Mukdahan, Thailand
The
Pearl on the Bank of the Mekong:
From its origin on the Jinhai Tibet Plateau through Yunnan into
Chiang Saen District In Chiangrai, the Mekong river flows
through 6 countries from Chian, through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia and finally Vietnam. Standing on the river bank near
the Indochinese market in front of the city of Mukdahan, one can
imagine how far this river travels. Mukdahan has a saying
"Beautiful city on the Mekong's bank, sweet tamarind, origin of
Phaya River, splendid mountains, valuable ancient drums,
eight-tribe cultures, picturesque Manorom Mount, and beautiful
Kra Bao lslet."
Mukdahan is located in Northeastern Thailand, bordering Laos to
the east with the Mekong in between. Mukdahan has a saying
"Beautiful city on the Mekong's bank, sweet tamarind, splendid
mountains, valuable ancient drums, eight-tribe cultures,
picturesque Manorom Mount, and beautiful Kra Bao Islet"
Most of the area of Mukdahan is a high plateau with dense
forests in the west. The eastern part of the province is mostly
agricultural areas. The weather is hot in the winter with the
highest temperature of 33 C and the lowest of 10 C. There is
little rain.
The Mekong River, running 70 kilometers along the eastern
border, remains the main lifeline of the province. Other water
sources include Huay Chanod, Huay Muk and Huay Bung Ee Streams
which are narrow and very shallow during the dry season.
Mukdahan still has relative well preserved forest areas in the
Northeast with 18 national forests or wildlife areas.
Mukdahan comprises 7 districts and has eight tribes of Thai
people, each of which has its distinct tradition and culture.
These eight tribes are Phu T'ai, Yu, Kha, Soe, Kar Lerng, Saek,
Kula, and Thai-Lao.
Mukda or
Mukdahan is one of the nine types of precious stones called
Nopparatana. According to the legend told for hundreds of years,
on certain nights of the religious days a Mukda would brighten,
emerge from the Manorom Mount, float along the bank of the
Mekong River and fall into the area where a stream meets the
river. Thus the stream was named "Huay Muk" or Muk
Stream.
History:
Mukdahan is an ancient city. The historical evidence told that
Chankinnaree, Prince of Phonsim on the left side of the Mekong,
had moved his people across the river to build a new city on the
month of Huay Muk in the fourth mouth of B.E. 2312 or1770. He
named the new city after the stream as "Mukdahan".
Mukdahan was part of the Udon Region. In B.E. 2450(1907) when
the Udon Region was upgraded into a province, Mukdahan became a
district within Nakhon Phanom Province . In B.E. 2525(1982), the
Mukdahan District was upgraded to the 73rd province of Thailand.
Attractions:
Wat
Si Mongkhon Tai is the temple where Mukdahan's ancient
and most revered image of Buddha is enshrined. It is situated in
town on the bank of Mekhong River near the immigration
check-point. Within its compound, there are shops selling
souvenirs and products from Laos. Boat service is available at
the nearby pier for sightseeing along the Mekhong River. To
cross the border to Laos, tourists are required to hold passport
visaed by the Embassy of the Lao P.D.R. in Bangkok
Luang
Pho Yai is a Buddha image in the gesture of giving
the First Sermon seated on a hilltop within the precincts of
Wat Phu Dan Tae Wat Phuttho Thammatharo. The Wat is
accessible by Highway 212, a distance of 33 kilometers from
the province via Amphoe Nikhom Kham Soi.
Phu
Mu Forest Park is located on Highway 212 with a
turn between km. 128 -129. Phu Mu is a low hill topped with
a large plateau in Amphoe Nikhom Soi. The park is 353 meters
above sea level and covers an area of about 4 square
kilometers. It was established as a park area in 1980. Phu
Mu was once home of wild boars but now is a location from
where a wide view of Mukdahan can be appreciated.
Mukdahan National Park with an office situated on
Mukdahan-Don Tan route with a right turn between Km. 14 -15,
the park was established in December 1984 and covers a total
area of some 52 square kilometers including Phu Mano, Phu
Chomp Nang, Phu Chom Si, Phu Mak Rang, Phu Kham Mak Mi, Phu
Tham Phra, Phu Pha Thoep, Phu Nang Hong, and Phu Lak Se,
Most of the area is covered with Dipterocarps Forests and
Mixed Deciduous Forests. Attractions in the park are
strangely shaped rocks and colourful wild flowers in early
winter.
Phu
Sa Dok Bua National Park is about 50 kms. from town
along the Don Tan-Loeng Nok Tha route. Tourist spots include
rock paintings at Phu Pha Taem, scenic spots on high cliffs,
and wild flowers blooming all around towards the end
How to get there:
By Bus
Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches regularly leave
from Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Terminal on KamphaengPhet 2 Road
throughout the day. Telephone 936-2852-66, 537-8005 for more
informations.
By Air
Thai Airways operated daily
flights to Nakon Phanom or Ubon Ratchathani and buses to
Mukdahan. Contact Bangkok Tel. 280-0070 or 280-0080 for more
information.
By Rail
Trains leave Bangkok's Hualampong Railway Station throughout the
day for Ubon Ratchathani. For more information please contact
Rail Travel Aids, Tel.233-7010 or 233-7020.

