Embark on a journey of joy in Mukdahan.

The primary purpose of my trip to Mukdahan was to conduct business. However, every breath I took was an opportunity for exploration. A trip to Mukdahan solely for business would not be my style. Therefore, I eagerly sought information to plan sightseeing during my free time. This trip had significant time constraints, so planning each visit meticulously was crucial.

The journey began with planning the itinerary. With a timeframe of 3 days and 2 nights, I opted for air travel. However, since Mukdahan lacks an airport, I had to choose a nearby province. Two options were available: Nakhon Phanom Airport and Sakon Nakhon Airport. Comparing prices for my travel dates, flying to Nakhon Phanom proved more affordable.

For the outbound flight, I chose to fly with Nok Air because it was the most convenient time for me. The flight departed in the late morning, so I didn't have to rush to the airport early in the morning. Additionally, I arrived in Nakhon Phanom before the afternoon, giving me some time to travel and explore the area. For the return flight, I chose to fly with AirAsia because they had multiple flights available. I opted for a late afternoon flight, as Nok Air only had one flight per day at that time.

After settling our travel arrangements, we turned our attention to accommodation. For this trip, I had my sights set on a riverside hotel along the Mekong River. I opted to stay at the Viengkhong Hotel, which I booked through www.shopback.co.th.

Why ShopBack? Because ShopBack is a website for purchasing goods and services from many famous stores, such as Agoda, Expedia, and Booking.com. I believe that frequent travelers are familiar with these three websites as leaders in online hotel booking. By booking directly from these three websites, you will not receive many benefits. However, if you book accommodation from Agoda, Expedia, and Booking.com through ShopBack, you will receive discounts and promotions with each purchase. Once the hotel booking is complete (no cancellation of the stay), we will receive a refund from the stay into our ShopBack account. We can then withdraw money from the ShopBack account to a bank account to receive a refund. This is a double benefit: you get a discount on your hotel booking and a refund. Knowing this, don't wait, sign up to be a member and wait for the money to be refunded to your account. Oh, and it's not just hotel bookings. Online shopping platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and over 100 other popular stores also offer cashback when you shop through ShopBack.

The proposed travel itinerary is outlined as follows: the outbound journey is indicated by the red route, while the return trip is represented by the green route. While the time constraints may limit the number of attractions visited, the itinerary is designed to maximize enjoyment within the available timeframe.

Travel Date

Fortunately, I chose a late morning flight, the 10:30 AM flight, to give myself plenty of time to get to the airport. I arrived at the airport at 8:00 AM, so I didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn. I left Lopburi at 5:00 AM, so I had a relaxed journey.

The check-in process was relatively quick, giving me ample time to explore Don Mueang Airport. The sky was exceptionally clear that day, and I silently prayed for clear skies throughout my trip.

Upon arrival at Nakhon Phanom Airport at 11:50 AM, I quickly picked up my rental car. By 12:15 PM, I was ready to embark on my journey.

The saying goes, "An army marches on its stomach." After leaving the airport, I headed straight for food in the city center of Nakhon Phanom. This time, I was determined to try the Khao Kriap Pak Mo Si Thep again, as I had enjoyed it so much on a previous visit. However, upon arrival, I was disappointed to find that they were closed for a break and wouldn't reopen until 3 pm. Fortunately, there were two boxes of pre-made Khao Kriap Pak Mo available for purchase, which helped to satisfy my craving. If you're ever in Nakhon Phanom, I highly recommend trying the Khao Kriap Pak Mo Si Thep. It's truly delicious!

Head to Wat Chom Si Mu 2

To reach Wat Chom Si Mu 2, it's best to use GPS navigation. Simply set your destination as "Wat Chom Si Mu 2". While some travel reviews may only mention "Wat Chom Si", setting your GPS to "Wat Chom Si" might lead you to two different temples.

Based on the Google map, I initially chose the Wat Chom Si closer to the airport. Although it was on the right track, it wasn't the exact location. After asking locals for directions, I managed to find my way to the intended destination. Upon arrival, I realized the correct name was indeed "Wat Chom Si Mu 2".

The reason for my visit to "Wat Chom Si Mu 2" is to see the giant crabapple tree, which is considered an unseen attraction in Nakhon Phanom.

Wat Chom Si Mu 2 is a small temple with a serene atmosphere. In the center of the temple, a large crabapple tree spreads its branches, providing ample shade. The crabapple tree at Wat Chom Si Mu 2 differs from the giant crabapple tree in Kanchanaburi in terms of size. However, the most noticeable difference is that the crabapple tree at Wat Chom Si Mu 2 appears more lush, with moss and ferns growing on its branches, creating a refreshing sight.

When I informed the group that we would be visiting Wat Chom Si Mu 2, they seemed indifferent. However, as soon as the car pulled into the temple grounds, they all exclaimed that they would have regretted not stopping. They had never expected to see anything like it. I couldn't help but smile to myself.

From Wat Chom Si, Moo 2, I headed towards Mukdahan, passing through Tha Tum district, Nakhon Phanom province, and entering Wan Yai district, Mukdahan province. My first destination upon entering Mukdahan was Kaeng Kabew.

Kaeng Kabew: A rocky shoal stretching along the Mekong River. Vendors selling goods at Kaeng Kabew shared that during the dry season, the water level drops, revealing sandbanks and islets in the middle of the river. The highlight of Kaeng Kabew lies in the rocky rapids and boulders obstructing the Mekong's flow. As the river collides with these obstacles, it carves out beautiful shapes, creating deep pits in some areas and underwater caves in others. The formations bear a resemblance to the Three Thousand Holes (Sam Phan Bok). Unfortunately, my visit coincided with the rainy season, when the water level had already risen. However, I could still spot some smaller rapids. From Kaeng Kabew, one can also see the city of Xayaburi in Laos.

The Kaeng Kabew area is currently undergoing development to become a recreational and tourist destination for Mukdahan. A large white serpent statue, Phraya Si Phu Chong Mukdahan Naga Raja, has been erected on the banks of the Mekong River. There is also a Skywalk-like viewpoint and restaurants along the river. It is advisable to bring an umbrella when visiting, as the sun can be quite strong.

For those traveling on the Nakhon Phanom-Mukdahan route and passing through Tha Uthen district, you can stop and stretch your legs at Kaeng Kabew. Kaeng Kabew is located right next to the road.

From Kaeng Kabew, we continue to the Shrine of the Mother of the Martyrs at Wat Song Kon, which is not far away.

The Shrine of the Mother of the Martyrs at Wat Song Kon is also located on the banks of the Mekong River.

Shrine of the Holy Martyrs of Samrong Kiat

The Shrine of the Holy Martyrs of Samrong Kiat boasts a unique architectural style, unlike any Christian church I have ever seen. It serves as a memorial to the seven martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the sacred forest to prove their faith in God during the Thai-French border dispute in World War II.

At that time, many people in the border region practiced Christianity, with most priests being French. This led to the misconception that Christianity was a French religion. Accusations arose that Christians were siding with the French and betraying their country. Several violent incidents occurred, prompting authorities to order the villagers to abandon their faith. While most villagers complied outwardly, they continued practicing Christianity in secret.

Sister Phila Thipsuwan (31 years old), Sister Kham Bang Srikaffong (23 years old), Mr. Sriffong Onpitak (33 years old), Mrs. Phutta Wongwai (59 years old), Miss Butsi Wongwai (16 years old), Miss Khampai Wongwai (15 years old), and Miss Phon Wongwai (14 years old) continued teaching catechism and refused to renounce their faith. As a result, the police executed them.

In 1989, the Pope declared these seven individuals "Holy Martyrs," signifying Christians who performed good deeds and sacrificed their lives to affirm their belief in God and refused to abandon their religion.

The building of the Shrine of the Mother of the Martyrs is a single-story, reinforced concrete hall with glass walls. The front of the building is the ceremonial area, which is quite spacious.

The rear section of the ceremonial complex houses the relics of the seven blessed individuals. Inside, glass coffins containing wax effigies of the seven blessed individuals are available for veneration. The caretaker advised me to seek blessings from all seven, as it would bring good fortune.

No text provided for translation.

Behind the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs, another building has been constructed, encompassing two wooden houses where two of the seven blessed martyrs actually lived during that time. The temple has carefully preserved these houses.

The Shrine of the Mother of the Martyrs at Wat Song Khon is the largest Christian religious site in Thailand and is renowned for its unique architectural beauty. It is the largest and most beautiful modern-style Christian church in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Outstanding Architecture Award by the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage in 1996. It is open to tourists and worshippers daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

From the Shrine of the Mother of the Martyrs, take a short drive to **Wat Phra Si Maha Pho**, also located on the banks of the Mekong River.

From the main road, turn left and you will reach Wat Si Maha Pho within a short distance. Wat Si Maha Pho is an ancient temple that has stood alongside Mukdahan for over 100 years. It is a must-see temple for visitors.

The Neglected Library: A Hidden Gem in the Temple Grounds

Within the temple grounds lies a forgotten treasure: an old monk's quarters transformed into a public library. Sadly, it now stands abandoned, a testament to its neglected state. The library boasts a French architectural style, featuring arched doorways and windows that exude a classic charm. Despite its evident beauty, it's disheartening to see such a historically significant building left to decay.

Another significant historical site within Wat Si Maha Pho is the "Sim Isan," which translates to "northeastern boundary marker" in English. This ancient structure, also known as a "sim" in central Thailand, serves as the temple's main prayer hall. Constructed in 1916, the Sim Isan exhibits a unique blend of architectural influences, incorporating elements of Western, Thai, Vietnamese, and French styles. Its distinctive design features a solid structure with three walls, accessible only through the front entrance. The interior walls are adorned with exquisite murals, known as "rup taem," depicting scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, a significant Buddhist narrative. These murals, created by local artisans, are considered exceptional works of art and a rare sight to behold. The wooden beams and rafters within the Sim Isan are intricately carved with beautiful patterns, further enhancing the structure's aesthetic appeal. The main Buddha statue, enshrined within the Sim Isan, is positioned on a "chukchi" base, a raised platform typically used for religious figures. An unusual feature of this statue is the presence of a surrounding wall that creates a halo-like frame, giving the impression that the Buddha is embedded within the wall. This unique design element is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the temple's builders.

The innermost part of the temple houses the large Phra Buddha Nak Prok statue, which faces the Mekong River. Visitors can stand near the statue and enjoy the panoramic view of the river. During the dry season, the Mekong River in the Wan Yai district dries up, revealing small islands and sandbars in the middle of the riverbed.

From Wat Phra Si Maha Pho, I headed to the Viengkhong Hotel, which would be my accommodation for the next two nights. The Viengkhong Hotel is located in the center of Mukdahan city, just a short distance from the Indochina Market.

The hotel's exterior is designed in white, giving it a clean and modern look. A parking lot is conveniently located in front of the building.

Lobby area of the hotel.

The lobby area provides a comfortable space for guests to relax.

Stepping outside the building, there is a balcony for guests to relax and enjoy the view.

The hotel's rear side features a sprawling lawn that extends to the Mekong River's edge. Every room offers a breathtaking view of the river.

The room was spacious and well-equipped with standard amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. However, the flush tank of the toilet bowl was somewhat unsatisfactory. I am unsure if it was too small, but after flushing, the water level in the tank seemed insufficient, resulting in incomplete flushing. I had to flush multiple times to ensure cleanliness. I am unsure if this issue was present in other rooms.

Nestled on a quiet side street along the Mekong River, just beyond the Indochina Market, Viengkhong Hotel offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Unlike hotels situated on busy main roads, this hidden gem provides a peaceful haven for relaxation.

For dinner tonight, I entrusted my stomach to Nadt Phabrimkhong Restaurant, which is located not far from the hotel, heading back towards the Indochina Market.

Shrimp lemongrass salad, this menu is 140 baht.

The "Pla Krong Rang" dish, priced at 140 baht, features minced fish that is deep-fried and then seasoned with a unique blend of spices. While the flavor profile resembles that of a "Pad Cha" or "Pad Ped" dish, it possesses a distinct character that sets it apart from both. The result is a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

The seafood glass noodle salad has a mild flavor.

Mieng Khai, priced at 120 baht, is similar to stuffed eggs, but with different fillings. The thickly wrapped eggs are served with dipping sauce.

60 baht for a delicious Lao dish.

The overall taste of the food is average. The restaurant's interior is decorated like a green garden. Unfortunately, I arrived at the restaurant in the evening, so I couldn't fully appreciate the atmosphere.

Early in the morning, I woke up early to breathe the fresh morning air by the Mekong River. I went out to the lawn behind the hotel to take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere by the riverbank. The Mukdahan municipality has created a path for walking or cycling for exercise.

The invigorating morning air was a delight. After a short walk, I needed to shower and have breakfast. My plan for the morning was to visit Phum No Ron before attending to some errands.

The breakfast service point is located opposite the lobby. The hotel will prepare breakfast from 6:30 AM onwards.

Breakfast options include rice porridge (congee) or stir-fried instant noodles (pad see ew) (the options in parentheses are for the second day's breakfast menu), deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao), and bread. Beverages include orange juice, hot cocoa, and coffee. Guests are welcome to request additional servings if needed.

After helping myself to the delicious breakfast buffet, I chose a seat on the hotel's back balcony. As I savored my meal, I couldn't help but admire the breathtaking views of the Mekong River.

After breakfast, I rushed straight to Phra Phutthabat Phum Manorom Temple, another must-visit tourist attraction in Mukdahan.

The Phra Phutthabat Phumimanoram Temple is located on Phumimanoram Hill, not far from Mukdahan city. The hill is neither too low nor too high. The road leading up to the hill has some steep and winding sections, so it is advisable to drive with caution.

The summit of Phum Mon Rom is home to the Phra Phutthabat Phum Mon Rom Temple. Three main points of interest are located here: the Phra That Phum Mon Rom, the footprint of the Buddha, and the ongoing construction of the "Phra Chao Yai Kaew Muk Da Sri Triratna" statue. This statue is being built to commemorate the 80th birthday of King Rama IX with a budget of over 106 million baht. Currently, the construction is not yet complete. The statue's lap width is 39 meters, and its height is 86.50 meters. It is situated at the highest point of Phum Mon Rom, making it visible from afar.

Another must-see landmark is the "Phra Si Muek Dam Mahamuni Nil Pal Naga Raja," a colossal serpent statue measuring 122 meters long and boasting a 20-meter-tall head. Its dynamic pose and shimmering scales, reminiscent of iridescent beetle wings, are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship. Devotees flock to this magnificent statue to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The final point is adjacent to the parking lot. This open area offers panoramic views of Mukdahan city, including the Mukdahan Glass Tower and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in the distance.

It is recommended to arrive at Wat Phra Phutthabat Phumimanoram early in the morning to avoid the intense heat. Importantly, you can drive directly to the top of Phumimanoram. However, if you arrive later in the morning, you will need to park your car at the bottom of Phumimanoram and take a shared taxi to the top, which may be inconvenient. If you are visiting Mukdahan, don't miss this place!

After completing errands (the reason for coming to Mukdahan) in the morning, it was almost 10 am. After that, the group of more than 20 friends decided to visit Savannakhet Province, Laos. The team had already arranged a car to take us to Savannakhet. I agreed to go with them, considering that it only cost 500 baht per person (including border crossing fees, convenience fees, and transportation costs). I was excited about the opportunity to visit another country, so I didn't hesitate.

To cross the border into Laos, you can use the **Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge**, which is 1,600 meters long and connects Mukdahan Province in Thailand with Savannakhet Province in Laos.

After clearing immigration, it was almost 11:30 AM. Our first stop was to find something to eat. The van driver recommended LAO HOUSE RESTAURANT, a restaurant that serves both individual dishes and rice dishes with side dishes.

My team opted for shrimp fried rice and crispy pork with holy basil. Each dish will be served with soup.

In addition, we ordered a papaya salad and grilled pork neck to share. The food was average in taste.

After satisfying our hunger, we headed to our first destination, the Ing Hang Stupa. The Ing Hang Stupa is located approximately 13 kilometers from the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 2.

**Phra That Ing Hang** is a sacred landmark of Savannakhet, revered not only by Lao people but also by Thai pilgrims who frequently visit to pay respects and seek blessings.

The Ing Hang Stupa is an ancient stupa revered by the Lao people. The top of the stupa is made of pure gold weighing almost half a kilogram. The Lao people believe that this stupa is a twin of the Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom Province. According to historical records, the Ing Hang Stupa was built in 600 AD during the Sikhottabong Kingdom. During the reign of the powerful city of Muang Phra Nakhon, the stupa fell under Khmer influence and was converted into a Hindu religious site. Additional Hindu-style structures were built. Later, during the reign of King Fa Ngum of the Lao Kingdom, and when King Sai Setthathirath moved the capital to Vientiane, he ordered the restoration and conversion of the Ing Hang Stupa back into a Buddhist shrine. A new Lao-style stupa top was also built. Since then, the stupa has undergone several renovations. Today, the surrounding area of the stupa still retains low-relief carvings, which are a hallmark of Hindu art. Inside the stupa, the relics of the Buddha's spine are enshrined.

The area surrounding the main stupa features a ceremonial gate and a covered walkway adorned with numerous Buddha statues. Additionally, a pavilion serves as a venue for religious ceremonies.

To enter the temple and pay respects to the stupa, both Lao and Thai women must wear a sin. If you have not brought a sin, do not worry, there are sins available to borrow at the entrance gate. The Ing Hang Stupa is open to tourists for worship and sightseeing every day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

After paying respects at the sacred Phra That Ing Hang, we headed back to Savannakhet city. The next item on the agenda was a city tour of Savannakhet's downtown area. However, the weather did not cooperate, forcing us to conduct the tour from the comfort of our vehicle. The downtown area boasts numerous historical architectural gems with French influences, including Catholic churches and trendy spots for capturing stylish photographs. Unfortunately, the heavy downpour dampened our spirits, and we reluctantly returned to the Thai side of the border.

After the itch on my hands and feet subsided upon returning to the Thai side, I decided to soothe my shopping itch by splurging at the Indochina Market.

The Indochina Market: A Hub of Imported Goods in Thailand

The bustling Indochina Market, situated on Samranchai Khon Kaen Road and directly adjacent to the Mekong River, serves as a vibrant hub for imported goods from various countries, including Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos. This sprawling marketplace caters to both wholesale and retail customers, offering a diverse array of products.

Clothing and apparel constitute a significant portion of the market's offerings, alongside a wide selection of household appliances, ceramics, and daily necessities. The market's strategic location along the Mekong River facilitates the seamless transportation of goods from neighboring countries, contributing to its extensive inventory and competitive prices.

Dried pork, a popular souvenir, can be found here. The Mae Nil brand is widely available throughout the market. I recommend buying the larger logs for more pork. I bought the smaller logs, 8 logs for 100 baht, which seemed to have more banana leaves than pork. However, when comparing the amount of pork to the smaller logs (at the same price of 100 baht), the larger logs contain more pork.

In addition to the goods, there is also a Vietnamese food store.

The Indochina Market has two floors. The basement level can be accessed through this entrance.

And on Samran Chai Khong Road, in addition to being the location of the Indochina Market, it is also home to 2-3 important temples in Mukdahan. Let's start with Wat Si Mongkhon Tai.

Wat Si Mongkhon Tai: A Historic Temple in Mukdahan

Wat Si Mongkhon Tai is an ancient temple dating back to the Thonburi period. The main highlight is the Phra Chao Ong Luang, a revered brick-and-mortar Buddha statue considered the guardian deity of Mukdahan and revered by both Thai and Lao people for generations. It is believed to predate the founding of Mukdahan itself, although the exact date of its construction remains unknown. During my visit, the temple's main hall was undergoing renovations.

Not far from Wat Si Mongkhon Tai is Wat Yot Kaew Sriwichai, a temple with a history of over 200 years. Inside the temple, there is a replica of Phra That Phanom and a large Buddha statue for people to worship.

After shopping until the urge to shop subsided, I headed back to my accommodation to prepare for the banquet.

This morning, I had planned to go for a walk in Phu Pha Thoep National Park. However, due to the heavy rain that fell throughout the night and continued into the morning, I had to cancel my plans. Instead, I enjoyed a relaxing morning watching the view of the Mekong River in the rain.

After completing my final errands in the morning, I set off on my journey back to Nakhon Phanom Province. Along the way, I stopped to pay respects at the sacred Phra That Phanom stupa, seeking blessings for my life.

From Mukdahan, it takes about 1 hour to reach Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan. This is my fifth visit to Wat Phra That Phanom, but this time is the most special one in my life. It is a great blessing. How special it is, let's follow me slowly.

Phra That Phanom is the designated pagoda for those born in the year of the monkey and on Sundays. From the aerial view, it becomes clear that Phra That Phanom is situated near the Mekong River.

According to legend, Phra That Phanom was first built around 8 B.E. by Phra Maha Kassapa and 500 Arahants. They enshrined the Lord Buddha's right collarbone relic inside the stupa. Five local rulers contributed to the construction. The stupa was maintained for centuries until August 11, 1975, when heavy rain and storms caused the entire eastern side of the stupa to collapse, devastating people in both Thailand and Laos.

Subsequently, a new Phra That Phanom was hastily constructed in response to public demand. The people wholeheartedly donated funds alongside the government to rebuild the stupa according to its original design. As a result, Phra That Phanom has been majestically enshrined in Tha Uthen district to this day.

The Special Privilege of Visiting Phra That Phanom

This excerpt describes a special experience during a visit to Phra That Phanom. The author highlights the unique opportunity to witness the magnificence of the interior of the stupa.

Here's a breakdown of the translation:

• และสิ่งพิเศษสุดในการมาสักการะองค์พระธาตุพนมในครั้งนี้นั้น: This translates to "And the most special thing about visiting Phra That Phanom this time was…"
• คือผมได้มีโอกาสเข้าไปชมความงดงามด้านในองค์พระธาตุพนมด้วยครับ: This translates to "…that I had the opportunity to see the beauty inside Phra That Phanom."

This sentence effectively conveys the author's excitement and gratitude for this rare opportunity.

The small wooden door creaked open, revealing a breathtaking sight. The interior of the Phra That Phanom was adorned with exquisite artwork on four levels. The first level depicted the Buddha seated on a throne under the Bodhi tree. The Buddha figure was a masterpiece of painting, with gold leaf and intricate linework. The surrounding arch and decorative elements were sculpted with equal finesse. The central part of the stupa resembled a large platform, adorned with equally impressive sculptures. The narrow walkway made it difficult to capture the full grandeur of the Buddha images on the four walls.

Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of my visit. During the procession around the main stupa, we had to walk barefoot on the marble floor, which was extremely slippery. I was also concerned that climbing the small stairs to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors could lead to an accident. Therefore, I decided not to go up to see the upper floors. The 2nd floor is the Dharma floor, built in the shape of the Dharma wheel and enshrined on a naga throne. The 3rd floor is the Urangadhatu floor, where the Urangadhatu relics are enshrined and covered in gold. The surrounding balcony features five Buddha statues enshrined within niches. The 4th floor is the Mondop covering the Urangadhatu relics. However, even though I only visited the 1st floor, I still consider it a great blessing in my life.

Many visitors to Phra That Phanom end their pilgrimage at the main stupa. However, there is another interesting site nearby: the original stupa's brick stupa. Located on an island in the middle of the pond in front of Phra That Phanom temple, about 200 meters northeast of the main stupa, this square-shaped stupa houses fragments of brick and mortar from the original stupa that collapsed on August 11, 1975. It also contains relics of the Buddha, arhat remains, Buddha statues, gems, and other sacred objects.

It was time to head back to Nakhon Phanom city to prepare for the return trip. However, after leaving Phra That Phanom for only 20 km, I had to stop again because I was struck by a large stupa by the roadside. It was the Phra That Maruk Khana Khon.

Although I have passed by the Phra That Marukhanakhon temple many times before, I never thought to stop and pay my respects. However, this time, something compelled me to pull over and visit, even though I was pressed for time and needed to get to the airport.

The Mork Khon Nakhon Pagoda was built in 1993. It is made of brick and mortar in a square plan, resembling the Phra That Phanom but smaller. The pagoda is 50.9 meters high, signifying its construction to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX's reign. The number 9 also represents the ninth reign. It is the youngest satellite pagoda of Phra That Phanom. The Mork Khon Nakhon Pagoda is the designated pagoda for people born on Wednesday night.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

The exterior of the temple is magnificent, and the interior is equally impressive with its gleaming golden sculptures. Unfortunately, due to my limited time, I was unable to explore the surrounding area without risking missing my flight. However, I hope to return and pay my respects at this sacred site in the future.

I immediately rushed to the airport. Fortunately, there weren't many passengers, so I was able to check in easily.

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This trip was another wonderful experience that left me feeling truly fulfilled. Although the primary purpose of my visit was to conduct business, I was determined not to let my free time go to waste. I indulged in my passion for photography, exploring the local area and capturing its essence. Witnessing the lives of the local people brought me immense joy. It was a truly enriching experience.

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