Getting There & Away: Ubon Ratchathani

Air Travel

Flight Options to UBP

Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (UBP) is the main air gateway, served by major domestic carriers.

Carriers & Connections

Airlines: Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet Air.
Routes: Predominantly domestic flights to Bangkok (DMK & BKK).
No direct international flights to UBP; connect via Bangkok.

Airport Facilities & Timing

UBP is a smaller, regional airport with essential services. Flight availability is year-round.

Planning Your Flight

Prices higher during peak season (Nov-Feb) and major Thai holidays (Songkran, New Year).
Local festivals (Candle Festival in July) cause demand and prices to rise.
Facilities: Food stalls, car rental, taxi, ATMs, SIM card vendors.

Taxi Service

Metered taxis available outside terminal. Fare to city center: 80-150 THB.

Ride-Sharing Grab

Grab app provides fixed fares. Book a car or motorbike taxi through the app.

Songthaew

Shared pickup trucks, a low-cost option. May require a short walk from terminal to main road.

Airport Transfer Options

From Airport to City

Metered taxis are readily available.
Grab offers convenient fixed fares.
Songthaews are a budget-friendly option.
Consider distance and time for various transport methods.

Booking Tips

Confirm metered fare for taxis, or fixed fare via Grab.
Negotiate songthaew charter price beforehand.
Book flights in advance for better rates during popular periods.
Consider Grab for transparent pricing upon arrival at UBP.

Flight Search Tools

Budget Flights

Find affordable airfare deals via Dollar Flight Club.

Comprehensive Search

Compare flight options from various airlines on Skyscanner.

Compensation Claims

Get compensation for flight delays or cancellations via AirHelp.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station is the easternmost terminus of Thailand's Northeastern line.

Routes & Journey

Regular services connect to Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Journey takes 9-12 hours from Bangkok, depending on train type.
Overnight sleeper trains are available for comfortable travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal offers extensive bus connections across Thailand.

Routes & Amenities

Frequent services to Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal (8-10 hours).
Connections to other cities like Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket.
Various classes exist (VIP, 1st Class, 2nd Class) with different comfort levels.

Driving in Thailand

Self-driving is an option with the proper documentation and awareness of local habits.

Requirements & Habits

International Driving Permit (IDP) and home license are necessary.
Drive on the left side of the road.
Local driving habits are aggressive; drive cautiously.

Border Crossings

Ubon Ratchathani province has a direct international border crossing point into Laos.

Crossing Points

Chong Mek (Ubon) - Vang Tao (Laos) is main crossing to Southern Laos.
Chong Sa Ngam (Si Sa Ket) - Anlong Veng (Cambodia) is an option for Cambodia.
Verify visa requirements for Laos/Cambodia with their respective embassies.

Road Safety Guidelines

Helmets are legally required for all motorbike riders and passengers.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all car occupants.
Adhere to speed limits (60 km/h urban, 90-120 km/h highways).

Accident rates for tourists on motorbikes are high; ride cautiously.
Only rent a motorbike if you are an experienced rider.
Road conditions vary; exercise caution on rural roads.

Sea/River & Departure Information

Ocean Access

Ubon Ratchathani is located inland, far from any coastline or major sea port.

Sea Travel Notes

Sea-based travel methods are not applicable for Ubon Ratchathani.
No ferry services or cruise ports in the province.
Focus on air and land travel for access.

River Excursions

The Mun River flows through Ubon Ratchathani and meets the Mekong River. Regular public river transport for inter-city travel is not a feature.

Local River Trips

River travel is mainly for local sightseeing boat trips.
At Khong Chiam, charter longtail boats for the 'Two Color River' confluence.
These boat trips offer a unique perspective of the riverine landscape.

Air Departure

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight at UBP for check-in and security.

Train Departure

Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure at Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station.

Bus Departure

Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal.

Departure Tip

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on tourists departing Thailand by air. Any taxes related to your flight are typically included in your ticket price.

If flying out of Ubon Ratchathani during a major festival or public holiday, arrive at the airport earlier than the recommended time. Increased passenger numbers slow check-in and security.

Getting There & Away