcase the tools and history of various ethnic groups. Ancient Khmer ruins like Phra That Phu Pek and the sandstone-carved Phra That Narai Jeng Veng offer glimpses into the past, while the Sapan Khom bridge connects the city to the countryside.

Nature lovers can explore the expansive Phu Phan Mountain Range or visit the various parks featuring botanical gardens, fountains, and bird sanctuaries. The area offers diverse landscapes including:

• Phu Pha Lek National Park, where you can see towering cliffs like Pha Suriyan and Pha Dong Kor, view prehistoric paintings at Pha Pak Wan, or visit the dinosaur graveyard.
• The scenic Nong Harn lake, which features numerous islets and a nearby park with a rock garden and a tall fountain.
• Natural landmarks such as the Stone Arch (Thang Pi Pan), the winding roads of Namtok Kham Hom, and various waterfalls like Namtok Huay Yai and Namtok Preecha Sooksan.

Three days in Sakon Nakhon

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Mueang Sakon Nakhon District. You can explore the local area and experience the culture of this region in the heart of Isan.

Day two, travel through the landscape to see the surrounding scenery. You can take in the sights while navigating the roads that connect you to the neighboring areas.

Day three, spend your final day exploring more of the local surroundings. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the region before preparing for your next destination.