Description
Princess Galyani Vadhana Park (สวนสมเด็จเจ้าฟ้ากัลยาณิวัฒนา) is a beautiful city park in Sakon Nakhon that encompasses 120 rai (47 acres) on the edge of Nong Han Lake. It is nearly adjacent to Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Park, providing downtown residents a huge oasis in which to walk, exercise, and relax amidst nature.
The park was named after the elder sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Princess Galyani Vadhana, and opened in 1987 with a dedication ceremony attended by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the 2nd daughter of HRH King Bhumibol.
Princess Galyani Vadhana was much beloved by the Thai people, and an avid supporter of the arts, education, and children's health, to which she dedicated her time and resources. She also was of great help to her brother King Bhumibol, who awarded her with the noble title "Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra" (กรมหลวงนราธิวาสราชนครินทร์). He granted the "Krom Luang" title (usually awarded to princes or high ranking monks) to no other woman during his 70 year reign.
Princess Galyani Vadhana Park has many shady areas in which to relax and have a picnic lunch. There is also exercise equipment on the water's edge of Nong Hon Lake, often providing a cool breeze for those working to get or stay fit. It is open until 9pm and looks quite pretty in the evening.
An ancient pond called Sa Phang Thong (สระพังทอง) is within the park and believed to have been dug by the ancient Khmer people who lived in the area many centuries ago. If you are visiting the famous temple Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan, you are only about 950 meter walk from Princess Galyani Vadhana Park, which is located across from the parking lot of the Sakon Nakhon hospital.
