จ ~ จ ~ Table of Contents ……………………………………………………… 1 Map 1 2 Discover the Mekong River route from Loei 101 to Mukdahan 3 Tourist Attraction and Route 107 3.1 Muang Loei - Chiang Khan- Pak Chom 107 3.2 Sangkhom- Si Chiang Mai- Tha Bo 121 3.3 Muang NongKhai- Phon Phisai- 131 Rattanawapee 3.4 Pak Khat- Muang Bueng Kan- Bung 139 Khla 3.5 Tha Uthen -Muang NakhonPhanom- 147 That Phanom 3.6 Wanyai -Muang Mukdahan- Dontan 155 4 Restaurants 161 5 Accommodation 175 101 ~ 101 ~ 2. Discover the Mekong River Route from Loei to Mukdahan The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. Originated in the Himalayas from the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai province, China. The river runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and entering into the South China Sea in Vietnam. Its estimated length is 4,900 kilometers. A length of 2,130 km in China. The Mekong River flows through China called “Láncāng River” or “Láncāng Jiāng” means "the raging river". Moreover, when it flows into Burma and Laos is called “Mae Nam Kong”. In Thailand, it is called "Mae Nam Kong". The distinctive feature of the Mekong River is a very steep bluff on both sides, water route which line curving along the mountain brae. The current flows from North to South throughout the year. The water level in the rainy season and dry season are very different. The 102 ~ 102 ~ speed of the water flow depends on the season. The soil is sandy in the Mekong River. There are numerous small and large islands spread throughout the river. In addition, the Mekong River is one of the three lines that have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Yangtze River, and the Salween River in Yunnan province under the name of " Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas". The area is the one place on the world with the abundance and biodiversity. In addition, The Mekong Delta which flows into the South China Sea, Vietnam has a large triangle delta and it has been admired by international that has the extremely and various biodiversity and geology. Besides, all along the entire route of Mekong River, it also has thousands species of fish. Especially the Mekong Giant Catfish, which is found in this river only. Therefore, the Mekong River is noteworthy river for the world. For Thailand, the first point of The Mekong River flows into Thailand is at the Golden Triangle in Amphoe Chiang Saen. Chiang Rai. This area is known as the point where the borders of three countries, which are Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, meet. 103 ~ 103 ~ Source: http://www.photoontour.com 104 ~ 104 ~ In the Northeastern of Thailand (ISAN) found that the first district that the Mekong River flowing through is Chiang Khan District. At the Hueang River estuary flows converge the Mekong River at Ban Tha Dee Mee, Phukokngew, Tambon Pak Chom Amphoe Chiang Khan, Loei Province. The Mekong River has become the boundaries line between Thailand and Laos in the Northeastern of Thailand. At present, Chiang Khan is the greatly popular district for tourism and vacation because of the beauty of the Mekong River is one of the major components. From Chiang Khan, Loei Province, the Mekong River has become the boundaries line between Thailand and Laos in the Northeastern of Thailand continuously for more than 800 kilometers long. It flows through Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and ending Ubon Ratchathani. The last area is at Ban Weonbuk Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani. Moreover, the entire route of the Mekong River provides variety of magnificent of ecotourism and cultural tourist attraction. This route is abundant with natural cliff, many islands causing a beautiful waterfall and a spectacular 105 ~ 105 ~ scenic view. The cultural tradition found that there is interesting because of the diversity of ethnicities. The way of life of people living in the Mekong River basin as well as also sanctuary from various sources in this basin community. Therefore, at present, along Mekong River route is one of the most famous and popular. It is also a tourist destination for those who like to explore the stunning of nature. Including arts, cultural, and the way of life on both sides of the Mekong River that shows the relationship between the Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang to Thailand that coexistence in this region as well. Mekong Riverside provinces are the attraction to the tourists, which make the cities along the Mekong have developed into important tourist attractions in the region and national level as well such as Chiang Khan, Mueang Nong Khai, Phon Phisai, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Mueang Bueng Kan, Mueang Mukdahan, Khemmarat, and Khong Chiam in Ubon Ratchathani province, etc. For this reason, the Mekong River has become an important fascination as the natural elements that attracting people to experience the splendor, fascinate and spectacular tourist attraction at any time. 106 ~ 106 ~ The route along the Mekong River in the Northeastern of Thailand is an exclusive tourism route which different from other tourist route. It is surrounded by large and small mountains, straddles with the meandering river and beautiful forests and fields. Moreover, it also has stunning neighboring countries scenic such as Laos, where can appreciate and experience the beauty throughout the route. In the past, the Mekong River could be just decided as the boundaries line between Thailand and Laos, or the frontier country. However, in the present, the Mekong River has become a significant tourist route. It is an area with potential and noteworthy for tourism to the region and country, waiting for visitors to experience the enchantment and valuable of a land of mountains and water in the Northeast of Thailand. 107 ~ 107 ~ 3. Tourist Attraction and Route Muang Loei - Chiang Khan- Pak Chom Phu Bor Bid/ Loei Cultural Centre/ Huai Nam Man/ Phu Pha Lom Forest Park/ Ban Na-O Culture Village/ Wijarn Sangkhagit Folk Museum, Wat Sri Chan/ Thai Dam Cultural Village/ Phee Kon Nam Cultural Center, Ban Na Sao/ Wat Phu Chang Noi/ Chai Kong Road’s Classic Wooden Houses/ Mekong river cruise/ Phra Yai Phu Khok Ngio/ Wat Si Khun Mueang/ Wat Mahathat/ Kaeng Khut Khu/ Wat Tha Khaek/ Phu Tok/ Wat Phra Buddhabat Pooh Kwai Ngen/ Siwa Leung Ban Kon Loa Nuea/ Ban Hat Bia/ Phu Ho Pak Chom Viewpoint 108 ~ 108 ~ Phu Bor Bid Location: Kud Pong Sub-district, Muang Loei District, Loei Province Its high and slop mountain, travelers can take the stairs as the journey up to the mountain peak. From the top of the mountain, you can view the beautiful scenery from all direction especially the town in Loei. Tourists can admire the sunrise and sunset or watch the mist in the rainy season or winter here. Moreover, at night you can see the lights from the houses in town. It was very beautiful. Loei Cultural Centre Location: within the compound of the Loei Rajabhat University, Muang Loei District, Loei Province In the Cultural Center Exhibition building, collecting and publicizing various aspects of information on Loei such as religion, traditions and ways of living in the past. ancient Buddha images made of wood, sandstone, terra- cotta and silver, as well as, various Phi Ta Khon masks, ancient utensils and equipment. Besides, there is an exhibition, displays every aspect of Loei covering its geology, geography, history, traditions and ethnology. 109 ~ 109 ~ Huai Nam Man Location: Kokthong Sub-district, Muang Loei District, Loei Province Huai Nam Man is a famous morning rafting tourist attraction to watch the dazzling scenery around the reservoir at sunrise. Especially during the winter, which will be able to enjoy the beauty of the mist-covered across the water surface and eating a delicious fresh fish Phu Pha Lom Forest Park Location: Nam Suai Sub-district, Muang Loei District, Loei Province The villagers are also called Guan Pha Lom; it is comprised of steep limestone mountains with various pointed summits similar to a wall surrounding the virgin forest in the middle. There are various kinds of plants, herbs, sightseeing points, and caves, as well as, Bo Nam Sap or Nam Phut, which is a sacred seepage pond located in the middle of the forest. It is believed to be a Naga hole, a water passage of Naga leading to the Mekong River. 110 ~ 110 ~ Ban Na-O Culture Village Location: Na-O Sub-district, Muang Loei District, Loei Province Ban Na-o regarded as the cultural village with a history of more than 450-year-old. Former Na-o people have blood of Lao ethic descent "Tai Lü", immigrated from Luang Prabang and Vientiane and settled in Thailand in B.E.2236. Na-O people' characteristics are diligent, patient, loving their family, recognized to clear the jungle to create solidarity in the family and love to gather together. Wijarn Sangkhagit Folk Museum, Wat Sri Chan Location: Na-O Sub-district, Muang Loei District, Loei Province The museum is the former cloister of Phra Khru Wijarn Sangkhagit as an exhibition building, which is a single story high uplifting wooden building. Inside the exhibition building, enshrined the statuary of Phra Khru Wijarn Sangkhagit, eight necessities of a Buddhist monk, ancient Buddha statues and Palm-leaf scripture.The front area displays scripture cabinet and watering trough in Naga shape and in the middle of the trough is carved in Hastilinga shape. Another part is the central hall, displays local appliances, ancient money, animals capturing tools, loom and weaving tools, traditional woven fabric products, and Thai - Loei Northeastern style music instruments. 111 ~ 111 ~ Thai Dam Cultural Village Location: Ban Na Pa Nat, Khao Kaeo Sub-district, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province Thai Dam Cultural Village is built for the dissemination of the interesting cultural heritage of the Thai Dam community who settled at Ban Na Pa Nat has been carefully preserved and handed down through many generations, including culture, tradition and their traditional lifestyle.