Sakhon Nakhon

Located on the edge of the largest lake in Isaan, Sakhon Nakhon is a fascinating city that receives very few foreign visitors, and makes a wonderful stop enroute from the large city of Udon Thani, out to Nakhon Phanom bordering Laos. Visitors will be rewarded with a rich history and culture.

Surrounded by the Phu Phan mountain range, it's a popular area for forest temple retreats and Buddhist meditation, and there is some stunning countryside to explore. The Phu Phan National Park is known for its ancient Khmer ruins, waterfalls, and interesting rock formations and is home to wild tiger, Phayre's leaf monkey, and fishing cat.

Sakhon Nakhon is known as the Indigo City of Thailand and a visit to the Indigo Dyeing Centre makes for a fascinating hands-on experience, where visitors can take part in dyeing their own fabrics. Phra That Choeng Chum is the most revered Buddhist temple in Sakhon Nakhon and visiting the complex is highly recommended. Just north of Nong Han Lake is the village of Tha Rae, which has stunning architecture - a mix of Thai and European - and is home to the largest Catholic community in Thailand.