Mukdahan
Mukdahan General Information
Mukdahan is a peaceful province located on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite Sawannakhet in Laos. The ancestors of the Mukdahan people migrated from Laos to establish the city in the late Ayutthaya period. The province has always been an interesting mixture of cultures from various tribes since ancient times. Moreover, it is a land of fantastic natural rock parks and is a major gateway to tourism in Laos and Vietnam. The province is renowned for its sweet tamarind fruit and features many natural attractions.
Mukdahan has an area of 4,339 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Kham Cha-I, Nikhom Kham Soi, Don Tan, Dong Luang, Wan Yai, and Nong Sung.
Mukdahan Festival Information
- Boat Racing
Boat Racing is an age-old tradition of the province. It is held on the Mekong River at the end of the Buddhist Lent every year in November. Numerous small, medium and large boats compete over a distance of 3 kilometres. All boats are made from a single tree trunk. Boats from Laos also take part. There is also a prize for the most beautiful boat.
- Ruam Phao Thai Mukdahan and Makham Wan Chai Khong Fair
Ruam Phao Thai Mukdahan and Makham Wan Chai Khong Fair is organized to promote the provinces products and tourism industry every January 9-15 in front of the provincial hall. Activities include a procession using hundreds of people wearing ethnic tribal costumes of groups like Phu Thai, So, Yo, Kha, Kaloeng, and Kula; a sweet tamarind contest; the Thida Phao Thai pageant; shops selling products; and local performances.
Mukdahan Attactions Information
- Klong Mahorathuk
Mahorathuk drum is kept at Wat Matchimawat (Wat Klang), not far from Don Tan District Office. This ancient artifact is over 3,000 years old. It is a single-sided bronze drum with a diametre of 86 centimetres and a length of 90 metres. The drum face has a sunrise design and the drum case has drawings of 4 frogs. The Kha and ancient Khmer people loved to collect drums. This drum was discovered in 1938 on the Mekong bank at Ban Na Tham in Laos.
- Sawannakhet
Sawannakhet Province, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic is opposite Mukdahan. The second largest city to Vientiane, the province has routes linking Laos to Danang in Vietnam. To enter Laos, foreign travelers must have a valid passport and obtain a visa from either a Lao embassy or the Lao consulate in Khon Kaen.
- Wat Si Mongkhon Tai
Wat Si Mongkhon Tai is near the immigration checkpoint. The temple houses an important Buddha image of the province, Phra Chao Ong Luang, an image built before the citys founding. This brick image is 2.2 metres wide and 2 metres high. According to legend, the first lord of Mukdahan discovered it while he was overseeing the citys construction. In addition, another image made of steel was found under a Bodi tree with only its top part protruding from the ground.
- Namtok Tat Ton
Tat Ton Waterfall is to the south of Nong Sung and west of Kham Cha-I on Highway No. 2030, 18 kilometres away between the 67-68 km markers. The waterfall is 7 metres high and 30 metres wide. A pool here is suitable for swimming.
- Kaeng Krabao
Kaeng Kabao is an islet that parallels the Mekong River. A wide rock plateau on the bank is popular for villagers seeking relaxation. Islands and beaches emerge in the middle of the river in the dry season, making the area more picturesque than in other seasons. To get there, take Highway No. 212 (Mukdahan-That Phanom) for 20 kilometres and turn right to Wan Yai and drive for 9 kilometres. Kaeng Kabao is 9 kilometres north of the district office.
- Wat Mano Phirom
Wat Mano Phirom is at Tambon Chanot. This old temple was built by Vientiane architects. A fire caused extensive damage to the temple in 1904, but it was fully renovated in 1911. The temple has buildings of interest such as the chapel and convocation hall, as well as Buddha images and a stairway, all reflecting beautiful local art.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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