Throughout the history of Nakhon Phanom, Laotians and people from smaller ethnic minority groups migrated across the Mekong River giving modern Nakhon Phanom a distinctive cultural fusion that is apparent in the local language, customs, and cuisine. Visitors can appreciate this culture during the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony or by witnessing one of the region’s folk dances, such as the Sri Kotrabun, Fon Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak, and So Tung Bung, some of which are only performed on special occasions. In addition to its rich culture, Nakhon Phanom, which literally means “city of hills” is an area with great natural beauty and which features a number of opportunities for visitors to participate in outdoor activities, including trekking in the national park or shooting a round of golf.