20 Provinces of Isaan Thailand in 20 Days – Day 7
Mukdahan, locally called as just ‘muk’, is not a popular place in Thailand, even though it is home of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 2 connecting Thailand to Laos and Vietnam by road. It is located right by the Mekong River facing the Laotian border city of Savannakhet. During my Isaan journey, I spent my first 3 days in Nakhon Ratchasima while also exploring Buriram and Surin. For the following 3 days, I was in Ubon Ratchathani and explored Sisaket. My next destination was Mukdahan. Visitors seldom visit the place, but if they visit, they mostly come here to cross border and enter Laos. But I was there to explore it well.
Highlights of the Day
- Hop Inn Mukdahan
- Mukdahan Tower
- Wat Si Bun Rueang
- Wat Si Sumang Wanaram
- Indochina Market
- Wat Yot Kaeo Siwichai
- Wat Si Mongkol Tai
- Mukdahan Night Market
From Ubon Ratchathani to Mukdahan
There are plenty minivans and buses that connect Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan. I checked out from my hostel in Ubon Ratchathani early in the morning, hopped in a songtheaw, headed to the bus station, and boarded a minivan at around 7 AM. I reached Mukdahan at 10 AM. Luckily, the minivan dropped me right in front of Hop Inn – my home for 3 days.
Hop Inn Mukdahan
Hop Inn is the preferred choice for budget conscious travelers in Mukdahan. The hotel is conveniently located close to bus station, riverfront temples, Indochina market, supermarkets, and Thai-Lao friendship bridge. I got a room with private bathroom for ฿900 for 3 nights.
There are many places to eat next to the hotel. I found a fruit vendor and enjoyed delicious tropical fruits of Thailand only for ฿20 a packet. I carried one more packet so that I can enjoy having them later when I feel hungry. The places to see are in close proximity to the hotel. Wasting no time, I got a tuktuk for ฿40 to drop me to Mukdahan Tower – my first destination.
Mukdahan Tower
Mukdahan Tower, also known as Ho Kaeo Mukdahan, is a 66-m high observatory tower. There is a small entrance fee of ฿50 to get to ‘The 360° of Pleasure in Mukdahan by the Mekong’ room. The room is located at the top and you can get there by a lift. The beautiful views of the Mekong river and Savannakhet, Laos across the river is worth the entrance fee. The tower also has a museum with displays on the eight ethnic groups of the province.
Wat Si Bun Rueang
I walked down the Mukdahan pier after visiting Mukdahan Tower. Walking by the Mekong river for approximately 1.5 km brought me to a quieter stretch of the riverfront. Wat Si Bun Rueng is located there. This riverfront temple houses Phra Singh Song, a bronze Buddha image from Vientiane.
Wat Si Sumang Wanaram
Just 250 m ahead, I visited another riverfront temple that has a replica of the Wat Phra That Phanom of Nakhon Phanom province, with murals displaying a Hindu influence adorning the small inner chamber.
There are many eateries lining up the riverfront, but I was carrying fruits. So I enjoyed having them while walking by the Mekong river.
Indochina Market
Walking down for another 350 m brought me to the heart of Indochina market. Even if you are not a shopper like me, I will still recommend to visit Indochina market because of its colorful scene right in front of the Mekong river. Here, you will find imported items from other countries, such as Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos. You can buy the items at wholesale and retail prices, actually for half of what you would pay in Bangkok.
Wat Yot Kaeo Siwichai
While strolling by the market, you cannot miss the riverfront temple with the 12-m high Buddha image. I have been to many Buddhist temples in Thailand, but the Buddha image here looks different than the rest – the face is unusually tall and narrow, and his hands are striking the Vitarka Mudra, which signifies teaching – a rare sight!
Wat Si Mongkol Tai
Wat Si Mongkol Tai is the northernmost riverfront temple in Mukdahan, located half a km north of the Indochina market. It is one of the oldest temples in Mukdahan.
Mukdahan Night Market
While strolling all along the riverfront, I did not even realize that is already evening. The best place to hit now is the night market, which is right behind the Indochina market. It is the most buzzing place in town for evening food. It has all the Thai and Isaan classics like any night market of Isaan region, but guess what does set it apart? It’s the Vietnamese vendors. I enjoyed some delicious vegan food – Vietnamese-style fresh spring rolls and Thai-style noodles. All that cost me only ฿60.
The walk down the hotel was of around 2 km. I was too tired, so I opted for a tuktuk who dropped me back to Hop Inn. All I was looking forward to, after such a long day, was a peaceful sleep on the comfortable bed. I enjoyed a deep sleep, indeed.
20 Provinces of Isaan Thailand in 20 Days – Day 8
On the second day of my stay in Mukdahan, I took the advantage of its close proximity to 2 major neighboring provinces – Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon. First, I visited the Thailand-Laos border town of Nakhon Phanom, which is not only famous for its breathtaking views of Mekong river, but also for huge, ornate Wat Phra That Phanom temple that contains the breast bone of Lord Buddha. Later, I visited Sakon Nakhon, one of ancient cities of Thailand, which is full of sacred atmosphere and interesting civilization. I spent a lovely day exploring offbeat places of Thailand.
Highlights of the Day
- Wat Phra That Phanom
- Wat Phra That Choeng Chum
- Nong Han Lake
Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom Province
There are a lot of food stalls in Mukdahan bus station, with plenty of fruit platters. I picked one up and got into a minivan heading to Nakhon Phanom at around 9 AM. The total distance is around 100 km, which takes around 2 h. But I had to reach Wat Phra That Phanom, which is located exactly halfway. I just had to let the driver know, and he dropped me right in front of the temple.
Wat Phra That Phanom is the most important Buddhist site in the province, with its beautiful, ornate chedi being the most recognizable landmark of the area. I could see the 57-m high, square-shaped Laotian-influenced chedi from a distance. The chedi enshrines a highly revered relic – a breast bone of Lord Buddha. It is said that the temple was built on the spot where the breast bone was found. Hence, it is an important site to Buddhists.
It was around noon when I finished exploring every corner of this huge temple complex. There were many food stalls outside the temple. A vendor was selling various types of rice noodles – all vegan – for just ฿10. I picked up two varieties – thin and thick noodles – and waited at the nearby bus stop to get to Nakhon Phanom bus terminal. There was no direct public transport to Sakon Nakhon, hence I had to first head to the city bus terminal. From there, I boarded a minivan to Sakon Nakhon.
Wat Phra That Choeng Chum in Sakon Nakhon Province
On reaching Sakhon Nakhon bus station at around 3 PM, I took a tuktuk to get to the most important Buddhist site in Sakhon Nakhon province – Wat Phra That Choeng Chum. It marks the spot where four fully enlightened Buddhas are said to have laid footprints.
Every October, during the end of Buddhist Lent day, the locals handcraft Buddhist temples and castle-like structures made out of wax. This is called Wax Castle Festival. These magnificent artworks are paraded around the city and are finally brought to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum.
Nong Han Lake in Sakon Nakhon Province
My last destination of the day was Nong Han Lake, just 20 min walk from the temple. It is the biggest lake in the Isaan region and also the second largest freshwater lake in Thailand. The lake houses small islets and you can take a longtail boat to get around the lake and visit few of the islets.
It was around 6 PM when I took a tuktuk from the lake to Sakon Nakhon bus station. I managed to have a quick dinner at the bus station. It was bowl full of freshly cut fruits. I took a regular bus back to Mukdahan, which took around 2 h. Hop Inn is located very close to the bus station, so I got in there by around 8.30 PM. Soon, I sank into the bed.
20 Provinces of Isaan Thailand in 20 Days – Day 9
On the third day of my stay in Mukdahan, I treated it as a base to explore few more offbeat sites of Thailand. I headed to Amnat Charoen province, which shares a border with neighboring Laos and features a number of beautiful, old temples with exquisite sacred Buddha images set within peaceful, natural environments. Then, I visited Yasothon, the smallest province in the Isaan region. It is famous for its Rocket Festival – locals celebrate it at the commencement of the rainy season in the month of May.
Highlights of the Day
- Phaya Thaen Public Park
- Wat Maha That
- Puttha Utthayan and Pra Mongkol Ming Muang
Toad Museum in Phaya Thaen Public Park in Yasothon Province
A bowl full of fruits was my breakfast that I bought at Mukdahan bus station. Then, I boarded a regular bus to get to Yasothon. The journey took around 2 h, and I reached Yasothon in the noon. From there, I walked for 20 min to reach the World’s largest toad structure in Phaya Thaen Public Park. I know it is not a great idea for many of you to wander around a park in the noon, but I was enjoying it much, maybe because I was excited to see the giant toad.
The riverside park has become very popular now as it houses the giant 5-storey Giant Toad-shaped Museum. It has no entrance fee, and is surely worth a visit. Besides, the park is the main site of the famous Rocket Festival that the locals celebrate in the month of May every year. The park is usually busy during Songkran, Loy Krathong, and annual boat races.
I was craving for some local food. I could not find many vegan options on the roadside eateries outside the park. So, I decided to keep walking to Wat Maha That – my next destination – which is around 2 km away from the park. I found a small place near the temple where I ordered a plate of stir fried vegetables accompanied with brown rice.
Wat Maha That in Yasothon Province
Wat Maha That is one of the most important temples of the province. The architecture of the temple has a strong Laotian influence. It houses the most important religious structure of the province here – Phra That Yasothon or just Phra That Anon. Yasothon bus station is just 1 km away from here.
Puttha Utthayan and Pra Mongkol Ming Muang in Amnat Charoen Province
I walked down to Yasothon bus station and boarded a minivan to reach Amnat Charoen. It took around an hour. Then I walked around 1.5 km from the bus station to reach the most revered temple of the province – Puttha Utthayan and Pra Mongkol Ming Muang. You can see a huge Buddha image from a distance while approaching the place. There are plenty of trees surrounding the image, making this place very peaceful. You will not find many visitors there.
The local bus from Amnat Charoen bus station took around 1.5 h to get to Mukdahan. It was 6 PM. There are many eating options in any bus station in Thailand, and they are comparatively cheaper. I did not have any special craving for a particular food, so I opted for the local vegan Pad Thai, which was easily available there. It was filling and delicious. Finally, I walked back to Hop Inn to enjoy a peaceful sleep on my last evening in Mukdahan.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Days 7-9 in Thailand – Mukdahan.
- Bus from Ubon Ratchathani to Mukdahan: 120
- Stay at Hop Inn (3 nights): 900
- Getting Around: 200
- Entrance Fee to Mukdahan Tower: 50
- Round-Trip to Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon: 220
- Round-Trip to Yasothon and Amnot Charoen: 200
- Boating at Nong Han Lake: 250
- Food and miscellaneous: 300
Total expense (roughly): 2,240 THB
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Hop Inn looks like quite a steal at that prices. I love the toad museum too. It’s such an original feature.
You are making me excited of Thailand even more. I admit I haven’t explored much of Thailand it will take me more years I think. I cant wait to go back!
You got to come back, soon.
Indeed!
I am reading first time about Mukdahan and this place exists in Thailand. It is always good that you focus so beautifully on offbeat locations and present offbeat places of Thailand instead of over crowded places. This place has so many temples and I would love to see Wat Yot Kaeo Siwichai as it is river front and has 12m Buddha statue. Even Toad museum looks very interesting and that huge sculpture of Toad looks fun and children would really enjoy here. Even the boating at Nong Han Lake is perfect way to explore the nature of this place. Thanks for sharing wonderful place.
Comments like these are motivating! Thanks for this.
Never really heard of this place until now. Based on your post this has a more relaxed and very culturaly rich place. Also i did not know that theres a hop inn in that area which by the way looks so similat to the hop inn that i stayed in while i was in the Philippines
Same chain of hotels!
Very interesting to read about Mukdahan, not a part of Thailand I am familiar with, or that I even researched ahead of our own trip last year. I like your tip to go up the Mukdahan tower to enjoy the viwes over Mekong River, and the details on the various temple sites to visit. I’m also a sucker for markets and love the sound of Indochina Market and the local night market. Nong Han Lake looks like a beautiful place to finish your trip.
It is an offbeat place, indeed.
My knowledge of Thailand is pretty limited, as I’ve only had a chance to visit Bangkok so far, so I’m happy to read about other interesting places like Mukdahan in the country. The temples look really beautiful ad I would love to browse those markets! Also, thanks for sharing the budget breakout, super useful!
What a delight it looks in Mukdahan, we can’t wait to explore Thailand and this is somewhere we can add to our list! The Wat Phra That Phanom temple looks so beautiful and sounds interesting! Also love good markets and street food. The toad museum looks mad!!
Yes, ain’t they so interesting?
You must visit Thailand again, soon.
So interesting to see the Mekong from Thailand. IN 2017 we were on the other side of the Mekong, in Laos, near the capital Vientiane. I lvoe that you discovered many beautiful Wats and that Giant Toad Museum!
Thanks!
It is always interesting when we visit places that are not normally known as tourist spots like Mukdahan. It sounds like the Mukdahan Tower is a good place to start for panoramic views. Such an interesting collection of temples. We are not really shoppers. But we do love the colour and smells in local markets. I did love the giant frog statue that you saw on the last day. A change from very traditional temple statues.
Mukdahan Tower is exciting indeed.
I know for sure that Thailand is a country with a lot of temples but I honestly haven’t heard of any of these places. Bookmarked this blog post for when I come back – thanks a lot for sharing!
You must visit Thailand back, soon.
I see a Thailand has a lot of beautiful temples. Mukdahan is no exception…The riverside park looks beautiful. I like your picture of the giant toad. It looks like a real toad…
Yes, Thailand is full of interesting temples.
I have never heard of Mukdahan and now I want to check out the area. Never been to Thailand but my list of things to do there is getting longer and longer. Loving the look of the temples and cant wait to explore the local markets and smell the food. 🙂
You must visit Thailand, soon.
First time hearing of Mukdahan. Glad to see Ganesha Idol at WAT SI BUN RUEANG temple. It seems Thailand have unique architecture designs and colors for temples. I would love to visit Toad Musuem and golden statue of Buddha in Amnat Charoen province.
Mukdahan is an offbeat place.
Wow! This is a great experience. Happy to know that you were able to visit a lot of places. Your hotel room is really cheap and looks adequate. Will definitely consider Hop Inn on our upcoming trips.
Yes, the hotel was cheap.
We learned about Mukdahan when we visited Laos from Thailand. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to visit the region, so it is wonderful to read about it from your perspective. Next time, we will make sure to stay for a visit. It’s quite affordable, thanks for the pricing details 🙂
I will be glad if it is of any help to you.
Totally charmed by Mukdahan, seems like a lesser known destination in Thailand. Yet has all the thrills and fun experiences you would look out to have there. Prices look very affordable too.
Yes, it is affordable indeed.
I adore how you share the non-touristy destinations of far-eastern countries. I’m gonna ask you several questions when I plan my trip.
That’s a rather extensive trip across Thailand. The views from Mukdahan tower is splendid. Just as many other Thai temples, the Wat Si Sumang Wanaram temple and Wat Phra That Choeng Chum look so gorgeous. Good to know that this is where the 4 Englightned Buddhas laid their footprints.
Bhushavali, I will bring more of such sites, in a while.
Nice! The night market seems fun! How are the sizes? Is it easy for Westerners to buy clothes and shoes that fit there?
I doubt!
Great post!! A friend of mine is going to visit Mukdahan and I was looking for a great guide post, this came in a really good moment. I have been to Thailand personally but didn’t visit that part of the country. It looks like a really great place with tons of things to do I especially like the giant toad museum. HAHAHA. Next time I will make sure to see it for myself. Bizarre yet fascinating!!
Great to know that!
Thailand has so many beautiful temples, and it is hard to see everything in just one trip. We went for two weeks a few years ago and I feel like we just barely touched the surface of the country. These are great tips to see a lot of Thailand in a short visit! xo – Kam
Yes, and each temple is somehow unique.
What n in-depth look at a little known region. The observation tower looks out of place but what great views into Laos! The pricing of everything from the hotel to meals is appealing to us budget travelers too. Each temple has its own personality and they make for great discoveries.
Yes, the observation tower is one of the main highlights.
First of all, that toad is huge! Why would someone want a giant toad? They must really love them. My dad was stationed in Thailand when I was young and he brought back a few things with the tall, skinny Buddha. I thought all Thai Buddha were this way. Your pictures show that that isn’t the case at all. Interesting post. Those temples are so bright.
Even I am not sure of, why a toad? Hahaha!
Love, love Thailand! Have been to country 10 times now but it’s never enough. So many places to visit. Not visited Mukdahan till now but in my next trip, will try to include it.
THB 900 for 3 nights is super cool deal especially when you have attached bathroom as well. And love those markets. 🙂
Yes Nisha, it’s actually a great deal.
I am Thai but I have not been to those Esarn provinces. Hope you enjoy the trip. anyway if you plan to visit Phuket please contact me to get chance for a Free stay at Glam Habitat Hotel.
Nice to know that, Vorakarn.
That is interesting about the one Buddha with his hands in the teaching pose. I feel that I’ve seen that one often as a replica. Either that one or the chubbier one. The temples are so lovely, and I would have totally sampled the fruit! It is interesting what other countries have to offer.
Hahhaha, I guess you are talking about the chubbier one.
Thailand is one of my favorite place to visit. Each temples are unique and solemn.
Those hyacinth reminds me of one craft store who sells dried hyacinth making it bags!
I am thinking of coming back to Thailand next month.
Meet me up!
Each time I visit Thailand, it always gives me a huge relief. My stress are magically flies away out of the window, and gets new refreshing energy. I am excited you share these new destinations. They are truly amazing.
That’s great!
Wow there is so much to see there. I dont actually think I have heard of this province before, but then again I’ve never event been to Thailand! Would love to change that one day though. Wat Phra That Phanom especially looks beautiful with elaborate architecture.
Yes, you must not have heard of this because it is an offbeat place.
I have never been to Thailand but it’s high on my list! I would love to see all these attractions, but the toad museum looks especially funny! It reminds me of some roadside “art” we have here in the US. GIant statues like this are popular roadside attractions through the midwest.
You must visit Thailand soon, Hailey.
I am highly impressed with how extensively you have covered Thailand Shreya! I have not even heard of this place called Mukdahan but it seems very quintessentially Thai with the lovely temples, the walk along Mekong River and the Night market. The Nong Han lake looks pretty cool as well!
Perks of staying in Thailand! 😀