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Explore Ubon Ratchathani

Explore Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

Iconic City Landmarks

Wat Phra That Nong Bua

This temple is a striking landmark, noteworthy for its gleaming white and gold chedi. The chedi is a precise replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India.

The temple looks especially impressive during sunset hours when its golden accents catch the fading light, creating a beautiful glow. It marks a deep connection to Buddhist origins.

Visitor Information & Tips

  • Open daily, typically from dawn to dusk.
  • Entry is free.
  • Plan your visit for late afternoon to see the chedi illuminated by the setting sun.
  • Wear respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered) to honor the sacred space.

Thung Sri Muang Park

This central park functions as the green lung and recreational heart of Ubon Ratchathani. It is a favored spot for locals for exercise, relaxation, and social gatherings.

Within the park, find the Ubon Ratchathani City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Mueang), a sacred site housing the city's guardian spirit, representing the city's spiritual foundation.

Visitor Information & Tips

  • The park is open daily, and entry is free.
  • The park often hosts various events, especially in the evenings and during festivals.
  • The popular night bazaar frequently sets up nearby, offering food and shopping.

More City Temples

Wat Thung Si Muang

  • This historic temple features an unique wooden "Ho Trai" (Tripitaka library).
  • The library stands on stilts in a tranquil pond, protecting ancient Buddhist scriptures.
  • This architectural design is rare and shows historical preservation methods.
  • Open daily; entry is free.
  • Focus on the architectural uniqueness of the Ho Trai.
  • A testament to traditional Thai craftsmanship.

Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram Wat Sri Thong

  • This temple houses the highly revered Phra Kaeo Butsarakham Buddha image.
  • The image holds significant spiritual value for the people of Ubon Ratchathani.
  • Open daily; entry is free.
  • Dress modestly and observe local customs inside the main hall. Maintain quiet decorum.

This temple is considered a powerful artifact and spiritual cornerstone.

Museums & Culture

  • Ubon Ratchathani National Museum: Located in a beautiful colonial-era building.
  • Exhibits artifacts on history, archaeology, ethnology, and art of the lower Isaan region.
  • Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Admission fees apply, around 100 THB for foreigners.

Museum Highlights

  • Ancient Civilizations:

    Displays include significant Dvaravati and Khmer artifacts from ancient civilizations.

  • Local Life:

    Find traditional Isaan tools, agricultural implements, and local textiles, showing daily life.

  • Art & Craftsmanship:

    Look for intricately carved sandstone lintels and Buddha images from the Dvaravati period. Textile displays are very interesting.

  • Location:

    The museum building once served as the provincial hall, adding to its historical context.

  • Overall:

    This museum is a treasure trove for regional history.

Historical Sites

Beyond the city, Ubon Ratchathani's surroundings present historical sites that connect to ancient civilizations and spiritual practices.

Ancient Discoveries

  • Pha Taem National Park:

    Famous for prehistoric rock paintings, dating back an estimated 3,000-4,000 years, depicting daily life, fishing, and animals.

  • Scenic Views:

    The park offers stunning cliff-top views of the majestic Mekong River and Laos, a dramatic backdrop to the ancient art.

  • Visitor Info:

    Open daily, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance fee (400 THB for foreigners, 200 THB for children).

  • Wat Nong Pah Pong (Forest Monastery):

    A highly respected forest meditation monastery, founded by Ajahn Chah. A serene and austere environment for meditation and Dhamma study.

  • Spiritual Contemplation:

    Not a typical tourist attraction, but a place for genuine spiritual contemplation and learning about the forest monastic tradition.

  • Visitor Decorum:

    Open daily; entry is free. Dress respectfully (modest, often white clothing) and observe monastic rules, especially silence.

Pha Taem Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking trails. Best visited in cooler months for outdoor exploration. Combine with Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao.

Getting Around

These sites are generally outside the city center, so dedicated transport (car, motorbike, or tour) is often needed.

Photography

The historical sites offer unique photographic opportunities. Respect signs regarding photography.

Natural Wonders

Ubon Ratchathani's natural landscape features rivers, waterfalls, and unique geological formations.

Kaeng Saphue

Rapids and rock formations on the Mun River, very visible during the dry season (around April-May) when water levels are low. A popular local picnic spot.

Saeng Chan Waterfall

An unique waterfall where water flows through a natural rock arch, creating a stunning effect resembling a moonbeam. Best seen after the rainy season for strong flow.

Two Color River

The confluence of the brown Mekong River and blue Mun River. The distinct color difference is a fascinating natural phenomenon, observed best from viewpoints in Khong Chiam, especially during the dry season.

Natural Wonders: Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

For Kaeng Saphue and Two Color River, the dry season (Nov-May) offers the clearest views of exposed formations and distinct water colors.

Book excursions on GetYourGuide

Waterfalls

Saeng Chan Waterfall is most impressive right after the rainy season, when water levels are high, creating a strong flow through the arch.

Boat Trips

Consider hiring a local boat for a closer look at the Two Color River confluence for a different perspective.

Comfort

Wear appropriate footwear for exploring rocky areas and trails near these natural attractions.

Respect Nature

Help keep these beautiful sites clean by carrying out all your trash and sticking to marked paths.

Hidden Gem: Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao

Often called the "Temple of Glowing Trees," this temple is near Pha Taem National Park. It features remarkable murals on the back of its ubosot (ordination hall) depicting trees.

Visiting Tips

  • Plan your visit to coincide with sunset.
  • Witness the breathtaking transformation as the murals begin to glow after dark.
  • Offers unique photographic opportunities as the light changes.

Hidden Gem: Sam Pan Bok

Situated on the Mekong River, this area boasts intricate rock formations and thousands of potholes carved by the river's erosion. The landscape compares to a "Grand Canyon."

Visiting Tips

  • Visit during the dry season (Nov-May) when water levels are low to expose formations.
  • Requires dedicated transport to reach.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking over uneven rock surfaces.
  • An excellent spot for unique photography.

Hidden Gem: Hat Chom Dao

Unique Landscape

  • Striking sand dunes and beaches along the Mekong River.
  • Emerge during the dry season (Nov-May) when water recedes.
  • Offer unique riverside landscapes that surprisingly feel like a desert.

Visiting & Experience

  • Ideal for photography and relaxed riverside exploration.
  • A different natural experience compared to waterfalls or forests.
  • Check local conditions and accessibility before visiting, as it is remote.

General Sightseeing Advice

When exploring Ubon Ratchathani's temples and sacred sites, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. This displays proper respect.

Always carry water, especially during warmer months, and use sun protection. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded market areas.

Nature Etiquette

Keep national parks clean. Stick to marked trails. Do not disturb wildlife or natural formations.

Photography Tips

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of signage regarding photography in certain areas, especially inside temples or sacred spaces.

Transportation

For sites outside the city, consider hiring a private car, a local taxi, or joining a guided tour for convenience.

Booking Activities for Attractions

For national parks or guided tours to remote sites, consider booking in advance, especially during peak season.

Platforms like GetYourGuide can assist with attraction ticket booking and local excursions, ensuring a smooth visit.