Destination Nakorn Phanom...As the Mekong River flows east pass Nong Khai and then south, it progresses down Nakorn 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 land. The province, literally translated as ’city of hills’, is renowned for its beautiful scenery and a great place to spend a few relaxing days by the Mekong River. The city contains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, revered in both Thailand and neighboring Laos. The province is opposite Tha Khaek in Laos.Nakorn Phanom is 740 kilometers from Bangkok. The province has an area of 5,512 square kilometers.