Ubon Ratchathani Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart choices make your budget go further.

Local Transport

Use local songthaews for city travel; they cost less than taxis.
Rent a motorbike if you hold an international driving permit with motorcycle endorsement.
Explore local markets like Talad Yai or the Night Bazaar for free cultural experiences.
Many temples, including Wat Phra That Nong Bua, have no entry fee.

Dining & Accommodation

Seek out local promotions at restaurants and bars for evening deals.
Guesthouses give good value, comfortable stays for less than hotels.
For better rates, especially during low season, book directly with smaller establishments.

Financial Wise Choices

No specific tourist discount cards for Ubon Ratchathani attractions are available.
Most attractions have individual entry fees, if any.
Carrying small Thai Baht notes (20, 50, 100) assists with street food and small buys.
Vendors might not have change for large notes.

Efficient Travel

Fly into Ubon Ratchathani (UBP) from Bangkok for the fastest journey.
Grab offers relatively fast city travel for direct routes.
Group attractions by location to cut down on travel between sites.
Book flights and popular hotels in advance for good prices and availability.

Time-Saving Tips

Careful planning maximizes your enjoyment in Ubon Ratchathani.

Attraction Visits

Skip-the-line options are not typically relevant; queues are rare.
Visit popular temples and national parks early morning to beat heat and crowds.
Late afternoon visits work for sites with sunset views.
Entry to temples and museums is generally direct.

Local Knowledge

Avoid visiting temples without modest dress; cover shoulders and knees.
Carry a sarong or shawl for impromptu covering at religious sites.
Stay hydrated due to the intense tropical climate.
Plan outdoor activities for cooler mornings or late afternoons.

Cultural Sensitivities

Always remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops.
Learn and return the 'Wai' (Thai greeting).
Practice 'Jai Yen Yen' (cool heart); avoid public displays of anger.
Show respect for the monarchy and religion; avoid critical comments.

Social Interactions

Bargain politely in markets and for local transport fares.
Address locals with 'khun' before their name as a sign of politeness.
Learning basic Thai phrases for greetings and food orders is appreciated.
For example, 'mai pet' for 'not spicy' for food orders.

Traveler-Specific Guidance

Tailored advice for different travel styles.

Solo Traveler Safety

Ubon Ratchathani is a safe place for solo travelers.
Exercise standard personal safety practices.
Social opportunities are found in guesthouses or local eateries.
Consider group tours for social interaction.

Family Travel

Plan activities with frequent breaks for children.
Hotels with swimming pools provide good downtime.
Keep children well-hydrated in the heat.
Bring Kids travel activities for moments of quiet.

Food & Accessibility

Thai food might be spicy; seek milder options for children.
Rice and grilled chicken are generally safe choices for kids.
Accessibility infrastructure is limited for mobility issues.
Confirm accessibility with accommodations and attractions beforehand.

Group Management

For groups, larger vehicles (vans) for transfers deliver efficiency.
Pre-book restaurant tables for popular venues with larger groups.
Designate a group leader for payments and communications.
Chartered songthaews can be economical for day trips.

General Travel Guidance

General information for a positive travel experience.

Pre-Bookings

Book flights and popular hotels in advance for good prices.
This applies specifically during the high season (Nov-Feb).
Also, around major festivals like the Candle Festival in July.
Secure preferred options by booking early.

Local Phrases

Basic Thai greetings are appreciated by locals.
Learning 'thank yous' (khop khun krap/ka) is polite.
Simple food orders display cultural respect.
It makes for positive interactions.

Cultural Respect

Always remove shoes when entering temples or private homes.
A pile of shoes outside serves as a visual cue.
The 'Wai' is a traditional sign of respect.
Return the 'Wai' politely when offered.

Financial Prudence

Carry small denominations of Thai Baht (20, 50, 100 THB).
This assists with street food and small purchases.
Vendors might not have change for large notes easily.
It is a practical approach for daily transactions.

Important Note on Language Learning

Consider using language learning apps like Babbel to learn basic Thai phrases. Even a few words deepen your travel experience.

Digital Travel Companions

Digital tools make your journey smoother and more informative.

Navigation

Google Maps is invaluable for finding your way around Ubon Ratchathani.

Ride-Hailing

Use Grab for convenient taxi and motorbike taxi services with fixed fares.

Communication

Google Translate, with offline Thai language pack, greatly aids communication.

Online Resources & Tools

Travel Insights

Check the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) official website for general information.
Look for updates on events and festivals in the region.
Follow TAT social media for travel inspiration and news.

Connectivity & Security

Consider a NordVPN subscription for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.
A local SIM card from the airport or city brings immediate connectivity.
XE Currency Converter gives quick, real-time currency calculations.

Packing Tip

Travel organization products from Eagle Creek assist in keeping your luggage tidy.

Ubon Ratchathani Travel Hacks