Sakon Nakhon Province

Situated on the Khorat Plateau and flanked by the Phu Phan Mountains to the south, Sakon Nakhon borders Nong Khai and Bueng Kan to the north, Nakhon Phanom to the east, Kalasin and Mukdahan to the south, and Udon Thani to the west. The province has a history stretching back roughly three thousand years; local tradition holds it was established in the 11th century during Khmer hegemony in the region. Nong Han lake near the provincial capital supports fishing communities and migratory birds, and is a popular destination for water sports. Phra That Choeng Chum, a 24-metre Lao-style chedi in the city centre, is considered the most sacred monument in the province and houses relics of the Buddha. Sakon Nakhon is also known as a centre of forest-dwelling Buddhist practice, being the home province of the revered monk Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto, founder of the Thai Forest Tradition.