Thailand > 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.
How to get there
Car
a) From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima-Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Phon Thong-Roi Et-Kham Cha-I-Mukdahan route.
b) From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima route then use Highway No. 207 via Prathai, Phutthaisong, Phayakkhaphumphisai, Suwannaphum and take Highway No. 2169 via Sai Mun, Kut Chum and Loeng Nok Tha before turning into Highway No.212 and proceed to Mukdahan via Nikhom Kham Soi.
Train
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Mukdahan. Visitors can take a Bankok-Ubon Ratchathani train and connect a bus to Mukdahan. For more information, call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani or Nakhon Phanom and then connect a bus to Mukdahan. Call Thai Airways, Tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information
Festivals
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 province's 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. |
