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.

How to get there
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Ban Phai which connects Highway No. 23 to Maha Sarakham, then continue the journey along Highway 213 via Kalasin to Sakon Nakhon, a total distance of 647 kilometres.

Bus
Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon buses depart from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information

Rail
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon. Visitors can take a train to Udon Thani and continue the journey by bus to Udon Thani. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.

Air
Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon every day. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.

Festivals
Wax Castle Procession
Wax Castle Procession is held in Amphoe Muang at the end of the Buddhist lent for 3 nights around the middle of October. The second night features a beautiful procession, an ancient boxing dance (a folk play indigenous of Sakon Nakhon) and boat races. Visitors to the festival can continue on to the Illuminated Boats Procession in Nakhon Phanom that is held immediately after.