Isan Province Profile

Mukdaharn

Mukdaharn is a peaceful province located on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite Savannakhet in Laos. The ancestors of the Mukdaharn 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.

mukdaharn map

Provincial Attractions

Mukdaharn Tower from the south side of the tower, visitors can see the panoramic view of Mukdaharn, the Mekong River, and Savannakhet. The tower also acts as a museum of the city’s culture as it displays artifacts from the 7 tribes of indigenous people.

Phu Pha Therb is about 17 kilometers from the city. Here lie groups of boulders with various shapes such as mushrooms, umbrellas, airplanes and crowns. And in each season, different kinds of flowers bloom on and in between the rocks. At the apex of Phu Pha Therb is Thum Fa Mue Daeng (Red Palm Print Cave). Inside the cavern walls are 10 red-colored palm prints dating back over 5,000 years ago.

Wat Sri Mongkhon Tai was built in 1956 by Vietnamese immigrants. It stands apart from other temples in the area because of its statue of mythical creatures at the entrance to the main chapel. Housed here is the province’s principal Buddha image, Phra Chao Ong Luang, discovered buried in the ground during the town’s construction.

Kaeng Kra Bao lslet runs across the Mekong River. In the dry season, the water levels recede around the islet, looking very much like small waterfalls. The islet is a popular recreational place for the people of Mukdaharn and nearby provinces. In the area, "Kaeng Kra Bao roast pork" is a famous local dish. Stone-Aged Conch Shells, layering 1 foot thick and estimated to be about 27 million years old, were found buried 40 feet underground at Ban Nayor. This is one of the 3 such places in the world.

Phu Mu Forest Park (Pig Mountain) has small mountains which are actually 353 meters above sea level. The vast plateau, with an area of 4 sq km, located at the summit was originally inhabited by numerous wild boars, thus the name. The area used to be an American military camp with a radar station and heavy artillery stations. It offers another great viewing spot of Mukdaharn.

Festivals

Ruam Phao Thai Mukdaharn 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.