City Of Hills
Beautiful NakhonPhanom (see video here) (นครพนม – pronounced ˈná ˈkhɔɔn phá ˈnom).
Nakhon Phanom is the capital of the province with the same name. The province consists of areas of high hills in the north west, plains covered with lush and virgin forests. The capital is located on the bank of the Mekong river overlooking the river and city of Thakhek in the Khammouane province in Laos. Neighbouring provinces are Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, and Bueng Kan, all accessible by several bus routes pr day.
City of hills
King Rama I chose the name Nakhon Phanom (meaning “City of hills”) because of the remarkable mountains found in the province and and on the other side in Lao. The city was the center of the ancient Sri Khottrabun kingdom in the past and it has unique and interesting cultures and traditions. It is also known as one of the pathways to Laos (there are daily busses directly to Thakhek and also to Vietnam).
More history about Nakhon Phanom here.
See Nakhon Phanom from the other side of the Mekong river.
During the centuries, Lao and other ethnic groups migrated across the Mekong river and this is reflected in the many local dialects, customs and, also in the cuisine of Nakhon Phanom. A variety of unique folk dances, such as the Sri Khottrabun dance is considered the symbol of Nakhon Phanom's long history.
See more about dance and culture here.