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All you need to know to visit Sakon Nakhon
สกลนคร
Northeastern Thailand
544 km from Bangkok
Province of Sakon Nakhon
Thai pronunciation : Sakône nakône
Northeastern Thailand
544 km from Bangkok
Province of Sakon Nakhon
Thai pronunciation : Sakône nakône
- Budget
- 2/5
- Recommended stay
- 2 to 3 days
- Sightseeing
- 3/5
Travel guide to visit 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.For all the options for getting around Sakon Nakhon, see our section on getting around in Sakon Nakhon.
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 recommendations
People often ask me which accommodation I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations 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.Transport in Thailand
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How to go to Sakon Nakhon ?
To come to Sakon Nakhon, you have the choice between taking the plane from Bangkok, Air Asia and Nok Air have flights to the city from Don Muang airport, or the bus. The train does not go to Sakon Nakhon, the nearest railway station is in Udon Thani, it will then remain 159 km to do by local bus (2h10 trip). From Bangkok, buses leave from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The public bus company and Nakhon Chai Air offer several departures a day for a trip that takes 11 hours.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 held every year in Sakon Nakhon. Their dates are published as soon as they are official on the Festivals in Thailand page.
Sakhon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
This festival usually takes place in October
Sakhon Nakhon Christmas Parade
This festival usually takes place in December
Must-visits in
Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan
วัดพระธาตุเชิงชุมMy opinion : 5/5
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 : 5/5
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
วัดถ้ำผาแด่นMy opinion : 5/5
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
ถนนคนเดินMy opinion : 4/5
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
It is in fact a pond located north of the great lake of Sakon Nakhon. When many lotuses are in bloom, it is superb but it is also a beautiful place the rest of the time. A bucolic setting to relax, stroll and discover several varieties of this aquatic flower.
Sakon Nakhon City Gate
Symbolic door of the city, it is not of great interest but is one of the most known monuments in Sakon Nakhon because often used in the photos illustrating the city.
Ban Tha Rae Community
It is especially at Christmas time that it is interesting, what do I say, mandatory to come to Ban Tha Rae ! The houses are superbly decorated and from December 22nd to 24th, there is a whole festival whose highlight is the parade of light floats.
Weather & climate in
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.How to ask the way in Thai to Sakon Nakhon ?
I want to go to Sakon Nakhon / Yak pai thi Sakône nakône.Where is Sakon Nakhon? / Sakône nakône yu thi nai?
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