Nakhon Phanom was once the center of the ancient Sri Khotrabun Kingdom, located on the west bank of the mighty Mekong River. Although over the centuries, Nakhon Phanom has moved back and forth across the river, it is still a beautiful and picturesque city with its mountainous jungles stretching beyond the port city of Thakhek on the Lao side of the river. King Phutthaloetla Naphalai chose the name Nakhon Phanom as “City of the Mountains” because of the beautiful mountains in the province.

Nakhon Phanom is therefore a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and traditions, especially the Lao people, who have greatly influenced Nakhon Phanom’s architecture, traditions and food, including the Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony.

Throughout Nakhon Phanom’s history, Lao and minority ethnic groups have migrated across the Mekong River, giving Nakhon Phanom today a distinct blend of cultures, which is evident in the local language, traditions and food. Visitors can experience this culture at the Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony or watch the region’s traditional dances, such as the Sri Khotrabun, the Phu Thai dance, the Sek Ten Sak and the So Tung Bung, some of which are only performed on special occasions.