About Mukdahan
Mukdahan lies on the Mekong in eastern Isaan, opposite Savannakhet in Laos, and is linked to Laos by the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. The town is a calm trading place with a lively Indochina market and many Vietnamese and Lao influences. The viewpoint at the Mukdahan Tower offers an overview of the town and the river. Outside town lie Wat Phu Manorom, a temple on a cliff with views over the Mekong, and Phu Pha Thoep National Park with unusual rock formations. Mukdahan suits anyone travelling calmly along the Mekong. It is a pleasant stop on the route between Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Ratchathani, especially in the cool season. Mukdahan lies about 640 km northeast of Bangkok, and the bus is the usual way to get here. An evening walk along the Mekong is a pleasant way to end the day.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight to Nakhon Phanom or Ubon and then by bus, or directly by bus (about 10 to 11 hours). Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Mukdahan
- Indochina market A market with goods from Laos and Vietnam by the river.
- Mukdahan Tower A viewing tower overlooking the town and the Mekong.
- Wat Phu Manorom A cliff-top temple with views over the Mekong.
- Phu Pha Thoep A national park with rock formations and walking trails.
