Sam Phan Bok
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Amphoe Wan Yai N 2287 212 2292 Lao PDR. Mukdahan 212 M ek Mystical Mix of Culture and on Amphoe Don Tan g Natural Phenomenon R In the northeastern part of Thaiand, the Mekong 2277 iv e River runs through hundreds of kilometres of lush Amphoe Chanuman r plains and stretches of mountainous terrain, acting 2169 as the lifeblood of many small settlements of cultural 202 diversity, and revealing thousands of rock formations crafted by years of erosion. Visitors can find ethnic 212 Amphoe Khemarat groups with their own unique ways of life and many natural attractions, including spectacular stone Amnat Charoen sculptures looming over pockets of emerald green 202 Amphoe Pho Sai water, stunning views from the tops of cliffs, majestic 2050 waterfalls, and magnificent displays of wildflowers. 2112 212 2135 2210 Amphoe Khong Chiam Ubon Ratchathani 2134 Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan Amphoe Sirindhorn 226 Lao PDR. 136 137 The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life The legend of the Mekong River at the easternmost part “ Mukdahan was founded around the same The province of Mukdahan welcomes the Mekong River at the beautiful rapids at The Mekong River time as the establishment of the Southern Lao Kaeng Kabao. From then the Mekong River journeys through the mystic history of the journeys through the Kingdom of ‘Champasak’. After the death of land under the water hidden behind the natural phenomenon of rock sculptures mystic history of the King Sourigna Vongsa, the once flourishing to Ubon Ratchathani, the place where the Mekong River will depart Thailand. Lan Xang Kingdom was disrupted by internal land under the water fights for power. Phraya Mueang Saen took hidden behind the control and forced Phrakhru Phon Samek, the head of the Supreme Patriarch of the Buddhist natural phenomenon monks, to migrate with about ten thousand of rock sculptures to people south along the Mekong River to Champasak. The Champasak Kingdom was Ubon Ratchathani, established in 1713 and took control of the where the Mekong surrounding Lao provinces, including Mukdahan River departs Thailand.” located around the Phrathat Ing Hang, Champasak’s city pillar. 138 139 The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life ‘Tak Pla’ or ‘scooping fish’ at TheSam Mekong: Phan Bok, Journeys Ubon along Ratchathani the River Provinceof Life combined efforts eventually destroyed Vientiane from both sides. This event, under the power of the King of Siam, helped re-unite the three parts of the Lan Xang Kingdom that were separated. Chao Kham Phong then was named as Phra Prathum Ratchawongsa and Ubon Ratchathani was established at Ban Dong U Phueng on the banks of the Mun River where Chao Kham “Regarded as a city with Phong assembled his troops before battle. Regarded as a city with high status under the high status under the rule rule of Siam with several small cities as dependents, Ubon Ratchathani became a major of Siam with several small city of Thailand. Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani were relatively close geographically cities as dependents, Ubon and culturally and both assisted Siamese troops in military disputes in Southern Laos. During the reign of King Rama V, the administration of Siam changed several times and Ratchathani became a Mukdahan was moved under the control of Nakhon Phanom before its establishment as major city of Thailand.” a province in its own right in 1982. Ubon Ratchathani continues to be the administrative centre of the southern part of northeastern Thailand. Wat Phrathat Nong Bua, Ubon Ratchathani Province In 1767, Chao Kinnari moved the city across the Mekong River to the mouth of Huai Muk due to its better geographical position and named the newly-established city ‘Mukdahan.’ The history of Mukdahan then became closely connected with that of Ubon Ratchathani which was established around the same time by Chao Phra Wo and Chao Phra Ta, the rulers of Khuean Khan Kap Kaeo Bua Ban city. These two supported Chao Siri Bun San to seize control of Vientiane from Phraya Mueang Saen. However, Chao Siri Bun San suspected Chao Phra Wo and Chao Phra Ta of posing a threat to his power so he attacked their forces. Chao Phra Ta was killed in the battlefield while Chao Phra Wo sought help from the Champasak Kingdom, and was successful in driving the aggressors to retreat to Vientiane. The Vientiane troops returned and Chao Phra Wo was eventually killed. His son, Chao Kham Phong, requested help from the Thon Buri Kingdom, at that time involved in its own military conflict with Burma. Requests for assistance were made to Chao King Kitsarat of Luang Prabang, and the Fisherman’s way of life by the Mun River, Ubon Ratchathani Province 140 141 The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life Getting to know Getting to know Unfold the mystery and wonders of the Mekong River Ubon Ratchathani Mukdahan by taking the journey from Mukdahan Province to Ubon Ratchathani is the place where Mukdahan is situated 642 kilometres Ubon Ratchathani Province. This part of the trip Thailand gets its first glance of the from Bangkok, set on the western sunrise. Located in the easternmost banks of the Mekong River, the introduces visitors to memorable experiences of life, part on Thailand with the Mekong River international border with Lao PDR. culture, tradition, and nature along the river. forming a natural international border It is home to several diverse cultural with Lao PDR., it is a major tourist groups and many natural tourist Sometimes the simplest things can make an ordinary journey destination in a region served by the attractions that provide a peaceful become an extraordinary one. Mukdahan is a small province, Mekong, Chi, and Mun Rivers and full and unforgettable atmosphere for but it is endowed with many features that fill this journey with of unique culture and traditions. the journey. happy and fascinating memories. Fascinating Attractions in The journey begins at Phu Pha Thoep National Park in Amphoe Mueang Mukdahan. Here travellers can see rocks of different shapes and sizes that have been eroded by wind, water, and changing climates for Mukdahan-Ubon Ratchathani millions of year. Travel further to Phu Mu Forest Park that offers 3 viewing points on the top of the cliff for visitors to enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of Mukdahan. Phu Manorom, about 5 kilometres from the city centre, provides panoramic views of the Mekong River. Nature-lovers should not miss Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park, the ‘mountain of the lotus pool’ and the prehistoric cliff paintings at Phu Pha Taem. The viewing point on Phu Pha Hom offers a spectacular panoramic sight of the Phu Pha Taem mountain, especially captivating during sunset. From Mukdahan Province, pass through Amnat Charoen Province and enter Amphoe Khemarat in Ubon Ratchathani Province. For good luck, visit Wat Pho to pay respect to Phrachao Yai Ong Saen, the ancient Buddha image in subduing Mara posture, followed by paying homage to Phrachao Yai Ong Tue at Wat Phra To located in Ban Pak Saeng. Wat Up Mung houses Phrachao Yai Ong Muen, another ancient Buddha image of Ubon Ratchathani with the special feature of being under the cover of 11-headed Naga. The history of Khemarat can be traced back by visiting the Ancient Human Museum that exhibits evidence of human habitation in this area from the last 2,000-3,000 years. Continue the journey to Amphoe Mueang, the centre of the Buddhist faith for the local people of Ubon Ratchathani. Stop by at Thung Si Mueang, a beautiful public park located in front of the Town Hall in the heart of the city. Follow this with a visit to Ho Trai Klang Nam or the 142 143 Phu ThePha Mekong: Thoep NationalJourneys alongPark, Mukdahanthe River of ProvinceLife The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life Buddhist Scripture Hall in the middle of water at Wat Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani Province Interesting Info Procession of candles The most important festival for Immerse yourself in the world of natural beauty at Kaeng Saphue, the local people of Ubon Ratchathani one of the most beautiful rapids on the Mun River in Amphoe Phibun is the Candle Festival held annually Mangsahan. Not far from Kaeng Saphue is the Brass Gong Village in July around the time of Asalha in Ban Sai Mun. Here, locals practice traditional skills of producing Bucha and Khao Phansa to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent. gongs by hammering techniques instead of casting. Within the Before the event, artists from several area of Ban Sai Mun is Wat Don That, a former residence of the temples; such as, Wat Nong Pla highly respected Luangpu Sao Kantasilo. Pak, Wat Tha Wang Hin, and Wat Phrathat Nong Bua prepare for the Relaxation time amidst nature can be taken at the tranquil candle procession by elaborately moulding, sculpting, and carving Sirindhorn Dam before enjoying the grandiose natural beauty of wax into incredible shapes and the forests, flora, fauna, and river of Kaeng Tana National Park in sizes. The unique and sophisticated Amphoe Sirindhorn and Amphoe Khong Chiam. Complete the trip works of art reflect the amazing Buddhist Scripture Hall situated in the middle of a pond in Wat Interesting Info in Ubon Ratchathani with a shopping spree at Chong Mek Border skills of the local artists and attracts Thung Si Mueang, built during the reign of King Rama II. At Wat When the flowers bloom Market at which visitors can cross into Lao PDR. and enjoy some countless visitors. Phrathat Nong Bua visitors can pay homage to Phrathat Chedi Around the beginning of the duty-free and local products.