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Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Phanom (นครพนม) is a city and province in Isaan. The city has a beautiful landscape, with the Mekong River running adjacent to the city, marking the border between Thailand and Laos.

Although a small town, Nakhon Phanom is famous for its centuries-old temples and beautiful landscape. The city has a reserved and traditional Lao Isaan culture. A traveller may well find the residents of the city very hospitable and kind. The surrounding villages have many tribal cultures unique to Isaan and Laos.

Understand

Nakhon Phanom is in the northeastern region of Thailand, approximately 734 km northeast of Bangkok and 378 km southwest of Hanoi, Vietnam. It borders Lao PDR's Khamoun Province, Tha Khaek District. Nakhon Phanom was the site of a US base during the Vietnam War, housing the 56th Air Commando Wing, based at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. Its mission was search and rescue and interdiction of the Ho Chi Minh Trails in Laos 48 km to the east.

The population of Nakhon Phanom is a diverse mix of Thais, Thai-Vietnamese, Lao, Thai-Lao, Thai-Chinese, and perhaps a few Thai-Indians. The main languages spoken are Thai, Isaan, and Vietnamese, Isaan being the most popular of them. The primary culture and language is Lao, as Isaan was part of Laos until the late 19th century. Ho Chi Minh resided in a small village between the city center and the air base to the west during the late-1920s and early-1930s. A new museum has been constructed there, his home is preserved and is open to the public, and it draws many Vietnamese tourists.

By plane
Nok Air operates flights to Nakhon Phanom (KOP), as does Thai Air Asia. From the airport to town is about 20 km.

A meter taxi from the airport to the city is approximately 200 baht (30 baht flagfall, then 10 baht per kilometer, the trip is about 18 km). "Limousine" shuttle van tickets are 100 Baht per person. [December 2016]

From Laos
Friendship Bridge III spans the Mekong between Nakhon Phantom and Thakhek, Laos. It is around 10 km north of town and the Thai-Laos International Bus runs between Nakhon Phanom bus station and Thakhek from 08:00 to 17:30 eight times daily (every 60 - 90 minutes). It is not possible to cross the bridge on foot. You must pay in baht for the bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek. Kip or US dollars are not accepted. Allow about 1.5 hours for the customs rituals on both sides of the bridge. Visa on arrival available on the Laos side. If you enter Thailand from Laos, most nationalities get a 30-day visa exempt entry. Foreigners entering Thailand under the Visa exception scheme are permitted to enter Thailand at a land border crossing only twice in a calendar year.

By train
The closest railway stations are about four hours away, in Ubon, Udon, or Nong Khai.

By road
Two of the most common means of getting to Nakhon Phanom from Bangkok are by road in private tour buses or government-operated tour buses. These buses start from the central North and Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) in Bangkok. The fare for bus travel ranges from 300-850 baht, depending on the type of bus. A more convenient and popular bus is operated by the Transport Authority of Thailand. These VIP air conditioned buses operate under the label 99 or 999. These buses are 24-seaters, with seats as comfortable as seats in the business class of an aeroplane. A toilet is also available inside the bus. The distance between Nakhon Phanom and Bangkok is approximately 740 km. This is about an 11-hour journey. Although it seems long, a bus travelling out of Mo Chit at 19:15 arrives at Nakhon Phanom around 06:30. Buses leaving from Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok at 18:00 arrive at around 05:30.

There are also mini buses from Mukdahan (platform 8 at Mukdahan Bus Station, 95 baht (May 2023), pay directly to the driver upon arrival).

Get around
The most convenient way to get around the city is via the famous three wheelers of the northeast, more commonly referred to as "skylabs". There are also buses and vans running to other provinces throughout the day, easily accessible from the central bus terminal or in front of the local market.

Buy
Nakhon Phanom is famous for its silk fabric and silver ornaments. Most of the manufacturing is done on handmade looms in the local villages in traditional Lao-style. The silver is manufactured and crafted both within Isaan and Laos.

Eat
Nakhon Phanom has some of the best sticky rice and grilled chicken with papaya salad in the country. However, there are not many restaurants open in the centre of town at night. A couple may be found along Bamrungmueng Rd, to the left as you face the river. Menus are totally in Thai, and English is not spoken.

If you are stuck for a meal, order "pat pak ruam" (fried mixed vegetables), and add the word "gai" (for chicken), "moo" (for pork), or "gung" (for shrimp). "Cow soo-eye" is steamed rice. Will give you a tasty and filling feed for around 150 baht, including a large bottle of beer.

Snack type stalls are also available from about 16:00 on Fuangnakom St, which is at right angles to Bamrungmueng Rd. It is an afternoon/night market, and the road is closed off for the duration.

Go next

 * Tha Khaek in Laos to visit the new jungle preserves created by the Democratic People's Republic of Laos as well as to visit the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail.
 * There are 8 buses daily between 08:00 and 17:30 (workdays), 17:00 (weekends) leaving every 60-90 minutes. The price is 70 baht or 18,000 kip during the week and 80 baht or 20,000 kip during the weekend.
 * Mukdahan, Sakhon Nakhon or Bueng Kan in Thailand.

title: Nakhon Phanom


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Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา), usually referred to as Khorat (โคราช) or, more commonly Korat, is the largest city in the Isaan region of Thailand. Its proximity to Bangkok makes it a good jumping-off point for travellers who are heading into further into the region. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the country and beyond. Hwy 2 (Bangkok to Nong Khai) runs through the city, as does the northeast railway line which splits in the east of the city: one line runs up to Nong Khai and the other, to Ubon Ratchathani. There are buses which run to just about every city in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions. You can even get buses to Vientiane in Laos and to the Cambodian border at Aranyaprathet.

The city itself has a population of around 165,000 (Nai Muang district, 2011), but the entire urban sprawl of the Nakhon Ratchasima metropolitan area (Muang Nakhon Ratchasima) has a population of 450,000. Despite the size of the city, it is not a favoured holiday destination for the average foreign traveller. Instead, visitors are more likely to base themselves in the city as they visit nearby tourist destinations such as Khao Yai National Park, Phimai, and Phanom Rung.

History

The modern-day city traces its roots back to the late seventeenth century when King Narai of Ayutthaya ordered the construction of the city to protect the Ayutthaya Kingdom's northeastern frontier from Laotian or Khmer attack. It was just such a Laotian attack that was defeated by local heroine Thao Suranaree in 1826. She, and her army, are credited with freeing the city from King Anouvong's Laotian forces. These exploits have lifted 'Yamo' to almost god-like status in Korat. Her statue, in the centre of the city on Ratchadamnoen Rd, is the most visited attraction in the city.

The city continued to grow, helped by the arrival of the railway in the early twentieth century, and, today, is a typical Thai mix of chaos, pollution, and tradition.

Climate
Korat is classified as having the three tropical seasons of hot, rainy and cool (or sometimes dry). But the seasons overlap considerably, and the rainy and hot seasons occur almost simultaneously while the cool/dry season is quite short. Generally during Nov, Dec, and Jan, it's very dry and relatively cool, although daytime temperatures will still often exceed 30 degrees C. Mar-Jun are the four hottest months but there can be heavy rains during this time, particularly in May. The temperatures decreases slightly each month as the area moves into the rainy season. Aug-Oct are the wettest months but tropical storms may be experienced any time between Mar-Oct. The downpours end as Oct ends: the rainfall in Nov is just 20% that of Oct.

The city, with its traffic and concrete, will be a little hotter than the rest of the province. And days in Apr and May can be unbearably hot amidst the urban jungle. Conversely, it can be surprisingly cool between Nov-Jan. It's not unusual for temperatures at night in the city to drop below fifteen degrees Celsius in the cool season, while out in the rural areas, single-digit temperatures are not unknown.

Orientation

The main road into the city is Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Rd) which originates in Saraburi and terminates in Nong Khai. The mall, Tesco Lotus and several hotels are next to it. Shortly after the mall, it bears left, goes past the main bus station and onto Khon Kaen. To the north of the city it joins up with the bypass also known, somewhat confusingly, as Hwy 2.

The road network within the city is, for the most part, an American-style grid system. Therefore, once you are familiar with the place, it is easy to find your way around. But if you are new in town it can be a nightmare as every road looks the same. This is particularly the case in the moated historic centre of the city.

The moat encloses the original city, almost a perfect rectangle, one and a half km by one km, and consists of seven main roads that run east to west: Phonsaen, Yommarat, Assadang, Chomphon, Mahat Thai, Supphasit, and Kamheng-Songkhram, and six main roads that run north to south: Chumphon (not to be confused with Chomphon), Jagkree, Manat, Pratchak, Kudan, and Phonlan.

The English spelling of Thai words is an inexact science so don't be surprised to see variations on these spellings in different guide books, on maps and on street signs. For example, Jagkree is sometimes spelled Chakrii; Phonsaen can be Polsan; Chomphon can be Jompol; Supphasit may have no h; Assadang may have a t replacing one s; Pratchak may have no t, and so on.

To add to your confusion, the names of Jagkree Rd and Pratchak Rd change south of their intersections with Chomphon Rd: to Watchara Sarit Rd and Chai Narong Rd respectively.

The obvious geographical reference point for travellers is the statue of Thao Suranaree (or Yamo). Every tuk-tuk, motorbike taxi, songthaew and taxi driver will understand "Yamo" so you shouldn't have any problem getting there. She stands between Chumphon and Ratchadamnoen Rd. Both of these are one-way streets and from Ratchadamnoen you can catch songthaews to just about every part of the city. Ratchadamnoen ends where it meets Hwy 224. Turn left onto Hwy 224 and it becomes Hwy 2 (Mittraphap) after about a kilometre. Turn right, and Hwy 224 takes you east and then south towards Dan Kwian pottery village and Chok Chai. At Chok Chai (30 km south of the city) Hwy 224 crosses Hwy 24 which goes to Buriram, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Three main roads lead off Ratchadamnoen: Chomsurangyat, Pho Klang and Suranaree. These are busy two-way thoroughfares and all three converge a kilometre and a half west of Yamo to form Mukmontri Rd which leads back to Hwy 2.

By car
There are three routes to take from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima.

 * First Route: Take Hwy 1 (Phahonyothin) passing Don Muang Airport, Wang Noi, and Nong Khae till you arrive at the Saraburi interchange. At Saraburi, turn right along Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Hwy) which finally leads to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance of this route is 259 km.
 * Second Route: This alternative route is a little longer in distance but passes some interesting places. Take Hwy 304 via Min Buri, Chachoengsao, Phanom Sarakham, Kabin Buri, Wang Nam Khiao, and Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 273 km.
 * Third Route: Take Hwy 305 passing Thanyaburi, Ongkharak to Nakhon Nayok. From Nakhon Nayok, turn right on to Hwy 33 to Kabin Buri and then turn left along Hwy 304 passing Wang Nam Khiao and Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima.

By bus
There are two main bus stations in Korat. The new bus station ("bok kor sor mai") is the larger of the two and is just to the north of the city centre, beyond Big C on the Korat to Khon Kaen stretch of Mittraphap Rd. The old bus station ("bok kor sor gow") is within the city centre on Burin Rd between Suranaree Rd and Mittraphap.

So, assuming you are in Bangkok, just head to Mo Chit Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal. No need to consult a timetable: buses leave Bangkok for Korat several times an hour 24 hours a day. Go to the top floor of the terminal building and buy your ticket at window 40, 49, 50, 52, or 53.

 * Window 40 and 49 - Ratchasima Tour. Direct 24 hour service. Window 40 for the old bus station and window 49 for the new bus station.

 * Window 50 - Suranaree Air. Tickets for services to either station are sold at the same window. Confusingly, there are two windows #50 at Mo Chit (50 and 50ก). The one you need is on the left of the two.

 * Windows 52 and 53 - Air Korat Pattana. Window 52 for buses to the new bus station and window 53 for buses to the old bus station. It's been known for the vendor to just sell a ticket for the next departing service. If you really want to go to the old bus station ("bok kor sor gow") make sure you buy your ticket from the vendor at window 53 and that your ticket has the number 1 on it somewhere. This denotes the old bus station whereas a 2 denotes the new.

After you have purchased your ticket the vendor will point to a number on the ticket. This is the bay where you can catch your bus. Overhead signs will guide you there, just like following a gate number at an airport.

The price is 220 baht, one-way from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. The buses follow the "First Route" described above. A return ticket is available for a slightly discounted price.

Other cities which run buses direct to Korat include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, Nakhon Sawan Pattaya, Chonburi, Chantaburi, Rayong, Lopburi, Hua Hin, Hat Yai, Phuket and just about every provincial capital in Isaan. If you are coming from Cambodia, there are buses from the Poipet/Aranyaprathet border crossing (7 buses daily from Rongklue Market, every 2 hours, first at 06:00, last at 18:00). And, if you're entering from Laos, there are a couple of buses a day between Korat and Vientiane. If you're entering from Laos at the Savannakhet border crossing then you can get a bus direct from Mukdahan to Korat. All these services terminate and originate at the new bus station. The old bus station is used for some Bangkok services and shorter local routes to places such as Pak Chong and Pak Thong Chai.

If you've arrived at the new bus station all the usual Thai means of transport are available for you to get to where you want to go. Tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and meter taxis (see Get around) are in abundance at the bus station. To get a songthaew back towards the city centre take the number 15 (purple and white) which waits on the road between the two main terminal buildings at the new bus station.

Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis also wait at the smaller old bus station but meter taxis don't. The old bus station is walking distance from many hotels.

By train
Trains leave from Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) daily and can take anything from four to six hours depending on what type of train you catch. Twelve trains a day leave Bangkok for Korat. The times are 05:45, 06:40, 10:05, 11:40, 15:20, 18:30, 18:55, 20:00, 20:30, 21:50, 22:25, and 23:40. The latest timetable can be found at State Railways of Thailand or call 1690. Fares are very reasonable for the 264 km journey. The cheapest ticket on the cheapest train is 50 baht to Bangkok.

There are two stations in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Trains in Thailand are always delayed, even for short commutes. Note this fact and budget more time if you need to transfer to other means of transport, e.g., planes or buses.

By plane
There are no scheduled flights to or from Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (NAK).

By tuk-tuk
These three-wheeled buzz boxes are plentiful in the city. They congregate in large numbers outside shopping centres, department stores, the two bus stations and train station. And individuals will be dotted along all the busy roads.

Happily, the reputation that tuk-tuk drivers have for ripping off tourists in places like Phuket and Pattaya does not generally apply in Korat. The fare from the main bus station to Yamo/city centre is 60 baht. Agree on this price before you get in. Fares typically go up in multiples of 20 and start at 40 baht.

Remember, this isn't a tourist city so your driver will not speak English. He (it's always a man) may know the names of some hotels and will understand "Yamo", but that's about it. This is a prime example of where a smattering of Thai can go a long way.

By motorbike taxi
Wherever you find tuk-tuks you will find motorbike taxis. Their fares are generally two-thirds to three-quarters those of tuk-tuks (i.e., a 60 baht tuk-tuk fare will be 40 baht on a motorbike). Some riders even put up a list of fares as if to prove that they don't just make up prices. You're certainly a long way from tourist rip-off territory here.

Safety is obviously a concern for a lot of travellers when it comes to motorcycle taxis. Only you can decide if you want to risk it or not but the rider should at least provide a helmet.

By taxi
Meter-taxis are a fairly new introduction to the Korat roads. They are blue and yellow in colour and scarce in number. If you are lucky enough to see one for hire on the street then you can hail it as you would a Bangkok taxi. It is 30 baht for the first kilometre and 4 baht a kilometre after that. You can call for one but if you do that then the meter won't be used but a fixed fee will be charged for your journey. Furthermore, you can't book one in advance as you can with a minicab. You just have to call when you want one and hope that one is available. It should be added that the operator doesn't speak English so get your hotel receptionist to call.

They do congregate at the main bus station and if you catch one from here then the meter should be used. Again, don't expect the driver to speak English.

Grab app can be used to hail taxis (and motorbike taxis) online - not particularly cheap in Khorat, e.g. 70 baht taxi/50 baht motorbike taxi for a 3-4 km ride (January 2020), but still useful to check the price before bargaining with the local drivers, or if there are no tuk tuks or motorbike taxis around you.

By cycle rickshaw (samlor)
The traditional pedal-powered 'samlor' (literally, 'three wheels') is a large tricycle with room for, at a squeeze, two passengers who sit on a covered, padded seat behind the rider. These days there are far more tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis than samlors but you can still find them dotted along most major roads. They come into their own during the Yamo Festival (end of Mar/start of Apr) when Ratchadamnoen Rd is closed and pedestrianized every evening and samlors are the only form of transport allowed.

You'll notice that all samlor operators are elderly men so don't get them to take you halfway across the city! A kilometre or so is a more appropriate distance and it will only cost you 20 baht.

By songthaew

Songthaews are the most popular type of public transportation. A songthaew is a pick-up truck which has been converted into a small short-hop bus. Passengers step into the back of the truck and sit on parallel benches. When you want to get off just press the buzzer and hand your fare through the passenger window to the driver.

You can get on one anywhere by hailing it from the side of the road although there are official bus stops complete with signs displaying which number songthaew(s) stop there. They usually only stop when a passenger presses the buzzer or when a pedestrian hails one but there are a few locations where they will always stop such as mhe mall, Klang Plaza, and Big C.

Each songthaew follows a fixed route (a different system to that which is used in Chiang Mai, for example) and there are around twenty different routes which cover most roads in the city. The vehicles come in a variety of colours and numbers, each denoting a different route. Most have their route number prominently displayed on a board above the window. Some start as early as 05:00 and run as late as 23:00, but generally speaking it is rare to see one before 07:00 and very rare to see one much after 21:00.

For the newcomer, using songthaews can seem quite daunting as nearly all the destinations are written in Thai (on the front and side of the vehicle) and you need to know that the songthaew you are getting on hasn't just stopped at the place where you want to go. For example, you might be waiting outside the front of the mall wanting to go to the zoo. Along comes a songthaew with 'Korat Zoo' written on the side. You understandably jump on the back of the vehicle, however, in that situation, the songthaew is coming from the zoo and is heading into the centre of the city.

Most songthaews go back the way they came, so it is usually pretty straightforward getting back to where you departed from: just cross the road and get one going back the other way.

For the benefit of the traveller, it seems unnecessary to describe every route (you're unlikely to go day-tripping to the Suranaree Industrial Zone (incidentally, it's a number 5, white with luminous orange stripe if you do need to go there!), but there are a few routes which will be of use to the visitor. To save on complication, all routes described are based on someone catching a songthaew from Ratchadamnoen Rd/in front of Yamo (unless stated otherwise).

 * Number 1. To get to the main train station, catch a number one heading west on Suranaree Rd (just off Ratchadamnoen/rear of Mae Kim Heng market). Catch one outside the station to take you into the city.

 * Catch one on the corner of Chumphon and Chomphon Rd (behind the Chomphon Gate) to take you all the way down Chomphon to Wat Boon Night Bazaar. Get off just as it turns left in front of the Iyara Hotel. It also passes Night Bazaar 1 halfway down Chomphon.

 * Number 2 (or Number 11). These go to the 'old' bus station.

 * Number 4. Catch one of these from the Chira Rd train station (see above) to the city centre/Yamo area.

 * Number 6. Usually white with a red and yellow stripe, number sixes are the most common songthaews in the city. They vary in their ultimate destination but all stop at the mall and Lotus.

 * Number 7. Very important for the traveller. Number sevens go to the main bus station (bok kor sor mai). They also stop opposite Big C before they reach the bus station.

 * Number 15. Catch one of these new purple and white songthaews at the main bus station to get to the city centre (Yamo area). Wait near the main exit of the bus station for one. They also go to the main bus station from the city centre; the same goes for the Number 10 (white with red and yellow stripe).

 * Number 4129. These call at the mall and Lotus on the same route as a number 6 but they go all the way to the zoo. The number is only displayed in small characters on the sides of the vehicle but they are all white with a yellow and blue stripe along the sides. Most now say Korat Zoo in English on the bodywork (see photo).

The current fare is 8 baht for a single journey (that's right, 8 baht!) but particularly long journeys, from Yamo to the zoo, for example, will be a little more.

See

Do

Buy
Nakhon Ratchasima has the usual Thai mix of modern department stores, malls and supermarkets; large covered day markets; night markets and smaller street markets. All are easily reached by public transport. Some of the markets may take a bit more finding but are always well worth the effort. The sights, sounds and smells in a Thai market can make your head spin but they are a "must-do" if you've never experienced them before.

All the modern malls are open seven days a week. Most small, independent shops are open at least six days a week and often seven. Remember, this isn't Pattaya or Bangkok, though. Most small shops close at eight at the latest and roads which are busy, shopping thoroughfares by day can be almost deserted by 21:00. But don't despair; there are always the night markets!

Budget
Never let it be said that you can't eat on a budget in Korat. The cheaper restaurants usually open during the day and can generally be divided into two groups: those which sell pre-cooked khao man gai, kwitiyao and khao moo daeng (boiled chicken & rice, noodle soup and red pork with rice), and those which have a menu and sell khao pad, pad Thai (fried rice, fried noodles) and so on. In the case of the former, you will see the cooked chickens and strips of red meat in a cabinet in front of the restaurant, and they usually just sell the aforementioned three meals. 25 baht is the going rate for one meal but you can push the boat out and pay 30 baht for a larger portion! The other type of restaurant will be able to prepare any Thai meal (within reason) and, again, 25 baht is usually the starting price. Pad krapao moo (spicy minced pork cooked with basil) and khanom chin (fresh rice noodles served with a spicy sauce and vegetables) are particularly popular in Korat. As is pad mee Korat  a local, spicier variation on pad Thai. The budget restaurants listed below, therefore, offer something a little different to the khao man gai and kwitiyao eateries which abound on nearly every street.

Budget
How low can you go? Budget hotels in Korat start at less than 200 baht, but it's fair to say you get what you pay for. These hotels will be devoid of any facilities and usually just consist of a reception desk with a flight of stairs leading to the rooms above. At less than 200 baht, the room won't have air-con or hot water, are often dated and poorly decorated.

They have a reputation for being "short time hotels". But the fact that some of them have closed down (e.g. Potong Hotel and Sri Chomphon) suggests that the days of 200 baht-a-night places may be numbered. The Srisura on Suranaree Rd, the Chomphon on Pho Klang Rd, the Cathay on Ratchadamnoen Rd, and Rajsima on Chomphon Rd are cheap places near the city center.

The budget hotels listed below are a rung or two above those described above. These hotels have air-con, TV, a restaurant, and so on.

Connect
Internet cafés are plentiful and typically charge around 10 baht/hour or 25 baht for three hours but the city is served by 4G cellular networks and high speed fiber internet is available across most of the city and its suburbs.

Go next

 * Khao Yai National Park — largest national park of Thailand with fascinating animals, waterfalls and more
 * Krabi — Lignite Tours has a daily bus from Korat to Krabi at 16:50. Fare is 876 baht (2016). Arrives Krabi about 08:00.
 * Phimai — the historical Khmer remains
 * Preah Vihear — amazing temple right on the border with Cambodia, no separate visa necessary to visit
 * Surin — the annual elephant parade
 * Aranyaprathet and Rongkleu Market — border crossing to Cambodia. There are 7 buses daily from the new bus station to Rongkluea market (05:30, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00).

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Nakhon Ratchasima


text:
Nakhon Sawan

Nakhon Sawan (นครสวรรค์), literally Heavenly City, is a city (pop. 90,000) in Lower Northern Thailand, near the confluence of the Ping, Nan, and other rivers, forming the Chao Phraya River. Historically, it has been a gateway to the north.

Understand
Records of the area and its importance to river traffic go back as far as the Sukhothai period (roughly 1238–1400). It was an outpost of the Sukhothai Kingdom close to the frontier with the Lavo Kingdom, which itself later came to dominate this area (and much more) as the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

The town sees few tourists, so English is not widely spoken.

By mini-bus
Mini-buses (180 baht, 3 hr) run from Bangkok's Victory Monument (near the Pong Lee Restaurant) to Nakhon Sawan's Big C supermarket.

By bus

 * Several regular air conditioned buses run daily from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal at Mo Chit (Tel. +66 2 2794484-7). The trip takes approximately 4 hr.
 * Buses also run from Lampang (5 hr, 280 baht).

By train
Nakhon Sawan is on the Northern Line that runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with about 7 trains a day from each terminus. The journey from Bangkok takes 3–4 hours and costs 96 baht for a 3rd class fan seat, 156 baht for a 2nd class fan seat (both on the normal 'rapid' train), and 416 baht for a 2nd class A/C seat on the 'special express DRC' train. For information and timetables, see online or call 1690 from within Thailand. English-speaking operators are available but tickets reserved over the phone must be paid for at a railway station in Bangkok only.

The train station is about 6 km out of town, but tuk-tuks complete the journey into town.

Get around
Songthaews are plentiful during the day, but it can be difficult to find a tuk-tuk in town. There usually are some waiting at the Big C and bus station.

Motorcycle taxis are plentiful, quick, knowledgeable, and cheap!

See

The origin of the Chao Phraya River is formed by the Ping and the Nan rivers meeting in Nakhon Sawan.

Bueng Boraphet Aquarium, about 10 km northeast of town, was built for the 80th anniversary of the king.

On the same hill as the Nakhon Sawan Tower, you can also visit Wat Kiriwong.

Eat
There are several cheap (70-100 baht) street stalls near the bus station. They also sell beer at a reasonable price. There is also a 7-Eleven opposite the bus station. The Big C contains a variety of small restaurants.

Thong Bai Bakery, just beside Romchat Hospital on Sawanvitee Rd, offers coffee, breakfast and bakery items. Open 7 days/week,8h00 to 20h00.

There is also a night market by the Ping River which near where it meets the Nan to form the Chao Praya.

Sleep

 * P.A. Mansion Hotel on Sawanvitee Rd just before the P.A. Place Hotel: 240-260 (single-twin beds) baht fan rooms and 320 baht a/c rooms, which are clean and large. Wi-Fi is good. Their TVs show mostly Thai channels.
 * P.A. Mansion Hotel on Sawanvitee Rd just before the P.A. Place Hotel: 240-260 (single-twin beds) baht fan rooms and 320 baht a/c rooms, which are clean and large. Wi-Fi is good. Their TVs show mostly Thai channels.
 * P.A. Mansion Hotel on Sawanvitee Rd just before the P.A. Place Hotel: 240-260 (single-twin beds) baht fan rooms and 320 baht a/c rooms, which are clean and large. Wi-Fi is good. Their TVs show mostly Thai channels.
 * P.A. Mansion Hotel on Sawanvitee Rd just before the P.A. Place Hotel: 240-260 (single-twin beds) baht fan rooms and 320 baht a/c rooms, which are clean and large. Wi-Fi is good. Their TVs show mostly Thai channels.
 * P.A. Mansion Hotel on Sawanvitee Rd just before the P.A. Place Hotel: 240-260 (single-twin beds) baht fan rooms and 320 baht a/c rooms, which are clean and large. Wi-Fi is good. Their TVs show mostly Thai channels.

title: Nakhon Sawan


text:
Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat (นครศรีธรรมราช) is a city in Southern Thailand. It is one of the most ancient cities of Thailand, previously the Kingdom of Ligor, and contains many buildings and ruins of historical significance.

Understand
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is the second largest province in the south. It boasts verdant jungles abundant with luxuriant vegetation as well as picturesque beaches and beautiful waterfalls.

The city of Nakhon Si Thammarat is the capital of the province. It is about 780 km (485 mi) south of Bangkok, on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. The city was the administrative centre of southern Thailand during most of its history. It was a coastal city until silting moved the coastline away from the city. The modern city centre around the train station is north of Old Town.

With the fall of the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767 it regained independence, but reaffirmed its allegiance on the founding of Bangkok. In the 17th century British, Portuguese, and Dutch merchants set up trading posts here and engaged in extensive commerce.

By car
Take Hwy 4 on the Bangkok-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon route and then Hwy 41 past Surat Thani-Thung Song until arriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat or Phun Phin in Surat Thani, then take Hwy 401 along the coast to Nakhon Si Thammarat, total distance of 780 km.

By plane
By plane, Nakhon Si Thammarat is only directly accessible from Bangkok. Five airlines ply this route: Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile and Thai VietJet Air. Flights are available from both Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

By train
Thai Railways offers rapid and express trains departing from Bangkok Railway Station to Nakhon Si Thammarat at 17:35 and 19:15. For more information, Tel. 1690, +66 2 2237010, +66 2 2237020 or call Nakhon Si Thammarat train station at tel. +66 75 356364, +66 75 346129. The train takes anywhere from 12–14 hours.

Trains leave the NST Terminal for Bangkok daily at 13:00 and 15:00. The NST station is to the west of town centre. Nearby are hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

Trains also depart NST station for Hatyai at 06:00 and 10:00.

By bus
Regular and air-conditioned buses of The Transport Co. and private companies depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 12 hours. Air conditioned buses, 3 types, leave Bangkok at the following times:

For more information, contact Tel. +66 2 4351199-200 (air conditioned buses).
 * VIP Bus: 17:15 and 19:00
 * Standard 1 Bus: 09:00, 18:00, and 20:30
 * Standard 2 Bus: 06:40, 18:00, 20:00, and 22:00

Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Station, Tel: +66 75 341125. The provincial bus station lies just outside the town, to the west. On the streets near the train station there are a number of bus company offices selling tickets for buses leaving for provinces north and south.

Travel within the province is easy with minibus service around the city. Transport to nearby provinces includes vans, taxis, buses, and trains.

From Krabi, hourly minivan 200 bhat (Kan 2024), duration ~3 hr. Try to be dropped in downtown if possible instead of bus terminal.

Get around
Songthaew fares 15 bhats at Jan 2024 (students primary-secondary 7-10). As often, it may be difficult to identify services paths. There are at least blue songthaews servicing Ratchadamnoen road, typically between Wat Phra Mahathat and Municipality office.

There are often a large number of songthaews on khlong tha road near scooters parking and few food stalls, opposite of Phra Ngoen Garden. It may have desired destinations or approaching. Ask.

See

 * Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan (วัดพระมหาธาตุวรมหาวิหาร) A royal temple.  Inside the temple are many buildings of importance, especially the royal building which has architecture from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom building where the Buddha image, attired in royal wardrobe Phra Si Thamma Sokarat, is housed.
 * Phra Phutthaishing (พระพุทธสิหิงค์) This sacred image was believed to have been ordered by the King of Lanka in 157 CE and was brought to Thailand during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The hall housing the image was originally the Buddha image hall of the palace of Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi).
 * Ho Phra Isuan (หอพระอิศวร) is a historical site of the Brahman religion. It has on display the Shiva Linga which is the symbol of Shiva, the Brahman god.  There are also several bronze images such as the Siwa Nattarat image, Phra Uma, and Phra Phikkhanet.
 * Ho Phra Narai (หอพระนารายณ์) is a Brahman place of worship opposite Ho Phra Isuan.  A gray sandstone image of the god Narai wearing a hat and holding a conch in the right hand was discovered in the hall.
 * Phra Wihan Sung (พระวิหารสูง) The building houses plaster images with a fat clay core. The images are either from the 23rd-24th Buddhist century or from the late-Ayutthaya period.
 * The Thai-style monks' residence of Wat Wang Tawan Tok (กุฏิทรงไทยวัดวังตะวันตก) The three houses have a pointed roof connected to the other and there are exquisite Nakhon Si Thammarat designs on the walls, doors, windows, and vents. The Siam Architects Society named these houses the best conservation effort in the area of historical sites and temples in 1992.
 * Wat Chai Na Meditation Centre (สำนักวิปัสสนากรรมฐานวัดชายนา) Meditation courses are held for Thais and foreigners.  The famous monk Phutthathat Bhikkhu established the centre as a branch of his monastery in Surat Thani.
 * Chinese buildings at Wat Pradu and Wat Chaeng (เก๋งจีนวัดประดู่และวัดแจ้ง) Built in the early Rattanakosin period, they house the ashes of Phraya Nakhon and believed to also have the ashes of King Taksin the Great.
 * Chedi Yak (เจดีย์ยักษ์) is the province’s second-tallest pagoda after Phra Borom That pagoda. It is said that the pagoda was built by Khotkhiri, a wealthy Mon, and his employees when they took refuge in the city in 1003.
 * Residence of Ok Ya Sena Phimuk (Yamada Nagamasa) (จวนออกญาเสนาภิมุข – ยามาดา นางามาซา) who was a Japanese volunteer soldier living in the Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Songtham. He was rewarded for his many contributions to the palace by being appointed Ok Ya Sena Phimuk and as the lord of Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1629.
 * Wirathai Monument (อนุสาวรีย์วีรไทย) is made of blackened copper. The locals call this monument Cha Dam or Chao Pho Dam. It was erected to honor Thai soldiers in southern Thailand who died fighting the invading Japanese in World War II on 8 December 1941.
 * Arts and Culture Centre of Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat Institute (สำนักศิลปและวัฒนธรรม สถาบันราชภัฏนครศรีธรรมราช) It is the centre of information on archaeological sites discovered in the province. The most important artifacts here are the stone inscriptions found at Khao Chong Khoi and artifacts from the ancient community at Wat Mok Lan.
 * Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin 84 Park (สวนสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทร์ 84) Built as part of Ratcharudi Park in the time of King Rama V, the park has an open zoo, a bird park, a health park, and a lake which is home to waterfowl that migrate here during January to March every year.
 * Mueang Nakhon Reception House (เรือนรับรองเมืองนคร) was built to receive the king and Crown Princess Maha Chakri when they visited the city. It is in an old fruit orchard of the Thongsamak family which built the house for the royal family on behalf of the city's people.
 * Wat Khao Khun Phanom and the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Centre (วัดเขาขุนพนมและศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษาเขาขุนพนม) Wat Khao Khun Phanom is a temple of historical and archaeological importance. The temple has a cave lined with brick and marked with heart-shaped stones marking the limits of the temple similar to those along the city wall.
 * Wat Tham Thong Phannara (วัดถ้ำทองพรรณรา) It became tradition that on the first full-moon night of the 11th lunar month (October) people would pay homage to the reclining image and the images representing the nuns called Phra Pring and Phra Prang.
 * Khao Kha (แหล่งโบราณคดีเขาคา) is a sacred religious place of the Saiwanikai sect which worships Shiva as its highest god.  Many artifacts used in rites have been found here including phallic symbols, holy water pipes, ruins, and an ancient pond.
 * Wat That Tharam or Wat Khao That (วัดธาตุธารามหรือวัดเขาธาตุ)  The entire pagoda is made of coral in the shape of an inverted jar. The pagoda is surrounded by Buddha images of red sandstone.
 * Wat Parian (วัดป่าเรียน)  This new wat has a museum and is founded on remains of an ancient temple where Ganesha statue was found.
 * Museum Honouring the King for the Development of Pak Phanang Basin (พิพิธภัณฑ์เฉลิมพระเกียรติเพื่อพัฒนาพื้นที่ลุ่มน้ำปากพนัง) is a museum dedicated to the king's Project to Develop Pak Phanang Basin in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla.
 * Wat Nantharam (วัดนันทาราม) (formerly Wat Tai) houses Luang Pho Phut, a red sandstone Buddha image from the Ayutthaya period.  In addition, the temple houses a giant phallic symbol found at Khao Kha archaeological site and is believed to be around 1,200 years old.
 * Kuan Im Goddess Image (พระโพธิสัตว์กวนอิม) is a large white plaster image.  The image is in the middle of a large pond surrounded by fountains.

Festivals

 * Hae Pha Khuen That Festival (ประเพณีแห่ผ้าขึ้นธาตุ) is celebrated at Phra Borom That Chedi. The pagoda is considered to be the representative of Lord Buddha and is believed by locals to possess unsurpassed might of righteousness as it contains holy relics. Every year Buddhists pay homage to the pagoda by organizing a procession bearing a religious cloth to wrap around the pagoda to bring good fortune and success.  This festival is held twice a year during Makha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of February) and Wisakha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of May).
 * Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month (ประเพณีเทศกาลเดือนสิบ) is a grand event of the province and of southern Thailand. This festival is held from the 1st waning-moon night to the 15th waning-moon night every September.  It is held to pay respect to deceased ancestors.  According to Buddhism beliefs, the dead had many sins and were sent to hell to become a demon.  The demons are allowed to come up to meet their relatives for 15 days in September, but must return to hell before sunrise of the 15th day.  The living tries to appease the spirits by taking food to temples to make merit.  Beginning on the 13th day, people will go shopping for food to be given.  The 14th day is spent preparing and decorating the food tray, and the 15th day is the actual merit-making day.  The tray presented nowadays has elaborate designs but still retains traditional components.  Contests to find the most beautiful tray are held.  A magnificent procession proceeds along Ratchadamnoen Road on the 14th day.
 * Chak Phra or Lak Phra Festival (ประเพณีชักพระหรือลากพระ) is influenced by Indian culture, which expanded into the province a long time ago. The festival signifies the joy that people had when Buddha returned from a star and was invited to sit on a throne and carried to a palace. In practice, locals bear a Buddha image holding a bowl in a procession around the city. This is a great way for escape from daily routine and it is a fun competition to find who is the most religious.  Held in October, the festival is preceded by activities seven days before, such as beating drums, playing castanets, and decorating the ceremonial throne for the image. The actual ceremony is usually held only on the last day of the Buddhist Lent.  People take the image from the temple in the morning and proceed to Benchama Rachuthit School in Amphoe Mueang.  This is also done in front of Ron Phibun district office. In addition, there is a water-borne procession on Pak Phanang River in Pak Phanang, which coincides with an annual boat race for a trophy from the crown princess.
 * Cow fighting (กีฬาชนวัว) is an ancient sport of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Many details are involved in staging a contest. Cows selected will have the best breeding and will be trained and carefully looked after. The contest itself is held weekly with districts not far from the city, Mueang, Pak Phanang, Chawang, Thung Song, Hua Sai, and Ron Phibun.

Buy

 * The Big C supermarket is around 10 min walk from the train station within the city.
 * Robinson is a shopping mall with a basement full of computer and mobile shops. The main mobile companies all have their support centres here.

Local products

 * Necklaces (สร้อยนะโม สร้อยเงิน สร้อยสามกษัตริย์) have long been the work of local silversmiths who can create gold, silver, and mixed (gold, silver and an alloy) necklaces.
 * Shadow play figures (การแกะหนังตลุง) is an art that goes with the popular southern entertainment of shadow play. Thai shadow play figures have been transformed from those found in Java so that they are now very Thai. The hands and feet of the figures are fully movable during performances. The hide used can be either cow or goat hide.
 * Kapho fans (พัดใบกระพ้อ) are made from a kind of palm called "ton pho" by locals. The leaves are dried and then woven into fans. Some are dyed into bright colors and sold at reasonable prices. Kapho fans are well known and sold throughout the country.
 * Pha Yok is a cloth woven only in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The patterns and colours of the fabric are exquisite.

Medical facilities

Go next

 * Surat thani
 * Krabi Town

title: Nakhon Si Thammarat


text:
Nako

Nako (3600m) is a small village in Eastern Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies in the sensitive restricted zone along the border with Tibet, which requires an Inner Line Permit to travel through. That, coupled with its remote location and limited tourist infrastructure, makes it a little-visited but rewarding destination.

Get in
Nako is at the east end of Kinnaur Valley and is the last point of interest before you reach the landslide at Malling Nullah between Kinnaur and Spiti Valley. Catch a bus or 4WD to the landslide from Reckong Peo (4 hours), and tell the driver you're heading to Nako. If he isn't headed there himself then he will advise you on getting there.

Nako lies within the restricted area close to the Tibetan border. An Inner Line Permit is required, which is available in Reckong Peo for ₹50 or Kaza or Shimla for free, and is good for 14 days. It is no longer prohibited to stay overnight within the restricted zone, provided you have a valid permit.

If you've just crossed the landslide from Spiti Valley, ask around at Malling Nullah for a bus or car that can take you to Nako (45 min), or catch a Reckong Peo-bound bus that can drop you at the turn off to Nako and advise you on a connecting ride.

Get around
Nako is tiny and walking is the only option.

See

 * Walk around the small village absorbing the traditional atmosphere and architecture — it looks like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years.
 * There are some nice day walks around the mountains if you're reasonably fit. Behind the lake you can head up the mountain towards the visible chortens which is a nice viewpoint. If you still have a lot more energy continue around to the other side of the range for views east towards Tibet. In 3 to 4 hours you can reach the village of Tashigang perched high above the Sutlej valley, with an interesting temple. The only things you'll encounter underway are sheepherders and great views.
 * Walk around the small village absorbing the traditional atmosphere and architecture — it looks like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years.
 * There are some nice day walks around the mountains if you're reasonably fit. Behind the lake you can head up the mountain towards the visible chortens which is a nice viewpoint. If you still have a lot more energy continue around to the other side of the range for views east towards Tibet. In 3 to 4 hours you can reach the village of Tashigang perched high above the Sutlej valley, with an interesting temple. The only things you'll encounter underway are sheepherders and great views.

Buy

 * There isn't much to buy except snacks for some day hikes. Bottled water is available.

Eat
Only 2 options exist:

 * A few local dhabas serve very basic local food such as momos, chowmein, or rice & dal.
 * Reo Purgil has a little more variety and caters more to foreign tastes.

Sleep
There are only 3 options for visitors, and unfortunately they're all at the entrance of the town on the road. With luck and time some of the locals may start some homestays, but for now it is not possible.

Respect
Always walk clock-wise around temples and chortens, and keep your right side facing them. Don't touch them with your left hand. Nako doesn't see much tourist traffic so tread lightly and be discreet and polite.

Go next
1 or 2 buses a day leave from here and can take you to the landslide at Mulling Nullah (45 min) if you're headed for Lahaul and Spiti, or to Reckong Peo (4-5 hours). Times can be sporadic so enquire locally. There are also a handful of 4WDs, some working as shared taxis (slightly more costly than a bus) and some available for private hire.

title: Nako


text:
Nakskov

Nakskov is a city in Lolland.

title: Nakskov


text:
Nakuru

Nakuru is a city in the Southern Rift Valley region of Kenya.

Understand
Nakuru is the administrative and economical headquarters of Nakuru County. Sitting between Nairobi and Western Kenya, it also serves as a transit city for many travellers. Nakuru is the fourth largest city in Kenya after Kisumu City.

By plane
L. Nakuru airstrip is available for landing.

By train
Passenger services from Nairobi and Kisumu resumed in 2021. Rehabilitation on the line from the border with Uganda via Eldoret is ongoing and passenger services is expected to commence in 2022.

By car
From Nairobi, the 158-km (100-mile) journey would take approximately 2 hours. The roads can be dangerous as not all sections have dual carriageways. The scenery is beautiful, from Nairobi you will see the Great Rift Valley below from the highway. To Nakuru from Kericho it is 108 km, from Nyahururu it is 65 km, and from Eldoret it is 156 km.

By bus and shuttle

 * Mololine Prestige Shuttle, Crossroads, 2NK shuttle offer 9-seater up to 14 seater minivan services to Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret.
 * Mololine Prestige Shuttle is known for its excellent service and security. It has only 10 seats per minivan. Takes 3 hours.
 * The large bus companies Easy Coach & Modern Coast Express have Nairobi to Kampala coaches which stop in Nakuru. Busways have booking offices opposite the mosque.
 * Easy Coach & Modern Coast Express has buses from Nairobi 3 hours, Eldoret 3 hours, Kisumu 4 hours.
 * There are also buses going from Kericho, Nyahururu and Kisii.
 * There also other busies from Kigali, Trinity buses are an example.
 * Tosha Express buses from Nakuru to Nairobi or from Nakuru to Kitale which goes northward to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana

See
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the famous pink flamingoes. It also offers viewing of various other species of animals and birds. Menengai Crater is a dormant volcanoes that still spews out smoke. A view from the edge of the crater is a must.

Do

You can visit the Lake Nakuru National Park which is nearby or get inside the malls. Visit a game of rugby at Nakuru Athletics Club on a Saturday at 2PM and 4PM.

Drink
Local drinks (Tusker) from the local bars, pops are available.

Sleep
There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station.

Connect
At the Westside Mall (intersection Kenyatta Ave and West Road) is a Java Coffee (like Starbucks) with free Wifi and good coffee. There are also many "Cyber" (internet cafes) all over down town.

title: Nakuru


text:
Nakusp

Nakusp is a village of about 1,600 people (2011) in the West Kootenays of southeastern British Columbia.

Understand
Nakusp is known primarily for its nearby hot springs, which are a popular destination for tourists, as well as its picturesque mountain lakeside setting.

History
The area around Nakusp was occupied by Indigenous peoples from the Secwepemc, Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples. In 1811, the first reported European explorer on the Arrow Lakes was Finan McDonald, an associate of David Thompson.

European settlers arrived in 1890, and the settlement took shape in 1892 with opening of the first post office, the first store and the first sawmill. The nearest train link was the Canadian Pacific Railway at Revelstoke, so all goods were shipped to the fledgling port of Nakusp.

The construction of the Keenleyside Dam north of Castlegar in 1968 and the resulting rise of the lake level caused the rearrangement of the village and its waterfront.

Mining used to be the most important industry in the area, but it was eclipsed by forestry which is today the major economic base of the village.

Get in
Nakusp is on the east side of Arrow Lake (Columbia River) about an hour drive and a 20-minute ferry ride south of Revelstoke on the Trans-Canada Highway.

By plane
The nearest commercial airports are Castlegar Airport and Kelowna International Airport. Both have car rental services available.

Nakusp also has an air strip available, and there is a weather cam at the airport.

Get around
Nakusp is small enough to be easily walkable.

See and do

 * Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.
 * Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.
 * Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.
 * Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.
 * Back country skiing: there are back country ski lodges around Nakusp.

title: Nakusp


text:
Nalanda

Nalanda (नालंदा Nālandā) is the site of a famous Buddhist university or mahāvihāra in the Indian state of Bihar. The university complex is a.

Understand
Nalanda was a Buddhist university established in about 450CE, and was the longest running university in Indian history. At its zenith it accommodated over 10,000 students and over 2,000 faculty. However, it was destroyed by Turkish Muslim invaders in 1193, when the students and teachers were massacred and the massive university library was burnt down, and all that remains are extensive ruins that are spread over an area of 14 hectares.

By train
Nalanda is rather well served by train for being such a small town. There are a few direct trains from both New Delhi and Kolkata as well as major cities in Bihar, including Patna. However, nearby Bihar Sharif, being a railway hub, offers plenty more choice. A more luxurious option is the Mahaparinirvan Express excursion train. Operated by Royal Indian Trains, this train visits important Buddhist sites across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

By car
Shared jeeps plying the route between Rajgir (15 km) and Bihar Sharif (35 km) make a stop at the turn off for Nalanda. Rickshaws and other vehicles are available from here to the main gate, a distance of 2 km.

By bus
Bus facilities are available from Patna, Gaya, Bihar Sharif and Rajgir. See the 'Go next' section below for more details.

Get around
The main way to get around Nalanda is by Tonga (horse-drawn cart). A trip from the main road (where a bus or jeep will drop you off), up to the university ruins and museum should cost you ₹50 for the whole cart, or ₹10 per person in a shared cart with other people.

See

Eat
There are many roadside stalls near the entrance to the Nalanda historical site and museum. Nothing flash, but samosas and snacks can be bought to sustain you. For a meal, there's a restaurant just down from the ticket office towards the museum.

Drink
Prefer packed drinking water bottles and surely look for a reputed brand.

Sleep
Many visitors to Nalanda prefer to stay in Rajgir as there is a greater choice of accommodation.

 * China Temple. Located near the Nalanda Mor - On Biharshrif-Rajgir Highway.
 * Youth Hostel

Go next

 * Bodh Gaya (89 km). There is a direct bus during peak season, but the more reliable way is to get a bus to Gaya (sometimes involving changing in Rajgir), then a bus or Rickshaw (₹200) down to Bodh Gaya.
 * Rajgir (15 km). About every half hour (₹8)
 * Patna (80 km). By train it will take about three hours, the fastest one is the Budhpurnima Express that departs 11:45PM and arrives in Patna Junction 2:10AM. The easiest way by road is to get a bus from the Nalanda main road up to Bihar Sharif (about every half hour, ₹8), then change for an eight-hour bus to Patna (₹70) from the same bus station. Beware Patna traffic jams, and be ready to add an extra few hours to your journey in bad cases.
 * Deo (130 km). The city of the Sun Temple.

title: Nalanda


text:
Nalchik

Nalchik is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, a republic located in the very south of the Russian Federation.

Understand
During Soviet times, Nalchik developed into a spa town, with sanatoriums, artificial lakes and parks. The main avenue, Lenin Prospekt, is wide, friendly and boarded with bleached white buildings of 5-6 floors. Nalchik has largely escaped, possibly due to its touristic vocation, the Brezhnev era grey concrete buildings that are common in other Russian cities.

As of the 2010 census, the population was 240,203 people, of which 42% were Kabardians (Adiga - Muslims), 28% were Russians, 15% were Balkars (Taulu - a Turkic speaking Muslim population), and the remainder were other ethnic groups.

Nalchik is on the banks of the River Nalchik. The word nalchik means "small horseshoe" in Kabardian language. The name of the river is possibly due to the shape of the mountain range surrounding the city and river.

History
Whereas the region in and around Nalchik was inhabited early on by Kabarda and Balkar population groups, it is only with the creation of a Russian fort in 1818 that the development of the present day city started. For nearly a century, Nalchik remained a backwater military garrison town. In 1921, 4 years after the October Revolution, Nalchik was registered a city.

On 13 October 2005, a group of fighters took over the city, attacking the police and army headquarters. The city was then re-taken by the Russian special forces. 136 people died in the event.

By plane

Mineralnye Vody Airport is 105 km north of the city and offers many more flight options.

By train
A train operates daily between Nalchik and Moscow (34 hours, ₽2700), with stops at cities including Mineralnye Vody and Voronezh.

By bus
Buses operate regularly to/from cities in North Ossetia such as Vladikavkaz, as well as other cities including Stavropol, Mineralnye Vody, Grozny (5 hours), and Rostov-on-Don.

Get around
Nalchik is easily explored on foot. Minibuses are also available.

See
The city of Nalchik does not have that much to offer and is mostly used by tourists as a convenient base to explore the region and the North Caucasus.

Lenin Prospect is the main street.

Do
Orekhovaya Roscha Square is a verdant area to walk around. Even moreso is the Central Park of Culture and Recreation (Ob'yedineniye Parka Kul'tury I Otdykha) which includes many artificial lakes, Atazhukinsky Garden, an amusement park, and paddle-boat rental.

Viewpoints
A chair lift is available to the top of a hill to a restaurant with a nice view.

Take the gondolas / cabins to the top (2nd station). The snow-cat will take you to the Elbrus base camp at 4200 m.

Hiking
The Bezengi valley and Chegem valley are a 1 hour drive from Nalchik. The mountains there are not as high (more pre-alps type) but the sceneries and the flora are just as beautiful and you will not a meet any tourist (at least after you pass the Chegem waterfalls).

Don't expect nicely marked paths. Just get yourself a good map in a bookstore. Alternatively simply drive to the valley and choose a path going sideways. The mountains are used for livestock rearing in the summer so that there are always plenty of shepherds and cowboys. You will find tracks made by the animals and paths. These may not always lead you to the summits but will get you to the passes.

In winter you can do snow-boot hiking. It is safer to stick to the Cheget / Elbrus area which is more populated in winter.

Skiing
In winter, you can ski at either Mount Cheget or Mount Elbrus, which are less than 10km from each other. Lifts are generally quite old and run down. Cheget is a more challenging ski resort than Elbrus. The snow tends to be better on Elbrus side, which has a higher altitude, and the trails are prepared at Elbrus. Both ski resorts have only 2-3 lifts.

In both places you will find rental equipment but you will have more choices in Cheget. A daily ski lift pass costs around ₽800.

If you intend to spend a night at the ski resort, sleep at Cheget. It is friendlier, hotels and restaurants are better, and has more of a resort-feel than Elbrus. Cheget has a few restaurants, a disco bar under the big ugly hotel Cheget, a small market with traditional products and an ice-ring.

Horse riding
The kabarda (and balkar) are famous horse-riders. They have successfully bred their own type of horse "kabardin", which has achieved a certain fame. It is considered a very resistent, sturdy, hard working, small-sized horse. Locally, these horses are used for livestock rearing in the mountains. If you are a proficient rider, go to the hippodrome in Nalchik and directly rent a pure-breed competition horse. If you are less proficient or prefer to take a ride in the nature on a somewhat quieter animal, horses can be found in the winter months in the plain immediately around Nalchik in many farms; ask locals for advice. In the summer, the horses are typically brought in the mountains. A good bet is to try in the area past the Chegem waterfalls in the Chegem valley. Many of the farms will be willing to rent you a horse for half a day for ₽500.

Buy
There are four large supermarkets.

Eat
Shashlik (grilled brochette of meat) is commonly found at most cafes.

Go next

 * North Ossetia
 * Vladikavkaz
 * Grozny
 * Rostov-on-Don
 * Mineralnye Vody
 * Moscow

title: Nalchik


text:
Nalgonda

Nalgonda is a city in Telangana state in Southern India.

Get in
Nalgonda is about 101 km south-east of Hyderabad.

By bus: well connected from Hyderabad, Guntur, Khammam districts, and major towns.

By train: on the way between Hyderabad and Guntur.

See

 * Nagarjuna Sagar a good place to hang out. This holds the record of largest rock built dam in the world. Nagarjuna konda, a "must see" island inside the reservoir, museum of Buddhist and ancient historical articles. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the largest dams built in Asia. It is in Nalgonda district. It is built on the Krishna River between Guntur and Nalgonda districts. It is one of the earliest hydro-electric projects of India. Nagarjunasagar dam, which was completed in 1966, is 124 metres high and 1 km long, and has 26 crest gates. Located at a distance of 150 km from Hyderabad, Nagarjunasagar is an important irrigation dam on river Krishna. This is the tallest and biggest masonry dam in the world. It creates the third largest man-made lake in the world.

Apart from this, remains of the Buddhist civilization dating back to the 3rd century A.D, are seen on an island called Nagarjunakonda located in the midst of the reservoir. These relics of Buddhist civilization found during excavations unveiled a great Mahachaitya, the most sacred of the stupas. An inscription in Brahmi characters states that the sacred relics of Lord Buddha lie within the Mahachaitya.

 * Yadagirigutta Temple a Hindu temple
 * Kolanpaka an ancient historical Jain temple.
 * Pochampally, initially famous for bhudan-udyam, now turned as textile landmark, with a varieties of silk sarees with its name.
 * Miryalaguda, trade center of Nalgonda district, having more than 200 rice mills, and many cement industries around it. The famous janapahad dargah is very nearer to Miryalaguda.
 * Akkampally balancing reservoir, now becoming a tourist attraction, a place from where water to Hyderabad city are supplied.

Connect
The mobile network coverage is provided by B.S.N.L.

Go next

 * Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri). Bhuvangir Konda or Bhuvanagiri Fort around 47 km from city of Hyderabad on the outskirts moving towards Warangal via Uppal, is a huge rock fort on very smooth rock. At the foot of the hill is Bhongir bus stop. It is a marvelous experience to climb the fort and needs great skill and balance at few places. Totally an awesome place for trekkers and rock climbers.
 * Srisailam
 * Mantralayam
 * Karnataka

title: Nalgonda


text:
Nalhati

Nalhati is a remote village in the central region of West Bengal and one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is believed that Parvati's throat (Nal) fell here, when Vishnu severed her body, with chakra, to stop Shiva from the Tandav nritya. That is why the name Nalateshwari is used as a synonym for the Peeth.

Get in
It is about 15 km to the north of Rampurhat. Those travelling along the Panagarh-Moregram Highway will come across the town of Nalhati just after crossing the Brahmani river.

See
There are also some small hills in Nalhati on top of which there are sacred Hindu temples as well as Muslim mosques. On one of these hills there is a famous Neem tree, whose leaves, if you taste feels sweet.

There is a famous 'math', known as the 'Mahanirman Math', in the village of Jagdhari, which is on the banks of river Brahmani.

A relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the place is to sit on the banks of Brahmani, or take a walk to the top of one of the hills and enjoy the beautiful paintings in the sky.

Buy
Nalhati has got a very busy railway station, and the main market (bazaar) is situated surrounding it.

Eat
There are many lodging and food facilities in Nalhati town.

Go next

 * Tarapith
 * Sainthia
 * Bakreshwar
 * Santiniketan

title: Nalhati


text:
Nalychevo Nature Park

Nalychevo Nature Park is in the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East.

Understand
Established in 1995 the park covers 287,000 hectares of the Nalychev river valley which borders two chains of mountains and volcanos. The territory comprises a host of sources of hot and cold mineral water qualified for medical cure. The rich variety of plants and animals, many of them in the Red Book, provided the Park to become a UNESCO Heritage object.

History
The valley was used by local population from long time ago. In the middle of the 19th century Carl von Ditmar discovered a multitude of debris of abandoned native huts. Till 1952 there was a settlement here.

In 1929 scientists found out the medical qualities of the water.

On 18 August 1995 the governor of Kamchatka issued an order for organization of the park, supported by 1130 signatures of Kamchatka people. Experts of UNESCO agreed on status of Nature Park on 6 December 1996.

Get in
You'll need an automobile connection to the village Pinachevo 20 km away from Yelizovo or 25 km away from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The hiking trail is 40-km-long and takes 2-3 days.

The other option is helicopter that will fly you to the center of the Park.

Get around
Getting out of the Arc the trail runs on the hilly terrain and crosses small rivers and springs covered with shilly-shally bridges. At the 18th km there is the Semenovsky Camp with a house for 15 persons to stay overnight and a shelter to prepare food. But know that you may be not the only tourists there. Further on the road climbs onto the Pinachevo Pass (1160 km) and descends in the birch forest on the plain. Each 15 km the route is marked with a sign post showing air-line distance. There are also places for fire-camps along the trail.

title: Nalychevo Nature Park


text:
Namakwa

Namakwa is a district in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It is a land of ancient history, lava mountains that display impossible rock formations, and nature reserves that are full of game and birdlife. Huge areas are blanketed by unusual vegetation, and in spring, the desert comes to life in a brilliant display of flowers that has become world renowned.

Towns

 * — a developing ecotourism destination
 * — a quiet village Knersvlakte, which forms part of the Succulent Karoo biome, with over a 1000 succulent species
 * — this formerly busy port now caters mainly to fishing and small-vessel tourism with a number of holiday homes and a caravan park
 * — especially in spring, visitors are drawn for the area's high floral diversity; almost half of the plant species here are found nowhere else in the world
 * — home to the South African Large Telescope

Other destinations

 * - famous for the flowering in Spring (also known as Skilpad Wildflower Reserve)
 * — home to the Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden, with outcrops of granite, is covered in spring flowers like irises and orchids
 * — a UNESCO World Heritage site that straddles the border with Namibia

title: Namakwa


text:
Namangan

Namangan is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan (2014 pop. 475,700) on the northern edge of the Ferghana Valley.

title: Namangan


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Namaqua National Park

Namaqua National Park is in the Northern Cape of South Africa.

Fees
Until 31 October 2017:
 * South African citizens and residents (with ID): R37 per adult, R18 per child, per day
 * SADC nationals and foreign visitors: R74 per adult, R37 per child, per day

title: Namaqua National Park


text:
Namatanai

Namatanai is a city in the New Ireland province of Papua New Guinea.

Understand
Namatanai is the second largest town in New Ireland province and is connected to the provincial capital of Kavieng by the Boluminski Highway. In 2011, Namantanai was estimated to have a population of 1500. During the days of German rule of New Guinea, Namatanai was an important station.

Get in
Although Namatanai has an airport it does not receive scheduled services. The main way to reach the town is by road from Kavieng. For a more complex option, there are occasional scheduled flights to the gold mine island of Lihir, from where you can find a boat to take you to Namatanai.

 * The Boluminski Highway connects Kavieng with Namatanai. It is sealed for much of the way and closer to Namatanai it has a crushed white coral road surface.

Sleep

title: Namatanai


text:
Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar (3440 m) is the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region of Nepal, and is a major stop-off point for trekkers and climbers heading for Mount Everest base camp.

Understand
The village is located on crescent shaped mountain slopes that offer stunning views of the mountains across the valley. It is a grueling 3 to 4 hour climb up from the river to Namche, and at 3,500 m, it is possible to suffer altitude sickness here. Therefore, it is advisable to spend at least two nights in the village to acclimatize.

Traditionally the village was a trading post, with locals bartering yak cheese and butter for agricultural goods grown at lower altitudes. However, after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's successful climb of Everest in 1953, the dynamics of the village changed forever as climbers and trekkers soon followed in their wake. At first the groups came in a trickle, but in the 1960s and 1970s this turned into a torrent, and being located at a confluence of trekking trails, Namche was best served to meet their needs. In addition, as Namche is the first place on the Khumbu trek that is above altitude sickness threshold, most travelers prefer to spend at least two nights here in order to acclimatize. Still, despite the village's popularity with trekkers, geographical restraints have contained its growth, and it remains a small settlement with no more than 60 dwellings.

Namche has prospered from the tourist trade, and according to government statistics it is the wealthiest district in Nepal, with 7 times the average national income and twice that of the capital, Kathmandu. In addition to an abundance of hotels, the village also boasts three small museums, a stupa, monastery, several cafes (locally known as bakeries) and many well stocked stores.

Namche has several official money changing facilities, and as it is the only place in the region to offer this service (besides Lukla), visitors should ensure that they have sufficient cash for the remainder of their journey before leaving the village. The rate of exchange in Namche is much lower than in Kathmandu, and so it is advised to only use the facilities in Khumbu as a last resort or for changing small amounts of money.

Climate
The winters are cold and dry, while summers are warm, but characterized by persistent mist, and so the spectacular mountain peaks often lost from view. The best time to visit the area is from mid-September to mid-November when it is still not too cold and the air is at its most pristine, affording crystal clear views of the mountain scenery. Spring is also a good time to visit Namche, though due to the higher proportion of dust in the air, the mountain views lack the clarity of autumn. However, to compensate, the hedgerows and wild flowers are in full bloom in April and May and bring a dash of colour to the mountain paths.

Get in
The trek from Lukla to Namche can be done in one full day, but unless you are experienced at trekking at high altitude and extremely fit, taking two days over the journey is strongly recommended. Many people who rush to Namche suffer altitude sickness and have to be brought down again the following day.

Although expensive, it is also possible to charter a helicopter between Lukla or Kathmandu and Namche.

Get around
There is only one way to move around in Khumbu: on foot.

See

 * Sagarmatha National Park Visitor's Centre, located at the top end of the village off the Tengboche trail (right side of village when looking up). Offers information on the wildlife of the area. There are some interesting photographs.
 * Museum of Sherpa Life, located above the village off the Tengboche trail. An introduction to Sherpa culture and the fauna and flora of the region.
 * Museum of local medicinal plants and Tibetan herbal medicine at the Healing Centre (see the Stay healthy section). Offers an introduction into the world of Tibetan medicine through posters and artifacts. It also has a small gift shop, the profit from which help maintain the clinic upstairs.
 * Namche Monastery, located off the Thame trail (left side of village when looking up). A small monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It has pleasant courtyard and some traditional frescoes on wall of the main shrine.

Do

 * Namche market. As the name of the village suggests, Namche Bazaar has a market. Every Friday and Saturday morning, Sherpas from the surrounding valleys spread out their agricultural products and electronic goods carried from Kathmandu on land above the main path into town. While the goods themselves may not be interesting to tourists, the market itself is certainly worth wandering around and is a good place to get some souvenir shots of "Khumbu life". Check out the yak "parking area" above the market, although don't get too close as yaks are notoriously ill-tempered.
 * Dumjee Festival. In June (lunar calendar fifth month 9-17), Namche holds an annual festival called dumjee (actually all the villages in Khumbu celebrate this event, but the festivities in Namche are the most impressive). The festival celebrates the achievements of a highly respected Sherpa lama, and while the first few days are rather subdued with just local families visiting each other for food and entertainment, the final few days are a boistorous affair held at the Namche Monastery. The ceremonies are presided over by the incarnate lama of Tengboche Monastery and include lama dances, traditional Sherpa dances and an initiation ceremony.

Buy

 * Handicrafts. The main street into the village is lined with Tibetan run handicraft stalls and stores. Most of the goods are available in Kathmandu, but certain woolen items are made locally. Also, check for anything special that has been carried over from Tibet. There are tailors in the centre of town, across from the Liquid Bar, and up by the Sherpa Market (right side as you face the horseshoe).
 * Books. New and second hand books are available at several places, and a store with one of the best selections is located in front of Namche Hotel.
 * Necessities. Namche has some well stocked, albeit a little expensive, stores selling such things as batteries, basic medicine (throat lozenges, aspirin etc.), toiletries, sun block and trekking clothing/equipment. These items (except for the trekking equipment) are available further up the trail, but the variety is far less and the prices much higher. And take care when buying trekking equipment anywhere in Nepal as, if not purchased within a genuine brand branch shop then you are almost guaranteed to buy a knock-off. Prices for genuine branded equipment will not be significantly cheaper than prices in your home country. Do not expect knock-offs to last longer than one expedition.

Eat
Namche is really geared for the ravenous tourist, and offers all kinds of delights. Namche's bakeries are quite famous in Nepal and, considering that the town is a six-day walk from the nearest road, they produce some amazing pastries. None of the bakeries are open during the tourist "off-season" from June until September. All the hotels have dining facilities open to non-residents. During the off-season, not every hotel in Namche remains open.

 * Herman Helmers Bakery, on the main street into town, next to Hotel Namche, has great apple pie, chocolate cake and freshly baked pizzas.
 * Namche Bakery, down from the main intersection. Freshly made pizza and delicious coffee.

Traditional Sherpa dishes include:

 * Rigi kur - potato pancakes, which are delicious eaten directly off the griddle and covered with dzo (yak) butter and a sauce made of mature cheese and spices called sorma. Due to the effort involved in making rigi kur, they are generally not listed on lodge menus. However, most places will oblige if you order well in advance.
 * Tzen - a heavy pâté made from millet and flavoured with spices.
 * "Thukpa" - Noodles with soup. Perfect for a cold day.
 * "Nak cheese" available in most of the shops, and cost around 100Rs per 100 g.

Drink

 * Juice and beer are available at all hotels and bakeries. However, remember that anything in a can has been brought up from Kathmandu, so prices will be very high.
 * Coffees such as cappuccino and latte are served at the bakeries.
 * Tea is available everywhere and is mostly served sweet and with milk. Salty, butter tea is also available, though not as common.
 * Herbal teas are made from Khumbu wild flowers and produced locally. They are available at most of the hotels, and tea-bag packets can be purchased at the Tibetan Healing Centre.
 * Spirits - There are three bars in Namche. Go to Cafe Danfe (named after the national bird) for drinks, pool, and wifi. There are also hot showers, sauna and massage available. Bars close when the last customer staggers out.

Sleep
Accommodation in Namche ranges from around 200Rs for an old-style room with shared bathroom up to around 2,000Rs for a modern en-suite twin. Most have hot water. Check the regulations regarding meals. Some hotels offer very cheap room rates, but in return expect their guests to eat on the premises.
 * Namche Hotel and Camp de Base are probably two of Namche's most pleasant places to spend a night, with both offering rooms with attached bathroom (with lashings of hot water) at reasonable prices. Location: After entering the village, follow the main shop-lined street until you reach a crossroads. Here, turn left for 'Namche Hotel.' It is on the left, next to the money changer. For 'Camp de base' do not turn left, but continue up the stone stairs. The hotel is behind a large wooden door on the right.
 * Thawa Lodge, turn left at crossroads, Thawa is located immediately on the right - an older hotel with pleasant outdoor sitting area.
 * Trekker's Inn, across from 'Camp de base' - an older lodge with lots of character.
 * Hotel Zamling and Éverest Hotel - both hotels are located on the left side slopes of the village when looking up and are new members of the plethora of hotels. Good quality accommodation at competitive rates.

It's a good idea to drop off laundry in Namche on the way up. Wherever you're going past Namche, you're almost certain to pass through again on your way out so you might as well have a hot shower and some clean clothes waiting at the hotel.

Stay healthy

 * Altitude sickness At nearly 3,500 m, Namche is above the altitude sickness threshold. Therefore, it is highly recommended to spend at least two nights in the village to acclimatize.
 * Tibetan medical clinic Various treatments using natural formulas. The clinic is located next to the Camp de Base Hotel, but entered from the path in front of the library. As the clinic provides free treatment for porters and other patients on low income, donations are greatly appreciated.
 * Dental clinic. Namche has a small dental clinic operated by a local who studied dentistry in Canada. It is located on the right side slope of the village when looking up (near the library).

Connect
There are no telephone lines or mailing addresses in the Everest region.

Ncell (SIM cards available locally) offers 4G reception in and around Namche on good days, though speeds may vary and blackouts are not uncommon. Given that most lodges charge for WiFi use, buying a SIM card may be the cheaper option to connect.

There are several spots in the tea houses and coffee shops that offer WiFi. You can't really stream videos but you can update Facebook, send emails, text and FaceTime.

The Post office is near Namche Hotel. It is a personable little facility, but there are mixed reports of letters reaching their destinations. Postage stamps are also available in local shops.

International phone calls can be made in the town, however this is very expensive compared to Kathmandu. The cheapest place is the one-phone government telephone office, on the second floor of the nondescript wooden building behind Hotel Buddha, identified with an official yellow sign in Nepalese with a faded paper sign in English stuck on to it. Expect a lengthy queue on Saturdays (market day).

Internet cafes are common in Namche, though they are not cheap, and it costs around 200Rs per half hour to bounce your cyber words off a passing satellite. Keep a sharp eye on the clock.

Cope

 * Namche Library. A small library with a big heart - good selection of English books, though they cannot be removed from the premises.

Go next

 * Lukla - a seven-hour journey from Namche, can be done in one day without too much difficulty as much of the walk is flat or down hill, although remember that the final hour or so entails a steep climb up to the airstrip.
 * Khumjung - a good one-hour walk.
 * Tengboche - a five to six-hour journey, the first part is pretty flat, but there is a steep and long hill up to the monastery.
 * Thame - a three-hour walk, mostly flat after the climb out of Namche. Exit by trail in front of Namche Monastery.

title: Namche Bazaar


text:
Namchi

Namchi is the capital of South Sikkim. It resembles Gangtok in many ways (including the central pedestrian promenade), but is considerably more quiet and local in character, spared of the flood of domestic tourists and the catering industry that comes with it.

Understand
The town is located at an altitude of 1,675m and is inhabited by Sherpas and other people of Nepalese Himalayan ancestry. The town has a population of around 5,000.

Go next

 * Jorethang
 * Ravangla

title: Namchi


text:
Na Meo

Na Meo (also spelt Na Maew) is a border town in Thanh Hoa Province, in the Central Coast (Vietnam) region of Vietnam, adjacent to Nam Xoi in Laos.

Get in
From/to Laos

Songthaews leave Sam Neua at around 06:30, and Vieng Xai around 07:30-08:00.

From/to Vietnam

There is a daily a public bus originating in Sam Neua through to Hanoi via Na Meo and Thanh Hoa. (180,000 kip and 10-11 hours from Sam Neua to Thanh Hoa)

But beware: there is an ongoing scam. Foreigners may have to pay USD20-40 for onward transport (officially, its USD5), or they simply are kicked off the bus again. As all drivers take part in this scam, there is no cheaper alternative. Even the bigger villages take part in the scam, so there is no way to work around it.

Eat
The Hanoi bus may stop for lunch here. You can eat in the same place as the drivers at a fair price. Food and drink may be seriously overpriced for foreigners in this place.

Sleep
There are a couple of hotels in the town.

Go next
There are infrequent songthaews to Sam Neua.

title: Na Meo


text:
Nameri National Park

Nameri National Park is around 35 km from Tezpur on the Tezpur-Bhalukpong-Bomdila route.

Understand
Nameri National park is a 200-km² tiger reserve in Assam, contiguous with Pakhui Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. The park is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Jai Bhoroli river flows through it.

Get in
From Tezpur you can hire a private cab for anything between ₹600-800. Budget travelers can take a shared taxi to Balipara, around 20 km from the Tezpur ASTC (bus stand), for ₹30 per head. From Balipara, there are another 15 km. You can either take Itanagar-Bomdila bus that passes through Balipara around 11AM to drop you on the Nameri bus stop (you will see "Bhalukpong 22 km" milestone there) or can negotiate with one of the numerous shared taxis for a drop on Nameri bus stop. A dusty road leads to the park, and no public transport runs in this stretch of 2.3 km.

River rafting
The route is around 18 km (duration 2-3 hr) on the quiet and serene Jia Bhoroli river. You can also combine your rafting with a picnic (duration 4-5 hr in this case) on the banks of Jia Bhoroli.

Jungle walk
A jungle walk can be done along with an armed guard (mandatory as per government regulations) who can also second as a guide. The walk is for approximately (7km) 3 hr, which include walking on the banks of Jia Bhoroli, crossing the river on boat, and then completing a circuit inside the jungle. It's recommended to do this early in the morning, as there is a better chance to spot wild animals, although chances of spotting a tiger are usually extremely low.

title: Nameri National Park


text:
Namhae

Namhae is an island in South Gyeongsang, Korea.

Understand
Namhae county (남해도) is a group of islands which lie off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The largest of these is Namhae island which is connected to Hadong on the mainland by Namhae Bridge which was opened in 1973. Modelled on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, it is 660 m long and 80 m high.

The second largest island is Changsoen which is connected to the mainland by the Changsoen-Samchoenpo Bridge which was opened on April 28 2003. The bridge is really a series of 5 bridges spanning 3.4 km, stretching from Changsoen island then connecting 3 small islands - Neukdo, Choyang and Mogae - before reaching the mainland at Samchoenpo.

There are over 70 small uninhabited islands within the county boundary with the majority of the 50,000 population living on the two main islands. It is largely a farming community, growing rice and garlic (for which it is famous throughout Korea) and it has a small fishing industry. It is also a popular holiday destination for Koreans who descend upon the beaches and mountain trails in July and August.

By car
The Namhae Expressway runs east to west along the southern coast which connects to the main artery routes throughout the country.

By bus
Intercity buses connect Namhae to most of Korea's major cities. Several buses depart from Busan throughout the day, the trip lasting approximately 2.5 hours.

Get around
Getting around by taxi is not always the cheapest option, but sometimes it is the only option. You can flag down a taxi within the city of Namhae, or call a taxi from other parts of the island.

title: Namhae