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Region: Northeast Thailand> Province: Mukdahan>Location: Mukdahan

Mukdahan sights and attractions

Indochine Market - Why do people buy this stuff?

Riverside

Description
If you have ever wanted to buy a plastic bonsai tree, a broken compass, a sock with Michael Jackson's face on it, a Thai speaking calculator, some broken ceramics or a six foot high plastic thermometer - then this is the place to pick up a bargain. Although the market is mostly filled with junk it is worth a look to see how local entrepreneurs can survive solely by selling crap to each other. However, it's a pleasant experience as there are no pushy salesmen and everyone seems happy and friendly. Hint: If you like good coffee, why not pick up some Laotian coffee

Phu Manorom - Great views

4km south of town

Description
This small hilltop temple is located around 4km to the south of town. The scenic view from the temple grounds takes in all of the surrounds including Laos. To get there, either catch a tuk tuk or walk south, past the Mukdahan tower and take the right veer off the main road and continue for a few kilometers. Early morning is particularly nice.

Wat Si Mongkon Tai - Sinking Buddhas...

Riverside

Description
This wat used to hold the Phra Chao Ong Luang, a revered image which is believed to be older than the town itself. Legend has it that when Thao Kinnaree (the founder of Mukdahan) discovered the image under a boddhi tree there were actually two Buddhas, not one. One was made of iron and Wat Si Mongkon Tai was built to house it. The following day the image sunk to the ground and so was relocated to a sacred shrine and the second image was enshrined in the wat instead. Recently this image was also relocated, this time to Wat Sri Boon Reung. Opposite the wat is an old bodhi tree, the base of which is a popular place to have your fortune told - you’ll need to be conversant in Thai to get much out of a session though.

Wat Si Boon Reung - Funky guardians

Riverside

Description
This wat sits by the riverside at the southern end of town and houses the Phra Chao Ong Luang which was peviously held in Wat Si Mongkon Tai. In Mukdahan, the Songkran festival centres around this wat because of the image. Note the enigmatic purple and baby-blue temple dogs which flank the bot stairs.

Wat Yod Kaew Siwichai - Big Buddha

Riverside

Description
Best known for its lotus-bud chedis, this wat is home to a massive seated Buddha which is housed in a glass pavilion and is particularly photogenic in the afternoon. The festy pond out back can’t be recommended for swimming or fishing.

Mukdahan Tower - Skyhigh views

South of town

Description
This six storey viewing tower lies at the southern end of town, overlooking Mukdahan, the Mekong and Savannakhet and is definetely worth a visit. The foyer and ground floor contains a collection of tribal wares and costumes along with a selection of ancient pottery and interesting objects like an eagle trap and an elephant net. The 2nd floor is home to a display on Mukdahan, including some 100 year old photos of the tribal groups along with displays of their clothing, various records of officialdom, a mouse deer skull, tiger tooth charm and a really cool palm-leaf recipe book. Jump back in the elevator to the sixth floor from where you can enjoy the view or use the 10B binoculars. From there you can go up one more floor to a display of Buddha statues.