As the Mekong River flows east pass Nong Khai and then south, it progresses down the Nakhon Phanom’s entire elongated eastern side, separating it from Laos. With a past that dates back many thousands of years, the province is a collection of diverse cultures and traditions from the various ethnic groups that now inhabit this part of Thailand. The province, literally translated is “city of hills”.  It is renowned for it's beautiful scenery and as a great place to spend a few relaxing days by the Mekong River. The city is the home of one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, revered in both Thailand and neighboring Laos. The province is opposite Tha Khaek in Laos.

Nakhon Phanom is 740 kilometers from Bangkok. The province has an area of 5,512 square kilometers and consists of the following districts: Muang Nakhon Phanom, Pla Pak, Tha Uthen, Phon Sawan, Ban Phaeng, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Wa, Na Thom and Wang Yang.