'''Mukdahan''' (????????) is the provincial capital of Mukdahan Province.
Mukdahan is the 73rd province of Thailand. Its history dates from the late Ayutthaya period, over 200 years ago. At first, on the left side of the Mekong River, there was a large community called Ban Luang Phon Sin located by Phrathat Ing Hang, presently in Savannakhet Province of Lao PDR. The community was ruled by Chao Chan Suriyawong. His son was Chao Kinnari. He later built a new town at the mouth of Huai Muk on the right bank of the Mekong River in 1767. The town was completed in 1770 and named _gMukdahan_h (moonstone or pearl) according to a propitious sign occurring to him while the town was under construction. That is why the locals call the town _gMueang Muk_h.
During the reign of King Taksin the Great, Chao Kinnari was promoted as Phraya Chanthon Si Surat Upparacha Manthaturat to be the first ruler of Mukdahan in 1778.
At first, Mukdahan was part of _eMonthon Udon_f or Udon Circle. In 1907, the Circle was dissolved to become a province and Mukdahan was then an Amphoe of Nakhon Phanom province. It was promoted as Mukdahan province in 1982 as the country_fs 73rd province and the 17th province of Isan.
Actually, Mukdahan is a significant gateway to Indochinese countries. The local people of Mukdahan actually have had a long relationship with the people in Savannakhet province of Lao PDR. although they are apart by the 70 km long Mekong River. Mukdahan is home to 8 ethnic minorities; namely, Thai Isan, Phu Thai, Thai Kha, Kraso, Thai Kaloeng, Thai Yo, Thai Saek, and Thai Kula. It has abundant natural beauty. Mukdahan covers a total area of 4,339.830 sq km.
The province comprises 7 amphoe:- Don Tan; Dong Luang; Khamcha-i; Mueang Mukdahan; Nikhom Kham Soi; Nong Sung; Wan Yai.
'''''Distances from Amphoe Mueang Mukdahan to other districts'''''
Another route is Bangkok - Saraburi - Nakhon Ratchasima on Highway 2. Then turn right into Highway 207 at Ban Wat and go through the route Amphoe Prathai - Amphoe Phutthaisong - Amphoe Phayakkhaphum Phisai - Amphoe Kaset Wisai - Amphoe Suwannaphum, then use Highway 2169 via Amphoe Sai Mun - Amphoe Kut Chum - Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha, and Highway 212 via Amphoe Nikhom Kham Soi to Mukdahan.
===By plane=== Thai Airways International does not operate any direct flight to Mukdahan. Passengers can fly to Nakhon Phanom or Ubon Ratchathani, then take a bus to Mukdahan. For more information, call THAI at Tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com.
'''Ho Kaeo Mukdahan Chaloem Phra Kiat Kanchanaphisek (????????????????????????????????????????)''' Located on Chayangkun Road (Mukdahan ? Don Tan), the tower was built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty_fs Accession to the Throne. The tower has a nonagonal building of 2 storeys at its base. The first floor houses an exhibition of local tools and utensils used in daily life. The second floor is a museum that features the history of Mukdahan, antiques, old photographs, and traditional attire of the 8 ethnic minorities in the province. The sixth floor on top of the tower is the observation deck that allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Mekong River and Lao PDR. The topmost sphere houses a Buddha image _gPhra Nawa Ming Mongkhon Mukdahan_h and 7 Buddha statues in 7 different attitudes for each day of the week.
The tower is open daily from 8AM-6PM. The admission is 20 baht.
'''Chaopho Chaofa Mung Mueang Shrine (?????????????????????????)''' The shrine, which also houses the city pillar, is located on Song Nang Sathit Road in the Amphoe Mueang Municipality. Without any solid evidence about its history, it is assumed that the shrine might have been built in the same period as the city itself. The original wooden shrine was renovated and replaced by a concrete one. For the people of Mukdahan, the shrine is considered as a sacred place of the spirit that protects the city.
'''Chaomae Song Nang Phi Nong Shrine (???????????????????????)''' Situated on Samran Chai Khong Road, next to the Mukdahan Immigration Bureau, the shrine was originally built of wood and rebuilt later with concrete. Legend says that two Laotian princesses boarded a boat to Mukdahan but an accident in the river cost their lives; hence, a shrine was built by a seven-topped sugar palm tree in the same time that the Mukdahan city was constructed by Chao Kinnari. The people of Mukdahan consider this shrine another sacred place. Both the Chaomae Song Nang Phi Nong and Chaopho Chaofa Mung Mueang Shrines are twin sacred icons of the city. Every year, on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, around May, a celebration for both shrines will be held.
'''Wat Si Mongkhon Tai (?????????????)''' The temple is located on Samran Chai Khong Road by the Mekong River. Its main ordination hall or Ubosot houses a concrete Buddha statue, which is considered a sacred item of Mukdahan. The Buddha statue is 2.2 metres wide and 2 metres high. History about this ancient Buddha statue remains doubtful; however, legend says that two statues were found in 1767 when Chao Kinnari was constructing Mukdahan city by the seven-topped sugar palm tree. The large statue was built from concrete while the smaller one, found underneath a Pho or Bodhi tree, was made from steel. A temple was built to house both Buddha images. One day, the smaller Buddha image disappeared and was found buried under the Pho tree where it had been found, with only the top of the statue emerging above the ground. Chao Kinnari had an altar built there and named the smaller Buddha statue _gPhra Lup Lek_h and the larger Buddha statue _gPhrachao Ong Luang_h. Both have become sacred Buddha images for Mukdahan since then.
'''Indochina Market (??????????????????)''' The market lines the Mekong River, close to the Immigration Bureau. The major shopping area is the hub of products, local and imported, as well as OTOP of Mukdahan.
'''Wat Si Bun Rueang - Ban Tai (?????????????? - ???????)''' The temple is situated on Samran Chai Khong Road, in Mukdahan city. The ordination hall houses a bronze Buddha statue called Phra Phutthasing Song, which is 1 metre wide and 1.2 metres high.
When Mukdahan was completed, Chao Kinnari took this Buddha image from Vientiane and placed at Wat Si Mongkhon Tai. Later, a new temple was built at Ban Si Bun Rueang and the image was moved to be placed here until now. During the Songkran Festival of each year, the people of Mukdahan always carry the Buddha image on a float around the town for people to bathe.
'''Phu Pha Thoep National Park (??????????????????????)''' The country_fs 59th national park covers a total area of 58.9 sq km in Amphoe Mueang and Amphoe Don Tan. The park_fs geography features undulating sandstone mountains that form the edge of the Phu Phan Range. Situated 4 km from the Mekong River, the range lies in the North - South direction.
The park has many mountains at an elevation between 170-420 metres above sea level; namely, Phu Mak Yang, Phu Mano, Phu Prong, Phu Rang, Phu Chom Nang, Phu Mak Mi, Phu Pha Thoep, Phu Nang Hong, Phu Tham Phra, Phu Lak Se, with Phu Chom Si being the highest peak.
The deciduous dipterocarp forest and mixed deciduous forest cover most part of the area, which is also the watershed of many streams; namely, Huai Ta Lueak, Huai Sing, Huai Ruea, Huai Male, Huai Chang Chon, etc. The mountain slopes are blanketed with bamboo forest. There are numerous high cliffs and rock terraces. Its attractions include:
'''Hin Thoep Rocks (????????????)''' The formations of superimposed rocks called Hin Thoep have been eroded by rain, water, wind and sun for 120 - 95 million years. Today, these rocks appear in different forms such as a jet plane, flying saucer, Chinese pavilion, crown, crocodile and conch. Each layer of the rocks has different durability depending on the different contents of the sandstone. The upper brown layer is more durable with lots of silica and small stones. The lower layer has a paler colour with high content of carbonate, making it less durable.
Geologically, the group of Hin Thoep comprises sedimentary rock of the Sao Khua Formation, and Phu Phan Formation of the Korat Group. The formations are classified to be from the Mesozoic Era, comprising mudstone, sandstone, siltstone, and 200-metre-thick layer of conglomerate.
'''Lan Mutchalin (???????????)''' Next to the group of Hin Thoep is a vast rock plateau among the embrace of dwarf deciduous dipterocarp forest featuring bushes, with its uniqueness being the community of tiny plants such as Soi Suwanna, Yat Nam Khang, Nao Duean Ha, Dao Ruam Duang and Dusita. These tiny plants that blanket the whole rock terrace, will be in full bloom between October to December of each year. From the mid of the terrace, scenery of the Mekong River can be seen.
'''Namtok Wang Duean Ha (????????????????)''' The small waterfall originates from many streams that run through Lan Mutchalin. Seepage from this waterfall plays a significant role in nourishing wildlife and plants in the park. The scenic landscape of the waterfall, comprising rock valley and boulders, always fascinates tourists.
'''Pha Ut (?????)''' This cliff has a rock that looks like a camel ? Ut in Thai. Pha Ut is a scenic viewpoint that allows visitors to see Phu Tham Phra, Pha Phak Wan and Pha Khi Mu. Below this cliff is the vast valley blanketed with lush forest.
'''Phu Tham Phra (????????)''' The cave in this mountain houses wooden Buddha images. Legend says that this area was once a settlement of the Khmer people. Before escaping from natural disaster, the villagers kept lots of Buddha images made from silver, alloy, gold, jade, sacred plants, and wood in the cave. Now only the wooden Buddha images remain. Nearby is a beautiful waterfall called Namtok Phu Tham Phra.
'''Pha Manao (???????)''' The towering cliff has a waterfall that plunges below to feed the forest and wildlife. From the cliff top, tourists can witness a nice panoramic view of the Hin Thoep Rocks and Mekong River. At the mountain foot, tourists can enjoy a beautiful waterfall, forest, and wildlife. The cliff is named Pha Manao after lots of wild lime tree growing in the area.
'''Tham Fa Mue Daeng (????????????)''' The cave houses pre-historical paintings which archaeologists assumed are probably over 5,000 years old. This attraction is situated close to the park_fs safeguard unit of Phu Pha Thoep 1 (Huai Sing), some 8 km from the park_fs headquarters.
Moreover, Phu Pha Thoep has many more attractions such as Pha Ngoi and Pha Pu Chao. It can be visited in all three seasons. The rainy season is from May to September. Winter is from October to February, and Summer is from March to May. For more information, call Phu Pha Thoep National Park, Amphoe Mueang, Mukdahan province at Tel. 0 4260 1753 or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760.
''To get there'' Phu Pha Thoep is 15 km from Mukdahan city. Use the route Mukdahan - Don Tan (Highway 2034). The park is 2 km from the main road.
'''Stone Age Shells (??????????)''' The conch-like shells were found 40 feet underground in the 1-foot thick limestone layer at Khok Hin Daeng, Ban Na Yo, Tambon Lao Mi. The Department of Mineral Resources had its density checked and found that the earth crust of this part is approximately 27 million years old. It is the third place of its kind to have been found in the world, making it an interesting place for litho-tourists.
''To get there'' use Highway 2034 and turn left at Km. 17-18 at the entrance to Ban Na Pho.
'''Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park (?????????????????????????)''' The park covers areas in three provinces including Amphoe Nikhom Kham Soi and Amphoe Don Tan of Mukdahan, Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha of Yasothon, and Amphoe Chanuman and Amphoe Senangkhanikhom of Amnat Charoen. Covering a total area of 321 sq. km or some 144,375 rai, the park was established on 30 December, 1992, as the country_fs 75th national park. Its lush forest has various types of natural beauty such as picturesque views from the mountaintop, amazing rocks, field of wild flowers in the late rainy season, and witness the mountaintop lotus which is called by the locals _gmountain of lotus_h.
Overall, the park features a mountainous landscape whose ranges lie in the Northwest-Southeast direction at an average elevation between 350-450 metres above sea level. Phu Krasae is the highest peak at an elevation of 491 metres. The ranges are the origination of many streams such as Huai Thom and Huai Kan Lueang that nourish the plain around the park area. The park comprises many kinds of lush forests and huge rock terraces called _eDan_f in local dialect.
Most areas are covered with mixed deciduous forest and dry evergreen forest, which are home to precious trees like Makha Mong (Afzelia xylocarpa Craib), monkey flower tree, blackwood, and rosewood. In the jungle, particularly the large jungle at Phu Sa Dok Bua where there are water sources, various species of wildlife can be found such as barking deer, boar, hare, monkey, colugo, porcupine, and mouse deer, as well as birds like pheasant and red junglefowl. The park is beautified by scenery and rock formation. Moreover, the political conflicts in the past also add more interest and potential to the park.
''Attractions in the park include:''
''To get there'' take Highway 2277 (Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha - Amphoe Don Tan). The park is located between Km. 22 - 24, 28 km from Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha and 22 km from Amphoe Don Tan. For more information, call Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park at Tel. 0 4261 9076 or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760.
'''Bronze Kettledrum (????????????)''' Kept at Wat Matchimawat (Wat Klang) close to Don Tan District Office, the one-sided bronze kettledrum is 86 cm in diameter and 90 cm long. The drum face_fs features a relief of the sun with 14 rays in the centre and 4 frogs at 4 directional points around the edge. The drum, which is probably more than 3,000 years old, is a collection item for the Kha and Khmer. It was first found in 1938 at the eroded bank of the Mekong River at Ban Na Tham. It was previously kept at Wat Woen Chai Mongkhon, and now at the drum tower of Wat Matchimawat.
'''The Princess Mother Park - Woraphat Base (??????????????? ? ??????????)''' Situated at Ban Na Muang, the park is actually a historical site. It was used as a military base during 1977 - 1983, when there was a strong conflict between the Communist Party of Thailand and the government. Today, the base is used as a historical site for tourism and occupational training for locals. The base comprises a royal pavilion of the Princess Mother, the Princess Mother_fs statue, bunker, and historical building where HRH the late Princess Mother and HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana stayed overnight during their trip to visit the state officials, military officers, and people in the area. It is Thailand_fs only military base that HRH the Princess Mother and HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana spent overnight.
''To get there'' take the Mukdahan - Don Tan Road and turn left at Km. 6-7.
'''Wat Phu Dan Tae or Wat Phuttho Thammatharo (???????????? ???? ?????????????????)''' Located at Km. 134 of Highway 212 at Ban Chai Mongkhon, Tambon Chok Chai, 4 km from Amphoe Nikhom Kham Soi, the temple houses a huge Buddha statue with a Dhammacakka - Wheel of the Doctrine - at the back, which can be noticed from a distance. Around the temple is a rock area. It is a favourite place for Buddhists to make pilgrimage and enjoy the beautiful ambience.
'''Phu Mu Forest Park (?????????????)''' Situated at an elevation of 353 metres above sea level, the park is a beautiful place of Mukdahan. With a mountaintop flat plain that covers some 4 sq. km. area, the park was once abundant with boars. The park has 3 viewpoints by the cliff.
The viewpoint 1 is situated east of the park_fs office. Tourists can enjoy the scenery of Phu Tham Men, Phu Mai Sang, Phu Phaeng Ma, and Huai Khilek Reservoir.
The viewpoint 2 is in the west. Tourists can see the road up to Phu Mu, Phu Noi, Phu Tio, Phu Lon, Phu Kalon, Wat Phu Dan Tae, and Phu Phan Range.
The viewpoint 3 is on the mountain crest in the south. Tourists can see Phu Tham Phra and Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha. A rock terrace and shady area for relaxing is available nearby.
''To get there'' take Highway 212 (Mukdahan - Loeng Nok Tha) and turn left at Km. 128-129. The park is 12 km off the main road via a narrow up-hill asphalted road which is not convenient for buses. Guesthouses and camping ground are available. For more information, call Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park at Tel. 0 4261 9076 or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760.
'''Huai Khilek Irrigation Reservoir (???????????????????????????????)''' Situated on Highway 212 (Mukdahan - Loeng Nok Tha) before arriving at Phu Mu Forest Park, 2 km from Amphoe Nikhom Kham Soi and 23 km from Mukdahan, the large reservoir with a picturesque view is a major attraction of Mukdahan.
'''Wat Phu Ko Cho or Wat Banphot Khiri (??????????? ???? ????????????)''' The mountaintop temple was once accommodation for Luangpu La Khemapatto, a famous monk in Vipassana mediation of Mukdahan. A bell-shape pagoda known as Khemapattachedi was built to house his ashes, with his life-like statue placed on the top floor of the building underneath the pagoda.
'''Namtok Tat Ton (???????????)''' Situated at Ban Non Yang, the 7 metres high and 30 metres wide waterfall allows visitors to enjoy watery fun all year round with a pool for swimmers. The waterfall is among shady vegetation. To get there, from Amphoe Nong Sung, take Highway 2042 and head for Amphoe Kuchinarai of Kalasin province, turn right at Km. 67-68. The fall is 400 metres off the main road.
'''Kaeng Kabao (?????????)''' The huge rapids on the Mekong River with a large rock terrace on the bank is a favourite picnic spot for locals. In the dry season, water descents and allows islands and beaches to show off their beauty. To get there, take Highway 212 (Mukdahan - That Phanom) for 20 km, turn right to Amphoe Wan Yai for 9 km and the road leading to Kaeng Kabao will be found. It is 8 km from Wan Yai District Office.
'''Wat Manophirom (????????????)''' Located on the bank of the Mekong River, the ancient temple was built by artisans from Vientiane. In 1904, a fire broke out and severely damaged the temple. The renovation was completed by 1911. The temple has interesting architecture such as a Vihara or Wihan in the Lan Xang style adorned with a stucco gate and wooden bas-relief gable. The temple houses statues of eight Buddhas carved from black ivory and Phra-ong Saen, a sacred Buddha statue of Mukdahan.
'''Wat Ban Song Khon or Our Lady of the Martyrs of Thailand Shrine (????????????? - ?????????????? ????????????)''' The huge Roman Catholic Church in a modern architectural style is named the largest and most beautiful church in Southeast Asia. The church won the Architectural Design Award 1996 from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.
The church was built in commemoration of the seven martyrs who sacrificed their lives to proclaim their belief in God during the Franco-Thai dispute in World War II. Celebrations are held twice annually on 22 October and 16 December.
'''Wat Phra Si Mahapho (?????????????????)''' Located in Ban Wan Yai, Tambon Wan Yai, the temple is unique with ancient architecture. The old _gSim_h or Ubosot was built since 1916 in the folk northeastern style with beautifully carved wooden brackets supporting the roof. The murals inside feature the Vessantara Jataka and depict Prince Damrong Rajanubhab riding a cart when he made an inspection trip in Isan. There is also a 2-storey building of French architecture used as the monk_fs residence.
'''''Regulations to Visit Lao PDR.'''''
Mukdahan has a border checkpoint that allows visitors to go to Kanthabuli of Savannakhet Province of Lao PDR. The border crossing regulations are as follows:
A foreigner will require a passport and Laotian visa issued by the Embassy of Lao PDR. in Bangkok or Khon Kaen. A visa on arrival is available at the Immigration Bureau of Savannakhet with a US$30 fee.
A ferry service costs 50 baht. An entry fee to Laotian soil is 50 baht each for weekdays and 100 baht each for weekends. Tourists will be required to show their belongings for a Customs check. Allowed imported duty-free merchandise from Lao PDR. to Thailand include: a litre of liquor in a sealed package, 200 cigarettes or not over 500 g in case of various brands. Goods imported beyond the allowance will be seized and the owner will be required to pay the excess tax before getting the merchandise back. For more information, call the Mukdahan Immigration Bureau at Tel. 0 4263 2878, 0 4261 1074.
Remark: A foreigner will require a passport and visa issued by the Embassy of Lao PDR. only. Additional admission for visiting cultural attractions (Phrathat Ing Hang, Phrathat Phon, and Prasat Ruean Hin) in Savannakhet will be charged and camera usage will be under regulations.
'''Mukdahan Red Cross Fair (???????????????????????)''' Held annually between 9-17 January in front of the city hall, the fair includes exhibitions, outlets of state departments, as well as local and OTOP products.
'''Bun Duean Hok or Bun Bang Fai Festival (???????????????????? ???? ?????????)''' The celebration of the rocket festival is held annually on 10-12 May at Mu 1-3 of Amphoe Don Tan.
'''Boat Races (??????????????????)''' The tradition has been handed down since ancient times. It is held annually, on the 13th ? 15th days of the waxing moon of the 11th lunar month, in the Mekong River to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. Tourists can witness the races at the embankment on Samran Chai Khong Road. There are 2 major categories; namely, speed racing for small, medium and large boats. All participating boats are dug to have a round hull and will compete on a 3-km. long distance on the Mekong River. Another category is the fantasy boat contest in which the racing boats will be decorated, particularly at the figureheads.
Each year, numerous boats join the competition in both categories while people from Mukdahan and nearby provinces as well as Lao PDR. pack the venue. Boats from Savannakhet also join the races every year.
local products are made in Amphoe Nong Sung and Khamcha-i where housewife groups weave excellent local textiles such as silk, tied and dyed Mudmee silk, Khit and Muk fabric, as well as produce basketry, broom, lacquer ware, etc. These products are available at the Indochina Market by the Mekong River and the local handicraft centre at the circle in front of the Public Library in the municipality.
'''Example Tour Programme'''
'''1st day'''
'''2nd day'''