Welcome to Sakon Nakhon

As you are traveling toward Sakon Nakhon city from Udon Thani, you’ll know that you are getting close when you reach the Welcome sign and the Royal Archway. The archway has photos of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and the inscription ทรงพระเจริญ, which is pronounced Song Phra Chareon and means Long Live the King. Below that inscription it says จังหวัดสกลนคร , which means Sakon Nakhon province.

In the center of the archway, you will see the Royal Emblem for the King’s coronation in 2019. In the center of the Royal Emblem is the Royal Cypher (or Monogram) The posts on each side of the gold archway feature Naga serpents, which are guardian figures that keep away bad spirits.