sakon
Nakhon
Known as “the city of all cities,” Sakon Nakhon is a vibrant blend of cultures shaped by the migration and mingling of many ethnic groups—Khmer, Lao, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese—who have called this land home for centuries. This rich heritage forms the roots of a city where tradition thrives alongside modern creativity.
Here, a new generation is breathing fresh life into time-honored customs, adding artistry, value, and contemporary flair to captivate visitors from near and far.
Join GO WABU as we take you on two immersive walking journeys—through the charming streets of Sakon Nakhon’s Old Town and into the character-rich community of Ban Tha Rae.
Old Town Architecture
In less than two kilometers, you’ll uncover the many layers of this ancient town’s charm. Its streets follow a rare rectangular city plan, once encircled by moats and earthen walls. At its heart once stood a grand Khmer stone sanctuary, later crowned with a Lan Xang–style stupa when Khmer power waned. You’ll spot barays—ancient Khmer water reservoirs—quietly telling tales of past ingenuity, and wander past old wooden shophouses built by Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants generations ago. Some of these historic homes have now been reborn as cozy guesthouses and stylish cafés, welcoming travelers while preserving the town’s gentle, slow pace.
Ban Tha Rae Route
Over a century ago, during the reign of King Rama V, a group of Christian settlers in Sakon Nakhon faced religious restrictions that forced them to leave the city. United in faith, they built large bamboo rafts and boats, praying to Saint Michael for a new land where they could spread Christianity. Guided by the wind, their rafts drifted across the vast Nong Han Lake and landed on the opposite shore—where they founded a new community called Tha Rae.
Today, Tha Rae has grown into the largest Catholic community in Thailand. Beyond its rich history, the town charms visitors with its unique chessboard street layout and rows of elegant Western-style houses lining both sides of its roads. With its cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and warm community spirit, Tha Rae is one destination in Sakon Nakhon you simply can’t miss.
