Sakon Nakhon
Discover Sakon Nakhon
Sakon Nakhon is 647 km from Bangkok. It has an area of 9,605 km², mostly in the Phu Phan mountains. It has many forest temple meditation retreats. Sakon Nakhon is a Buddhist town with five Buddhist stupas. Its history dates back three thousand years. Legend says that Nongharn town, now Sakon Nakhon, was built in 11th century when the Khmer ruled this region. When the Khmer lost their power, the town was under the rules of Lanxang or Laotian Kingdom. It was renamed “Muang Chiang Mai Nongharn”. When the town joined Siam, it was renamed again as “Sakon Thavapi”. In 1830, during the reign of King Rama III, it was renamed “Sakon Nakhon”.
Taste of Sakon Nakhon...
Do not swim in the Nong Han lake due to parasitic liver flukes. North to Bueng Kan, east to Nakhon Phanom, southeast to Mukdahan, southwest to Kalasin, or west to Udon Thani.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom Bangkok, take Hwy 2 to Saraburi and turn right onto Hwy 2, via Nakhon Ratchasima, Ban Phai of Khon Kaen Province to Ban Tha Phra. Get onto Hwy 23 via Maha Sarakham and Kalasin, then use Hwy 213 to Sakon Nakhon. (7-9 hr respecting speed limits) The Transport Co. Thailand and private bus companies operate daily service from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon. Buses leave the Northeast Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) daily. The State Railway of Thailand operates daily trains from Bangkok to Udon Thani, where tourists can catch a bus to Sakon Nakhon, 159 km away (3-4 hours, 100 baht, air-con. Buses going to Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan may stop in Sakon Nakhon). The night train from Bangkok usually departs at 20:00, and is supposed to reach Udon Thani around 06:00 but 09:00 is more likely. Around 1,000 baht for a soft bed in a 2-bed first-class cabin with air-con.) Nok Air flies from Bangkok to 17.195139104.1186391 Sakon Nakhon (SNO ). 900-2,500 baht one-way; 15 kg checked luggage included....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
You can get around by bus, samlor, and motored tricycle that are available in the city. Fare is negotiated. There is no rental company catering for tourists, but you can arrange in almost any motorcycle shop, or any guesthouse, a daily rental for around 100-200 baht, or monthly for 1,500-2,000 baht. Do not swim in the Nong Han lake due to parasitic liver flukes. North to Bueng Kan, east to Nakhon Phanom, southeast to Mukdahan, southwest to Kalasin, or west to Udon Thani.
Where to Stay
Do not swim in the Nong Han lake due to parasitic liver flukes. North to Bueng Kan, east to Nakhon Phanom, southeast to Mukdahan, southwest to Kalasin, or west to Udon Thani.
Money & Budget
Do not swim in the Nong Han lake due to parasitic liver flukes. North to Bueng Kan, east to Nakhon Phanom, southeast to Mukdahan, southwest to Kalasin, or west to Udon Thani.
Language & Talk
A mix of Thai and Lao is spoken in Sakon Nakhon. Central Thai is perfectly acceptable. There are few expats living in the city and few foreign visitors, but don't expect English to be widely spoken or to see English translations beyond road signs. Locals will do their best to help you with whatever English they know, but it's advisable to dive headfirst into learning the dialect and start mixing with the locals. From Bangkok, take Hwy 2 to Saraburi and turn right onto Hwy 2, via Nakhon Ratchasima, Ban Phai of Khon Kaen Province to Ban Tha Phra. Get onto Hwy 23 via Maha Sarakham and Kalasin, then use Hwy 213 to Sakon Nakhon. (7-9 hr respecting speed limits) The Transport Co. Thailand and private bus companies operate daily service from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Do not swim in the Nong Han lake due to parasitic liver flukes. North to Bueng Kan, east to Nakhon Phanom, southeast to Mukdahan, southwest to Kalasin, or west to Udon Thani.