Getting Around Ubon Ratchathani. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Songthaews are the most common and widely used form of local public transport. These are red, converted pickup trucks with two benches in the back, serving as shared taxis. They function on set routes around the city, picking up and dropping off passengers.

City Buses are less widespread, with a limited number of the routes of local buses. These are typically larger, more traditional buses and cover a broader area, but having less frequency and flexibility than songthaews.

Route & Fares

Songthaew routes are indicated by numbers or destinations on the vehicle.
Hubs: City center (Thung Sri Muang Park), main bus terminal, train station.
Songthaew fares: 20-50 THB per ride, paid to driver upon alighting.
Operating hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00/7:00 PM; less frequent in late afternoon/evening.

Songthaews

Cost-effective, shared taxi system on set routes. Wave one down from the road.

City Buses

Less frequent, traditional bus routes cover broader areas.

Accessibility Note

Public transportation, especially songthaews and city buses, is generally not wheelchair accessible.

Public Transport Tips

Using Songthaews

Hailing: Simply wave one down from the side of the road.
Confirm Route: State your destination to the driver before boarding.
Chartering: Negotiate a price for a direct trip if traveling in a group.

Language & Payments

Phrases: 'Pai [destination] dai mai?' (Can I go to?), 'Tao rai?' (How much?).
Fares are paid directly to the driver upon alighting.
Have small denominations of Thai Baht ready.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Metered Taxis

Green and yellow taxis can be found, mostly around hubs. Ensure meter use.

Grab App

Grab is widely used for convenience, safety, and transparent pricing. Also consider an ESIM from Airalo.

Payment

Mainly cash for taxis. Grab accepts cash or linked credit cards.

Safety

Confirm driver details via Pick up app. Negotiate taxi fare if meter is refused.

Rental Options

Renting a car or motorbike offers greater flexibility for exploring Ubon Ratchathani and its vicinity.

Car Rental Guide

International Driving Permit (IDP) with home license needed.
Passport and credit card for security deposit.
Major companies (Avis, Budget) and local providers available.
Drive on the left side of the road.

Motorbike/Scooter Rental

Motorcycle license from home country and IDP endorsement.
Helmets are legally required for rider and passenger.
Cash deposit often preferred over passport as deposit.
Only rent if an experienced rider due to traffic conditions.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive on the left side of the road.
Helmets mandatory for all motorcycle riders/passengers.
Seatbelts mandatory for all car occupants.

Speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 90-100 km/h two-lane, 120 kilometers per hour multi-lane.
Major roads are good; rural roads range in maintenance.
Parking generally available at attractions/city center; some paid.

Rental Resources

Car Rentals

Compare vehicle options via DiscoverCars.com for your journey.

VPN Services

Secure your online activity with NordVPN or ExpressVPN, useful for public Wi-Fi.

Camera Gear

Explore camera and electronics at B&H Photo.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling offer intimate ways to experience Ubon Ratchathani, allowing for closer examination of its charm.

Pedestrian Exploration

The city center around Thung Sri Muang Park, City Pillar Shrine, and pagodas is walkable.
Sidewalks generally available, though uneven or occupied by vendors.
Self-guided walks are feasible for city center attractions; use Google Maps.
Night bazaar offers an enjoyable walking experience.

Cycling & Safety

Limited dedicated bicycle lanes within the busy city center.
Motorbikes and cars may not always be aware of cyclists.
Quieter back roads or areas around national green spaces are safer.
Some guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rentals.

Specialized Transportation

Local River Tours

No regular boat taxi services within Ubon Ratchathani city.

Longtail boats chartered for scenic trips on Mun or Mekong rivers.
Popular at Khong Chiam to experience 'Two Color River' confluence.
Mainly for leisure, not practical transport.

Other Options

No hop-on-hop-off tour bus services.

No cable cars, funiculars, or other highly specialized transport.
Accessibility infrastructure is generally limited for mobility needs.
Travelers with mobility needs should plan carefully.

Private Transport

Consider arranging private transport for greater flexibility and comfort.

Reserve through reputable hotels or tour agencies.
Good for travelers with mobility challenges.
Pre-arrangements smooth out journeys.

Walking & Cycling Zones

Pedestrian Areas

Thung Sri Muang Park and surrounding temples.
Night bazaar area for evening strolls.
Smaller streets in the city center.

Cycling Areas

Quieter back roads outside the bustling city center.
Areas around national parks for scenic rides.
Limited dedicated bike lanes; caution on main roads.

Areas to Exercise Caution

Busy main roads are best avoided on foot or bike.
Heavy traffic and fast-moving vehicles, especially during peak hours.
Roads often lack proper pedestrian infrastructure.
Stick to more compact streets and designated park areas.

Local driving habits are aggressive.
Motorcycles are prevalent; remain aware of surroundings.
Exercise caution at intersections and in crowded areas.
No specific "no-go" areas for crime, but general caution for solo night walks.

Additional Transport Information

Beyond standard options, some unique transportation experiences and details await.

Tour & Water Transport

Tour buses mainly cater to organized group tours, not hop-on-hop-off.
No regular boat taxi amenities within the city.
Longtail boats can be chartered for scenic river trips, especially at Khong Chiam.
These river trips are for leisure and give unique angles.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility infrastructure in Ubon Ratchathani is generally limited.
Challenges exist for travelers with mobility needs on public transport and older attractions.
Consider arranging private transport for greater flexibility and comfort.
Newer hotels may have some accessible rooms or facilities.

General Transportation Tips

Pre-book Long Journeys

Book train or VIP bus tickets in advance, especially for overnight travel or peak season.

Secures preferred seating or sleeper berths.
Avoids last-minute availability issues.
Can offer better rates.

Local Knowledge

Ask hotel personnel or locals for current transport advice.

Routes for songthaews can be confusing.
Local insights ensure smooth travel.
Discover hidden gems off usual routes.

Currency Preparedness

Always carry small denominations of Thai Baht.

Essential for local transport fares (songthaews, small taxis).
Street food vendors may not possess change for large notes.
Convenience in daily transactions.

Safety Considerations for Transport

Driving Safety

Exercise caution when renting motorbikes; Thai traffic conditions pose risks.
Always wear a helmet when on a motorbike, legally required.
Be aware of aggressive local driving habits and prevalence of motorcycles.

Public & Private Transport

Agree on taxi fares beforehand or use meters/Grab to avoid disputes.
Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.
Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.

Final Transport Insight

Ubon Ratchathani’s transport options cater for various preferences, from budget-friendly songthaews to convenient ride-sharing and private rentals.

Planning your travel inside the city and to surrounding areas with these methods in mind will make your exploration seamless and enjoyable.

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