Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom is a province in northeastern Thailand, bordering Laos to the east over the Mekong River. It’s known for the huge, ornate Wat Phra That Phanom temple, a significant religious site said to contain the Buddha’s breastbone. The provincial capital, also called Nakhon Phanom, is home to several other temples, including Wat Okat Si Bua Ban, which features 2 sacred golden images of the Buddha.The province, in the Mekong River valley, is mostly plains. The northern part of the province has a more upland, forest-covered character. The main river in the northern part is the Songkhram River with the smaller Oun River. The southern part is flatter with the Kum River as its only notable watercourse. The provincial capital, the city of Nakhon Phanom, is on the banks of the Mekong.

Phu Lang Ka National Park covers 50 km2 of forests and hills, and includes the Tat Kham and Tat Pho waterfalls as its most popular attractions. Flowers such as the Lady Slipper Orchid and diverse wildlife are found in the park. The total forest area is 789 km2 (305 sq mi) or 14 percent of provincial area.