• NONG KHAI (to Vientiane, Lao PDR)
  
• NAKHON PHANOM (to Tha Kaek, Lao PDR)
  
• MUKDAHAN (to Savannakhet, Lao PDR)

MUKDAHAN

The provincial town of Mukdahan is currently one of four border checkpoints to Laos and enjoys a thriving cross-border trade.

The Mekong River flows through the province of Mukdahan for a distance of 72 kms, and is 1,800 metres across at Amphoe Muang Mukdahan municipality - the widest section of the international river in Thailand.

Mukdahan lies on plateaux alternating with mountain ranges and dense forests. The Phu Phan Range, which extends from Sakhon Nakhon province in the northwest in four finger-like ranges, divides eastern Mukdahan into small undulating valleys sloping towards the Mekong River. Where the local rivers feed into the Mekong, narrow, natural dykes formed by riverine sediments run parallel to the flow of the river.

Mukdahan is home to several minority groups from Laos. The Thai Mukdahan Cultural Heritage Gathering, an annual festival and fair is held in January of each year, to promote the cultural heritage of the 8 ethnic groups residing in Mukdahan namely the Thai I-San, Phu Thai, Thai Kha, Thai Kaso, Thai Ka Loeng, Thai Yo, Thai Saek and Thai Kula, and to promote cross-border cultural exchange and local handicrafts and famous products such as its tamarind fruit.

PLACES OF INTEREST

• The Indochina Market
  Mukdahan is famous for its hand-woven matmee (ikat) silk, the pha khao ma all-purpose cloth and the Khit triangular pillow. The Indochina Market or the Mekong Region Market in the centre of town is an established trading post. It offers a variety of local products and handicrafts, particularly woven cloth, matmee silk, prae wa silk, khit pillows and local herbs is popular for one-stop shopping. Products from the neighbouring Mekong countries of Vietnam, China, Laos and Cambodia, also find their way here. Shopping bargains are found along the entire length of the riverside market.
  
  
• Ho Kaeo Mukdahan (The Mukdahan Glass Tower)
  Ho Kaeo Mukdahan is a tower that rises above a 2-storey nine-sided building. Exhibits on display within the building offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Mukdahan, the local traditions and way of life along the Mekong River from the past to the present.
  
  Exhibits on the 1st Floor consist of utensils used by the villagers in their daily life. The Museum on the 2nd Floor traces the history of Mukdahan Province. The exhibits include ancient artefacts, old photographs and the costumes of the 8 ethnic tribes of the province. The observation deck on the 6th Floor offers a panoramic view overlooking the Mekong River and Suwannakhet in Laos. Locally-revered Buddha images and the Buddha images designated for each day of the week are enshrined on the 7th Floor.

THE NATURAL HERITAGE OF MUKDAHAN PROVINCE

Mukdahan National Park (also known as Phu Phan and Phu Mu National Parks) A deciduous forest extending 49 sq km with unusual rock formations. Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park ("Mountain with lotus pond") There are natural lotus ponds atop the mountain. Phu Pha Terb Oddly-shaped rock formations are littered throughout a wide rock plateau. Towards the end of the rainy season, nature works its floral magic and transforms this craggy landscape into a myriad of dainty life-forms and vibrant colours. Phu Nang Hong A rock formation in the shape of a swan.

Phu Pha Taem There are prehistoric paintings estimated to be approximately 3,000 - 3,500 years old contained within a large natural rocky alcove, approximately 7 to 12 metres above the ground. The paintings here include plain palm paintings, palm paintings with patterns inside the palm, and other geometric patterns.

		Phu Tham Phra is a secluded cave with multicoloured formations, waterfalls and springs. It forms a natural sanctuary housing a Buddha shrine located within the southern chamber.
		Phu Manorom Offers an impressive panoramic view overlooking the Mekong River and Savannakhet in Laos. Locals visit the rock shelter on Phu Manorom to pay their respects to a replica of the Buddha's footprint.

Tad Ton Waterfall

Phu Mu Forest Park is a mountain-top at 353 metres above sea-level. At the summit of Phu Mu peak, 3 vantage points at 100-metres, 400-metres and 800-metres from the park office, offer splendid views overlooking Mukdahan.

Kaeng Kabao is an islet that runs parallel to the Mekong. Islands and beaches emerge in the middle of the river in the dry season offering an ever-changing river landscape.

THE BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND SHRINES OF MUKDAHAN

		Wat Si Mongkhon Tai on the bank of the Mekong River
		Wat Si Bun Ruang Both temples are noted for exquisite Buddhist art reflected in the principle Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara or the demon.
		Wat Si Muntha The wooden preaching hall of the temple is of interest as it features the Thai Yai or Thai Kula artistic style. The indented rectangular roof is covered with tiles depicting the legendary Phaya Naga or the King of Serpents in Buddhist folklore.

	Wat Mano Phirom This ancient temple was constructed in the Lan Chang style and completed in 1756. The image of the Lord Buddha seated under the hood of the seven-headed Naga is enshrined in the viharn or assembly hall with very elaborate porches and gilded lacquer posts adorning the portico. The temple also houses a number of other priceless ancient Buddha images.
	Wat Pho Si The temple, constructed in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI, is noted for its mural paintings depicting the life of Prince Vessandara, the last incarnation of the Lord Buddha, a well as historical paintings depicting the visit to I-San of HRH Prince Damrong Rachanuphap, Minister of Interior in the Fifth Reign. The Ubosot or Main Hall features Lan Chang-style windows.

		Wat Matchimawat The temple houses the largest bronze Dong Son ceremonial drum, a common aspect of the cultural traditions of the peoples of the Southeast Asian region approximately 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. The drum features decorative elements such as reliefs depicting the sun or the moon with 14 rays in the centre and frogs at each of the four corners, and boats sending off souls.
		Wat Song Khon The temple 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. It is often visited by Christian pilgrims. Construction of the new Church of Our Lady of the Martyrs was completed in 1995 to replace the former church which had deteriorated. Commemorative ceremonies are held on October 22 and December 16 each year.
		Holy Shrines Chao Pho Fa Mung Muang Regarded as a sacred and historic shrine by the locals Chao Mae Nang Song Phi Nong Shrine on the bank of the Mekong

Contact information:
TAT NORTHEASTERN OFFICE - REGION 4
E-mail: tat.ne@npu.msu.ac.th
Tel: 66-53-513-490 to 1
Fax: 66-35-513-492