Nakhon Phanom
The provincial capital Nakhon Phanom is in the extreme north-east of Thailand on the Mekong, and hence the frontier with Laos. On clear days the Laotian mountains beyond the town of Thakhek and the forests on the opposite bank of
the river can be seen. During the Vietnam War, when there was an American base and radio interception station 12 km (7 mi.) west of the town, Nakhon Phanom was a temporary haven for many thousands of refugees. Apart from a couple of busy markets, there is nothing to see in the town itself but its good hotels, some of which were established here to cater for the Americans, are a good base for trips to places in the surrounding area. Wat Phra That Phanom is famous for its annual Phansa festival week in January which attracts a great many pilgrims and stages events such as boat races and folk dances.
By car: highways 213/22 from Kalasin (98 km (61 mi.)).
By bus: from Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (727 km (452 mi.)) and Kalasin.
By air: daily from Bangkok
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