Mukdahan is known for its beautiful scenery along the Mekong River, with the town located at the river's widest point opposite Sawannakhet in Laos.

Wat Si Mongkhon Tai next to the river enshrines the town's oldest and most revered Buddha image. It's also the location for the Indochina market, where you can buy a whole host of goods from both sides of the border.

Phu Manorom Hill, a favourite local picnic spot, provides excellent views over the town and the river. Mukdahan National Park is an unusual area of caves and bizarre rock formations. There are hiking trails, and the park is gaining popularity for its wildlife, including barking deer, monkeys, wild boar and civet cats.

Phu Sa Dokbua National Park covers three provinces and is a mixture of rock formations, forest and lakes. Prehistoric paintings can be found on Phu Pha Thoep, and it is popular for its wild flowers.

Car
a) From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima-Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Phon Thong-Roi Et-Kham Cha-I-Mukdahan route.

b) From Bangkok, take Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima route then use Highway No. 207 via Prathai, Phutthaisong, Phayakkhaphumphisai, Suwannaphum and take Highway No. 2169 via Sai Mun, Kut Chum and Loeng Nok Tha before turning into Highway No.212 and proceed to Mukdahan via Nikhom Kham Soi.

Train
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Mukdahan. Visitors can take a Bankok-Ubon Ratchathani train and connect a bus to Mukdahan. For more information, call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20.

Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani or Nakhon Phanom and then connect a bus to Mukdahan. Call Thai Airways, Tel: 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.