🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Ho Kaeo Mukdahan was built in 1996 to mark the King's Golden Jubilee, the 50th year of his reign. Its full name is Ho Kaeo Mukdahan Chaloem Phra Kiat Kanchanaphisek. The base of the building is nine-sided with a diameter of 40 metres, and the tower rises from it to a total height of around 65 metres. It's the highest viewpoint in town, and a landmark that almost everyone passing through Mukdahan stops to see.
What makes the tower worth climbing isn't just the height — it's the location, right on the edge of town beside the Mekong, so you get views of both sides at once. Look inward and you see the layout of Mukdahan; look outward and you see the river and Laos. If you like shooting from up high, or just want to get your bearings before heading to other spots, stopping here first gives you a clear sense of how the town fits together.
What you'll find inside — floor by floor
Ho Kaeo isn't just an empty viewing tower. The lower floors are a small museum, and the upper floors are the viewpoint, so on the way up you get a bit of local history along with the view.
- Floor 1 — Way-of-life museum Displays everyday tools and objects used by Mukdahan people in earlier times: woven baskets, farming and fishing gear. An easy stop before heading up.
- Floor 2 — Eight ethnic groups room Mukdahan is home to several ethnic groups — Phu Thai, Thai Isan, Thai Kaloeng, Thai Saek, Kraso and more. This floor tells the history and culture of each, showing just how mixed the town's roots are.
- Floor 6 — 360° viewpoint The reason most people come. It's a deck that wraps the whole way around, about 50 metres up, so you can circle it and look out over every side of town and the Mekong.
- Floor 7 — The Mukdahan crystal orb The very top houses a smoky crystal orb that holds a silver Buddha image and the Buddhas of the days of the week. Many people go up to pay their respects and make a wish before heading back down.
How to climb without tiring your legs
There's a lift to take you up, so you don't have to walk the whole spiral staircase. When it's busy, though, the lift can have a queue. If you're not in a hurry, walk up the stairs and look at the lower-floor exhibits along the way, then take the lift back down.
Want more out of Mukdahan? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
The view from the top — what you'll see
Once you reach the viewing deck, walking around it shows you a different side of town from each angle. The side facing inward looks over the whole layout of Mukdahan — the rooftops, the markets and the main road running through. The side facing the river looks out over the wide Mekong, with Savannakhet in Laos directly across. On a clear day you can make out the buildings and trees on the Laos side easily.
- The Mekong River Stretching out wide, with boats and the banks on both sides clearly in view.
- Savannakhet, Laos The town across the water, closer than you'd expect — visible with the naked eye.
- The town of Mukdahan The whole layout from above, good for photos and for getting an overview before heading to other spots.
- Hills to the west On a good day you can see the ridge towards Phu Manorom and distant mountain ranges.
When the view looks best
In the morning the sun is gentle and the sky is clear, so you can see across to Laos easily. Late afternoon, near closing time, gives you softer light and the town starting to light up. If you can choose, try to go about an hour before it closes — the view is at its best and there are fewer people.
Before you go — hours and entry fee
- Opening hours Open daily, roughly 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (it can close earlier at times, so it's best to go before late afternoon).
- Entry fee Around 30 THB for adults and 10 THB for children — very cheap.
- Parking There's a large parking area in front of the tower, so you don't need to worry about where to leave the car.
- Time needed Walking through the whole tower takes about 30–45 minutes; allow an hour if you like taking your time with photos.
The tower sits on Highway 2034 (the Mukdahan–Khemarat road), about 2–3 kilometres from the town centre — under 10 minutes by car from the middle of town. It's on the same road as the route up to Phu Manorom, so you can easily plan a trip that stops at Ho Kaeo first, then carries on up to pay respects to Phra Chao Yai Kaeo Mukda Si Trai Rat on Phu Manorom in one go.
More to see around here
Wat Phu Manorom
On the same road as Ho Kaeo. Drive up to pay respects to the large Phra Chao Yai Buddha by the Mekong, with another fine view of the river — perfect to visit right after the tower in one trip.
In townIndochina Market
A riverside market in the centre of town with souvenirs, food, and Lao–Vietnamese goods. Great for a long, easy stroll in the evening.
BorderThai–Lao Friendship Bridge 2
The crossing over to Savannakhet — the Laos town you can see from Ho Kaeo. If you want to head across to Laos, this is where you start.
Want a full-day Mukdahan itinerary with Ho Kaeo and other spots?
See the Mukdahan travel guide →