Sakon Nakhon in Thailand

Sakon Nakhon

สกลนคร
Northeastern Thailand
544 km from Bangkok
Province of Sakon Nakhon
Population : 76.000
Thai prononciation : Sakône nakône

Budget

Recomm. stay

2-3 jours

Visits

General Information about Sakon Nakhon

Located in Isan, Northeastern Thailand, Sakon Nakhon province is very little visited by foreign tourists. The city, formerly called Nong Han, was founded in the 11th century when the territory was under Khmer rule. Then passed under Laotian territory and finally attached to the Kingdom of Siam, it is only in 1830, under the reign of King Rama III that the name of Sakon Nakhon was given to city. It is a leading religious destination for Thai people with 5 main stupas and many of the country's most revered monks from the province or having spent several years there. Sakon Nakhon is also famous for its indigo clothes and two festivals: tthe Wax Castle Festival at the end of Buddhist Lent and its Star Christmas Parade, probably the two best moments to discover this territory. Far from being able to make a comprehensive tour of all what there is to see and do in Sakon Nakhon, I give you here a lot of practical information and a list of interesting places to visit for a 3 days stay. Adding Sakon Nakhon on your travel programme maybe not for your first trip to Thailand but regular travelers who come often to Smile Land will probably enjoy the province.

Accommodations in Sakon Nakhon

In town, try to find accommodation not too far from Wat Phra Tat Choeng Chum, then you will be ideally located to visit many places by walking and close to the bus terminal. One of the good affordable hotels in this area is the @Sakhon Hotel. It is very easy to find a room in town for between THB 500 and 1,000 a night.

Find accommodation in Sakon Nakhon

My recommandations

People often ask me what accommodations I recommaend in Thailand, here are my recommandations in Sakon Nakhon.

@Sakhon Hotel

Hotel in Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon City

See all accommodations in Sakon Nakhon

Practical information about Sakon Nakhon

If you want to visit this province and do not limit yourself to the city of Sakon Nakhon, it is recommended to have your own transportation at least once you are here. You can rent a car at the airport. In town it will be more complicated. The province welcomes a few foreign travelers so you will have more difficult to find staf and people who can speak English although in general, you can always find a way get to be understood.

How to get around in Sakon Nakhon ?

You can visit the heart of the city easily by walking, otherwise to get around in Sakon Nakhon, there are songthaews, rickshaws and tuk-tuks. If it will not necessarily be easy to catch one in the traffic, you will find many at the municipal market, in front of the hospital and at the bus terminal. It is also near Sakon Nakhon Municipal market and at Sakon Nakhon Bus Terminal that you will find local buses to go to the other districts of the province.

Festivals in Sakon Nakhon ?

Here is a list of the main festivals taking place every year in Sakon Nakhon. I mention their dates as soon as they are official on Thai Festivals page.

Sakhon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival

This festival generally takes place in the month of October

Plus d'infos sur Sakhon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival

Sakhon Nakhon Christmas Parade

This festival generally takes place in the month of December

Plus d'infos sur Sakhon Nakhon Christmas Parade

How to ask in Thai to go to Sakon Nakhon ?

I want to go to Sakon Nakhon / Yak paï ti Sakône nakône.
Where is Sakon Nakhon ? / Sakône nakône you ti naï ?

Must-visits in Sakon Nakhon

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan

วัดพระธาตุเชิงชุม

My opinion :

Located in the center of Sakon Nakhon city, it is the most sacred temple in the province and one of the most important in Thailand. Beautifully lit in the evening, it is interesting to visit the place by day and in the evening before it closes.

Kram Sakon Indigo dyeing

My opinion :

This store which sells indigo creations also offers DIY workshops to make your own creations helped and guided by the staff. A fun experience and something you should definitly do when you come to Sakon Nakhon. And it will make you a personalized souvenir.

Wat Tham Pha Daen

วัดถ้ำผาแด่น

My opinion :

This temple which is located in the mountain 25 kilometers from Sakon Nakhon city center is my favorite here. You will find several different elements, enjoy nature and a beautiful view. What more can you ask for ?

Indigo Walking Street

ถนนคนเดิน

My opinion :

This weekly night market is held near Wat Phra That Choeng Chum temple and offers plenty of stalls to buy clothes and textiles indigo dyed by hand.

Other places to see in Sakon Nakhon

Nong Han Chalermprakiat Park lotus lake

Sakon Nakhon City Gate

Ban Tha Rae Community

Weather & climate in Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon has a tropical climate. Winters are dry and very hot and temperatures rise until April, the hottest time of the year. The rainy season runs from May to October, with heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures during the day.

See weather forecast in Sakon Nakhon

When to go to Sakon Nakhon ?

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