Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Best Things to Do & More - A Complete Travel Guide

Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Best Things to Do & More

A Complete Travel Guide
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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Mukdahan is probably one of the lesser-known provinces along the Mekong River in Thailand. It doesn’t get as much attention as some of the other Mekong-side provinces like Loei or Nakhon Phanom, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.

Despite its less developed tourist infrastructure, Mukdahan has its own charm with a laid-back vibe and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From old French colonial buildings lining the riverbank to the highly sacred Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, here is a comprehensive travel guide to Mukdahan, featuring things to do, how to get around, and more. So, let’s get planning, shall we?

One Month Itinerary for IsaanOne Month Itinerary for Isaan

Mukdahan to Do Map

Mukdahan Things to Do Map

10 Best Things to Do in Mukdahan

1. Visit Kaeng Kabao

Naga Statue at Kaeng Kabao

Let's start off with Kaeng Kabao, a stunning viewpoint on a cataract located in the middle of the Mekong River. During the dry season (January–May), when water levels fall, you will be able to see a wide rock inlet that you can even walk around on.

Shrine at Kaeng Kabao

Aside from that particularly cool feature, the viewpoint also has a sacred white marble Naga statue standing right on the bank of the Mekong River, where local tourists often come to make merit. Usually, you can buy flowers and candles from the nearby kiosk, then walk around and beneath the Naga statue as part of the ritual.

Naga statue at Kaeng Kabao

I visited during the rainy season, so I didn’t get to see the rock inlet, but the view and overall atmosphere were still incredibly beautiful and peaceful, especially in the early morning. Since most of Mukdahan’s tourist attractions are strung along the Mekong River, Kaeng Kabao, being the northernmost attraction, makes for a perfect starting point before continuing your journey down the riverbank.

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The view from Kaeng Kabao

The area is open 24/7, and the entry is free. If you are looking for a great place to begin your exploration in Mukdahan, this is a great place to be!

2. Check Out Our Lady of The Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

The exterior of Our Lady of The Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

As you make your way down the Mekong River bank, you’ll come across a Catholic church called Our Lady of the Martyrs of Thailand Shrine, one of the most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites in the country. While there are a number of Catholic churches scattered across Thailand, many of which are found in Isaan, this shrine is easily among the most unique.

The entrance of Our Lady of The Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

Built in a sleek, modern architectural style with sharp edges, a muted red exterior, and a unique interior layout rarely seen in Catholic churches, the shrine was recognized for its design by the Association of Siamese Architects under royal patronage in 1996.

Interior of Our Lady of The Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

It was built as a memorial to the Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon, Catholic villagers who were executed in December 1940 for refusing to renounce their faith during a period of anti-French and anti-Christian persecution. The shrine was consecrated in 1995 and has since become one of Thailand’s largest Christian worship sites.

Jesus statue inside Our Lady of The Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

You really have to go inside to appreciate just how different this church is from other Catholic churches. I’ve seen many in my lifetime, but never one quite like this. The church is also surrounded by a spacious outdoor garden that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to walk all the way to the Mekong River to enjoy the view from there.

The view from Our Lady of The Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

If you're exploring the Mekong River bank in Mukdahan, make sure to stop by Our Lady of the Martyrs of Thailand Shrine. The church is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

3. Admire the Colonial Building at Wat Phra Si Maha Pho

Me standing at Wat Phra Si Maha Pho

Next up, you have to check out Wat Phra Si Maha Pho, a seemingly ordinary temple that sits along the scenic banks of the Mekong River. What's cool about this temple is that one of Mukdahan's finest French colonial buildings is located within its walls, and you might not even notice it if you drive past.

The exterior of Wat Phra Si Maha Pho

The French colonial building you will see here is, in fact, an old town hall of Wan Yai built in 1916, showcasing beautiful blends of Thai, Vietnamese, and French architectural styles. Unfortunately, I don't think the building is open for us to enter at the moment. However, there are also other structures inside the temple that are worth seeing.

The assembly hall at Wat Phra Si Maha Pho

Within the temple grounds, you will also find an assembly hall that was built in 1924, over a hundred years ago, that you can enter. It has some really beautiful murals across its 3 walls and a shrine in the middle of the hall. Definitely worth taking a look while here.

The assembly hall interior at Wat Phra Si Maha Pho

Behind the temple, you will also be able to enjoy the view of the Mekong River and Laos on the opposite side, so be sure to spend some time and walk around here. The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, and entry is free.

4. Drop by Wat Mano Phirom

The entrance of Wat Mano Phirom

Wat Mano Phirom is another old temple located on the bank of the Mekong River just about 20 km north from Mukdahan City, that you should definitely visit. I happened to come across this temple accidentally as I was making my way down the Mekong River and I saw this stunning old wooden temple which intrigued me to visit.

Wat Mano Phirom up close

The temple was built by an architect from Vientiane, Laos, back in 1753 in the beautiful and unique Laotian-Vietnamese architectural style. The exterior features a front pediment decorated with carved wooden patterns. The temple’s columns are painted, and the column capitals are adorned with lotus-shaped stucco decorations. The roof is a wooden gable style covered with terra-cotta tiles.

Wat Mano Phirom from the side

It's a wonderful piece of architecture that shows how diverse this part of Thailand was back before the borders between countries were drawn. If you are passing through here, be sure to come and check out Wat Mano Phirom. The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily and the entry is free.

5. Check Out the View from the Shrine of the Venerable Naga

Naga statue at Shrine of the Venerable Naga

Right next to the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, which connects Thailand and Laos, you will find the Shrine of the Venerable Naga, a highly revered naga statue that both locals and Thai tourists like to visit and make merit at. The statue also offers a great view of the massive bridge and the Mekong River.

The bridge view from the Shrine of the Venerable Naga

The shrine was built to honor the revered serpent deity, commonly known as the Naga, believed to be the guardian of the Mekong River and a symbol of prosperity and protection in local folklore. You will often see Naga statues along the Mekong River, such as the one in Kaeng Kabao, as well as in other cities like Nakhon Phanom in Thailand and Savannakhet in Laos.

River view from the Shrine of the Venerable Naga

You can visit the shrine, walk along the river, and enjoy the views of the bridge and the Mekong River before continuing your journey to the Indochina Market, which we will discuss next.

6. Shop Around the Indochina Market

Street at Indochina Market

In Mukdahan City, right on the bank of the Mekong River, you will find Indochina Market, one of several markets along the Mekong that were established in good faith to boost trade between the people of Thailand and Laos. You can find similar markets not only in Mukdahan but also in other provinces along the Mekong, such as Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai.

A Shop at Indochina Market

Here, you’ll find many shops and stalls selling a wide variety of items, from pots and pans to souvenirs like elephant pants and sarongs, all at very affordable prices. You can also stroll along the Mekong River on the pathway behind the market and catch a glimpse of Savannakhet in Laos, located just across the river.

Walk path near Indochina Market

The market is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, but even after closing time, the area remains a lovely spot to walk around and enjoy the beautiful sunset along the Mekong. If you’re staying overnight in Mukdahan, don’t miss visiting Indochina Market.

7. Go Up Ho Kaeo Observation Tower

Exterior of Ho Kaeo Observation Tower

If you’re looking for a great viewpoint to see Mukdahan from above, you’re going to love Ho Kaeo Observation Tower, one of Mukdahan’s most famous landmarks. It stands out in the city center with its distinctive 1980s futuristic design that resembles a UFO.

Museum in Ho Kaeo Observation Tower

Standing at 65.5 meters tall, the tower was constructed in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX's accession to the throne. On the first floor, you will find a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Mukdahan and Thailand, while the second floor focuses on the eight ethnic groups of Mukdahan, showcasing the diversity of its communities.

View from Ho Kaeo Observation Tower

At the top, on the sixth floor, you'll be rewarded with incredible 360° views of Mukdahan and Laos. You can see almost the entire Mukdahan city center, Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, where we'll be heading next, and all the way to Savannakhet, Laos. Although the building is somewhat old and could use renovation in places, the view from up there is definitely worth the visit.

Inside observation deck at Ho Kaeo Observation Tower

The observation deck is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry costs 50 THB. If you’re looking for a viewpoint with spectacular views of Mukdahan, be sure to check out Ho Kaeo Observation Tower.

8. Enjoy the View from Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom

White Buddha image at Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom

If you go up Ho Kaeo Observation Tower and look south, you’ll notice a massive white Buddha statue atop a mountain overlooking the city and the Mekong River. That’s Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, home to one of the largest Buddha images in Thailand, and it's a great place to visit if you are looking for a stunning viewpoint over the surrounding area.

The hand of the buddha image with a person for scale at Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom

Standing at 84 meters tall, this white Buddha statue is visible from anywhere in the city. You can drive all the way up to the temple and enter the statue, which has four floors including a rooftop. Many visitors hike up to make merit, or you can just go up there and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mukdahan, the Mekong River, and Savannakhet, Laos, all in one spectacular panorama.

The view from Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom

Right next to the Buddha image, if you walk down a few minutes, you’ll find a 122-meter-long naga statue, believed to be the largest of its kind in Thailand. This blue-green serpent sculpture is intricately designed and faces the Mekong River. It’s definitely well worth a visit while you’re up there.

The buddha image seen from the road at Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom

The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. The place gets extremely crowded on weekends, as many locals and Thai tourists flock here to make merit. Sometimes, when you arrive, you may be required to park your car at the base and take the community-run songthaew up, which is free, though donations to the temple are highly appreciated.

The balcony at Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom

I visited on the weekends, one of the busiest days, and the songthaew was so overwhelmed by the people that they allowed me to drive all the way to the top 😂. I guess that’s one perk of visiting on a weekend. Although it was crowded, it wasn’t too overwhelming.

9. Hike Around Phu Pha Thoep National Park

A rock formation at Phu Pha Thoep National Park

Looking for a place to visit that's a little bit more active? How about hiking at Phu Pha Thoep National Park? This national park is considered one of Thailand's smallest national parks, covering only around 8.5 square kilometers, but do not let the size fool you!

Rock formations seen from afar at Phu Pha Thoep National Park

Located approximately 17 kilometers south of Mukdahan, Phu Pha Thoep National Park is famous for its distinctive sandstone formations shaped by natural erosion over millions of years. You can explore areas like the Hin Thoep rock group, where the rocks resemble mushrooms, swans, and other imaginative shapes.

Rocky path at Phu Pha Thoep National Park

These formations stretch over several hundred meters along the ridge up to Phu Pha Thoep mountain, offering plenty of hiking opportunities. Within the national park, you’ll also find other attractions to hike to, such as Tham Phra Waterfall and numerous viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding forested hills. However, the waterfall was completely dry when I visited.

Path through rock formation at Phu Pha Thoep National Park

The trail here is completely exposed to the elements, so avoid hiking during midday. The bare rocks reflect sunlight, making it feel even hotter, so be sure to pack plenty of water for your hike. Depending on how far you want to go, the hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. For a more comfortable experience, stick to hiking in the morning or evening.

A rock lodged at the edge of a cliff at Phu Pha Thoep National Park

The national park is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, with an entry fee of 100 THB per person. If you're looking for a place to enjoy nature and stay active in Mukdahan, you can't go wrong with Phu Pha Thoep National Park.

10. Visit Savannakhet in Laos for a few days

Me walking pass an old bus in Savannakhet

If you have time in Mukdahan, I highly recommend taking an international bus to cross the border into Savannakhet in Laos and spending a few days there. The border crossing between Mukdahan and Savannakhet is one of the easiest and fastest between the two countries, taking about one hour from Mukdahan Bus Station to Savannakhet Bus Station, including border-crossing time.

Exterior of Theater “Lao Chaleun” in Savannakhet

Savannakhet is also very walkable, with many of its attractions concentrated within the riverside area. They also have some really beautiful French colonial buildings, as well as some very charming and quirky attractions to see within the city like Theater “Lao Chaleun”, a lovely and charming old theatre turned into cafes and restaurants during the day and in the evening, a bustling street food market that extends all the way to the Mekong River.

A cafe at “Lao Chaleun” in Savannakhet

You can also spend some time exploring Savannakhet’s stunning French colonial buildings, which are scattered throughout the city but most concentrated around the square in front of St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

Colonial buildings in Savannakhet

Another interesting spot is the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. It’s much smaller than the dinosaur museum in Thailand, as you can see all of its exhibitions in 10 minutes or less, but the staff there are very friendly, and you’ll appreciate the charm of a tiny museum like this. Laotians are some of the friendliest people out there, for real!

More colonial buildings in Savannakhet

To get from Mukdahan to Savannakhet and back, it's also pretty straightforward. With a passport in hand, you can just go to Mukdahan Bus Station and buy a bus ticket at an international bus kiosk inside the bus terminal. They have buses running between 6:15 AM to 5 PM almost every hour every day, so there's no need to book anything in advance, unless you are traveling during big holidays like New Year's or Songkran.

Bus from Mukdahan to Savannakhet

The bus should cost around 50 THB per person and will get you to the border crossing in less than 30 minutes. Once you arrive on the Thai side, you can walk through immigration, exit the country, and then board the same bus to cross the bridge into Laos. After crossing, simply get off the bus, go through Laotian immigration, and enter the country.

Bus Station in Savannakhet

When crossing into Laos, you might be asked by immigration officials for a small unofficial fee. Sometimes I’ve been let in for free, while other times they’ve requested 100 or 200 THB, but never more. The same happens when you exit Laos and cross back into Thailand, so it’s a good idea to have a few hundred Thai Baht on hand just in case.

Street art in Savannakhet

Also, if you stay overnight in Savannakhet, you’ll need to pay a 10,000 LAK (about 20 THB) fee after immigration. Once you cross the border, the bus will take you to Savannakhet Bus Station, which is only about a 25-minute walk from the city center, so all you really need to explore the city is your own two feet and you are good to go.

How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice VersaHow to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa

Lively night market in Savannakhet

You can spend your first day walking around and exploring the city’s attractions. In the evening, be sure to visit the night market and stroll along the Mekong River while watching the sunset. From there, you can see Mukdahan’s observation tower and the white Buddha of Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom!

People watching sunset in Savannakhet

Two days should be enough to see most of Savannakhet’s attractions. You can stay longer if you want to relax and enjoy the peaceful vibe Laos is famous for before heading back to Mukdahan to continue your journey. It’s possible to do it as a day trip if you start early enough, but you’ll have to rush to catch the last bus back at 7 PM, which isn’t ideal. I recommend staying at least two nights here.

Explore Savannakhet: 10 Best Things to Do & MoreExplore Savannakhet: 10 Best Things to Do & More

What to Eat & Drink in Mukdahan?

1. Enjoy Coffee and Lunch at Good Mook* Café

Entrance of Good Mook* Café

If you are looking for a nice modern cafe with AC to eat lunch or have some coffee and pastries while escaping the mid-day heat of Mukdahan, Good Mook* Café is a very popular place to visit among both locals and Thai tourists.

Interior of Good Mook* Café

They have a lovely seating area inside decorated in a beautiful modern vintage style that you won't even notice if you walk past the place. You have to go inside to see really how cozy it is, and when you are inside, you can order drinks or coffee as they have both Western and Thai dishes as well as a selection of coffee and pastries you can choose from.

Coconut cake from Good Mook* Café

They also have outside seating if you prefer to enjoy your coffee while looking at people going by. They get pretty crowded during lunch and dinner time, so make sure you get there early. The cafe is open from 9 AM to 8 PM on the weekends and 9 AM to 10 PM on weekdays. They are closed on Mondays.

2. Eat Dinner by the River at Zaab Rim Khong

The view from Zaab Rim Khong

For a proper dinner with a stunning view of the Mekong River, you can’t go wrong with Zaab Rim Khong, a local restaurant located right on the riverbank just outside Mukdahan City Center. It’s one of my favorite spots here.

Food from Zaab Rim Khong

Not only do you get beautiful views of the river, but the restaurant also offers a wide selection of dishes, from fresh seafood to rare delicacies like wild meat and local freshwater fish. They have single portions perfect for solo travelers like me, as well as larger portions to share with friends or family.

The entrance at Zaab Rim Khong

If you're looking for a lovely riverside restaurant in Mukdahan, you're going to love Zaab Rim Khong. They tend to make dishes quite spicy, so be sure to ask for less spicy or "Farang spicy" if you prefer milder flavors 😂. The restaurant is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

How to Get to Mukdahan?

Mukdahan Clock Tower

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Mukdahan is to fly from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom Airport operated by AirAsia and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.

Once you arrive, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Mukdahan, which should take about 2 hours. There are many car rental places at the exit terminal of the airport so you can pick one from there, or you can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Mukdahan. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Mukdahan Bus Station in about 10 hours. The price is about 600 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

Once you arrive at Mukdahan Bus Station, you should be able to find a motor-taxi or Sam Lor to take you to your accommodation. It's only about a 10-minute drive to the city center. You can also rent a car from one of the handful of car rental places near the bus station like this one and this one, but it's best to contact them prior to your arrival to organize the car beforehand as they might not be open when you are there.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Mukdahan. The journey should take about 8.5-9 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Mukdahan?

A motorbike passing a old hotel in Mukdahan

By Motorbike: The cheapest way to get around Mukdahan is by renting a motorbike and driving around the province. You can rent one from this rental place near Mukdahan Bus Station. A scooter should cost 400 THB per day.

By Car: The most convenient way to get around Mukdahan is by renting a car from one of the handful car rental places near Mukdahan Bus Station or you can rent from Nakhon Phanom Airport and drive to Mukdahan. You can also rent one straight from Bangkok’s airports and drive up here. It’s a long journey, but if you have the time, there’s plenty to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.

What to Pack for Mukdahan?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Mukdahan, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Mukdahan, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:

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Categories DestinationsThailandNortheastern ThailandSoutheast AsiaAsia

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