Sakon Nakhon, Thailand

Sakon Nakhon, the ancient, Khmer town formerly known as ‘Nong Han Luang', is now an important Buddhist religious center that contains a very sacred Buddha relic, and many forest temple retreats for meditation founded by a highly revered, deceased Buddhist monk, considered to be the greatest teacher of all monks. Situated in the upper northeastern region among the Phu Pan mountain ranges, it is also a land of natural beauty comprised of green, overlapping hills. The lifestyle of the people around the town's vicinity provides an interesting insight of the local Thais and the Thai So group. Sakon Nakhon is 647 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 9,605 square kilometres. Sakon Nakhon consists of the following districts: Muang Sakon Nakhon, Waritchaphum, Kut Bak, Kusuman, Ban Muang, Phanna Nikhom, Sawang Daen Din, Wanon Niwat, Phang Khon, Akat Amnuai, Song Dao, Kham Ta Kla, Tao Ngoi, Khok Si Suphan, Nikhom Nam Un, Charoen Sin, Phon Na Kaeo and Phu Phan.