Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Weng
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
About 5km west of town at Ban That is an 11th-century Khmer
prang
(known as
Phra That Nawaeng, a contraction of the words Narai Cheng Weng) in the early Bapuan
style. Originally part of a Khmer-Hindu complex, it's missing much of its top, but still
features several good carvings including a Krishna fighting a lion over its northern portico
and a dancing Shiva (with 12 arms instead of the normal 10) over its eastern one. It's not
very impressive or evocative, but it's the most complete Khmer ruin in the province.
To get here by public transport take
sŏrng·tăa·ou
3 (10B) from near the market or catch
it heading north on Th Ratpattana. Get off at Ban That Market and walk 500m south.
Phu Phan Museum
MUSEUM
( 9am-5pm Tue-Sun)
Though displays are only signed in Thai, this well-done mu-
seum still warrants a visit. Displays cover dinosaurs, Buddhism and Sakon Nakhon's six
tribes.
Nong Han
Rimming the eastern and northern edges of town is 123-sq-km Nong Han, Isan's largest
natural lake. Fishermen, who tie up their boats just east of Srinakarin Park, will take you
out sightseeing, including a stop to visit
Ko Don Sawan
(Paradise Island), the lake's largest
island which serves as a meditation retreat for monks. The going rate is around 400B for
three people. Don't copy the fishermen and swim in the lake: it's infested with liver
flukes, which can cause a nasty infection known as opisthorchiasis.
sion free; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat)
with fish from the lake as well as the Mekong and
Songkhram rivers.
LAKE
Festivals
Ork Phansaa
, the end of the Buddhist lent (late October or early November), is fervently cel-
ebrated in Sakon. There's a parade featuring
wax castles
, which are then put on display in
Ming Mueang Field. They can also be seen at each of the city's temples for about a month
after the event. A smaller wax-candle parade happens during
Khao Phansaa
.
Sleeping
