Mukdahan

The provincial capital, Mukdahan was one of the early border crossings to open with Laos and so for years now there has been a steady trickle of independent travellers passing through. Although most foreigners tend to use Mukdahan solely as an overnight transit point before heading over to Laos or further into Thailand and though the town is not overflowing with points of interest, there is enough here to justify a day or two if you have a lot of spare time on your hands.

Those who do decide to spend more than a few hours here will find a bunch of particularly friendly locals and have the chance to experience the simple straight-forward style of living Isan is famous for. Don't expect many English signs or menus, though it isn't really a problem as there are no shortage of locals happy to lend assistance.

Mukdahan is a very small city and if you enjoy walking, it's possible to walk across the city in less than an hour. The city centre is concentrated along the river front, making orientation very easy. Mukdahan's promenade offers clear views over to Laos and is the site of the Indochine market which is open daily. While there are plenty of river front shops where you can buy cheap imported goods, CD's, electrical items and anything you don't really need, the real pleasure is in the walk along the river and the chance to take some memorable pictures.

At the southern end of the promenade a narrow road runs alongside the river where you'll find a handful of restaurants to enjoy an evening meal and a beer right on the river bank. At the northern end is the Mukdahan immigration office, where there are a few cafes on Song Nang Satit road, just a few yards from the Huanam Hotel.

Heading away from the river on the same road it's a five minute walk to the lively night market. A section of the road is closed to traffic from around 17:00 and filled with street cafes, cheap clothing stalls, CD's and regional delicacies such as the popular Vietnamese Summer Roll (goi cuon - mixed salad rolled in rice paper) or the delicious Thai khao pad talay (fried rice with mixed seafood). Everyone seems to converge here every night to chat and mingle and it should be on every visitors itinerary. It's also the site of the City Pillar Shrine with the illuminated City Hall making an attractive backdrop.

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Mukdahan reviews

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The river is wide - great little town
By MADMAC (dabbler - 8 reviews)
Written on 6th June, 2009 after a visit to Mukdahan in April, 2009
This was a good review on Mukdahan (Muk). A few additional comments: I'm not a traveler, I live here. So my persective is a bit different.

Muk has some decent nightlife, with three nightclubs with your usual Coyote dancers, several other clubs with live music and a smattering of Karaoke places. Most nightlife is centered around the Mukdahan tower (called Hok gaow) and a smaller scene near the ploy palace hotel (again, just ask).There is also a small salsa dance scene, if you're into that. Muay Thai is also popular, and if you're lucky you can take in an evening of Thai boxing.

Muk has a six-hole golf course and driving range just out of town for those who enjoy golfing. You can rent equipment.

Muk has several nice swimming pools which cost about 100B a day for use per person. I find the nicest (but also smallest) to be located down the river road to the south of Indochina market (about 2km) across the street from the small Mekong river naval base.

There are some great fishing spots here. I don't fish, but again, ask around and you'll find them. The artificial fishing ponds have little huts built on them where you can sit in the shade, enjoy a beer (or whatever) and catch some really big fish!

The communist movement was strong here, and that is reflected in small observations here or there - if you pay attention. Muk's largest mountain, out in Kamcha-i, was a communist insurgent stronghold in the 70s. Across the river in Savannakhet is one of the old air America airfields -- now flying commercial flights to Bangkok and Vientiane.

There are not a lot of foreigners here, so we are somewhat of a curiosity item. Whether you are a man or a woman, if you are looking for company from the opposite sex, it won't be hard to find here. Rural Thailand is somewhat conservative - but not always. The mix here is very pleasant.

I've lived here two years and love the place!

Sights & activities   History & culture   Scenery & environment   Eat & drink

Traveller's scene   Romance   Value for money   I'll be back (or not)

Also reviewed by MADMAC: Nakhon Phanom, Savannakhet, That Phanom, Udon Thani, Yasothon,

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