Ubon Ratchathani Travel Guide: Must-See Attractions, Delicious Local Cuisine, and Historical Sites

Ubon Ratchathani, often referred to as Ubon, is a vibrant city in northeastern Thailand with a rich cultural heritage and serene natural beauty. In this Ubon Ratchathani travel guide, we’ll highlight the must-see attractions, guide you through the vibrant local cuisine, and take you on a journey through the city’s historical sites. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, Ubon Ratchathani offers an array of experiences that will leave you enchanted.

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How to Get to Ubon Ratchathani

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• By Air: Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the city. Multiple daily flights from Bangkok, with a flight time of just over an hour.
• By Bus: Buses connect Ubon Ratchathani with major cities like Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The bus journey from Bangkok takes approximately 10-12 hours.
• By Train: Trains are available from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station. The scenic journey takes about 8-12 hours, with an overnight sleeper train option for added comfort.

How to Get Around in Ubon Ratchathani

• Tuk-tuks are a quintessential part of Thai travel and are widely available in Ubon Ratchathani. These three-wheeled vehicles offer a fun and flexible way to get around, especially for short distances. You can hail one on the street or ask your hotel to arrange a tuk-tuk ride for you.
• Songthaews are shared pickup trucks with two rows of seats in the back. They are a popular form of public transport, often running set routes around the city. You can hop on and off easily, making them a budget-friendly way to travel between Ubon Ratchathani attractions.
• Private taxis are available and can be arranged through your hotel or found at major transportation hubs like the airport or bus station. While more expensive than public transport, taxis offer convenience and comfort, particularly for visiting places outside the city center or during late hours.
• Ride-sharing services like Grab have become increasingly popular in Ubon Ratchathani, offering a safe and reliable way to travel. With just a few taps on your phone, you can book a ride to any location, including popular spots for the best things to do in Ubon Ratchathani.
• Local buses operate on fixed routes and are an affordable option for traveling longer distances within Ubon Ratchathani. While the routes may not be as extensive as in larger cities, buses are still a good option if you’re looking to travel outside the main tourist areas.

Where to Stay in Ubon

The Ubon Ratchathani City Center offers an excellent base for tourists looking to explore the city on foot, with easy access to attractions, local restaurants, and bustling markets. Whether you’re visiting historical sites or trying the best of Ubon Ratchathani local cuisine, staying in the city center ensures everything is within reach. Here are three budget-friendly hotels that are highly rated for their convenience and service.

• THE NINE PLACE Chaeng Sanit: Nestled in the city center, this hotel places you within a few minutes’ walk from Thung Si Muang Park, local markets, and temples, making it ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
• Rapeepan Ville Hotel: Although slightly off the main road, Rapeepan Ville Hotel offers a quiet, relaxing environment while still being close to Ubon Ratchathani’s key attractions. It’s a peaceful retreat just a short tuk-tuk ride from the heart of the city.
• Velawarin Hotel: Located slightly outside the busiest parts of the city center but still within convenient access to key spots, Velawarin Hotel offers a comfortable and serene stay. It’s perfect for tourists who prefer a quieter area while still being close enough to explore the main attractions of Ubon Ratchathani with ease.

Top 10 Things to Do in Ubon

Ubon Ratchathani is a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, offering a wide range of experiences for visitors. From stunning temples and historical sites to exploring local markets and nature, here are the top 10 things to do in Ubon Ratchathani:

1. Visit Wat Phra That Nong Bua
   Wat Phra That Nong Bua is one of Ubon Ratchathani’s most iconic temples, featuring the majestic Sri Maha Pho Chedi, which was inspired by the Mahabodhi Stupa in India. The towering structure, beautifully adorned with intricate carvings and golden accents, is a spiritual and architectural marvel. Visitors are drawn to its serene atmosphere and the surrounding gardens, making it a perfect place for peaceful reflection. Wat Phra That Nong Bua is also a popular pilgrimage site during major Buddhist festivals.
2. Explore Wat Thung Si Muang
   This temple stands out for its unique architecture, especially its ho trai—a traditional wooden scripture hall built on stilts over a pond. The elevated design protected sacred texts from pests in ancient times. Wat Thung Si Muang also houses a stunning ordination hall with beautiful murals depicting Buddhist stories. As one of the oldest temples in the city, it is a great place to immerse yourself in Ubon’s rich religious heritage and observe daily life at a working monastery.
3. Discover the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
   The Ubon Ratchathani National Museum provides an in-depth look into the region’s history, culture, and archaeology. The exhibits include prehistoric artifacts, ancient religious sculptures, and traditional crafts, giving visitors a comprehensive view of Ubon’s development over the centuries. The museum also features beautiful displays of local textiles and pottery, as well as exhibits highlighting the history of Ubon Ratchathani historical sites. A visit here offers valuable insight into the cultural fabric of the region.
4. Stroll Around Thung Si Muang Park
   Located in the heart of the city, Thung Si Muang Park is the perfect spot for an evening walk or a leisurely afternoon. This well-maintained public space is often the site of local festivals and community events. In the evening, it becomes a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, with vendors selling snacks, beverages, and local handicrafts. The park’s central location makes it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing, offering both a serene retreat and a taste of Ubon’s community spirit.
5. Visit Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram
   Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram is another of Ubon’s most important temples, renowned for its white marble Buddha statue that radiates a sense of purity and calm. The temple is a key spiritual site in the city, hosting numerous Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year. Its elegant architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a lovely place to visit, whether you’re exploring its sacred halls or simply enjoying the tranquility of its gardens.
6. Explore Pha Taem National Park
   Nature lovers will enjoy Pha Taem National Park, famous for its breathtaking views of the Mekong River and its ancient cliff paintings. These paintings, some of which date back over 3,000 years, depict scenes of daily life from prehistoric communities, including fishing and hunting. The park also boasts scenic hiking trails, unique rock formations, and waterfalls, offering a perfect escape into nature. The sunrise view over the Mekong River from the cliffs is particularly stunning and worth an early morning hike.
7. Visit Wat Nong Pah Pong
   Wat Nong Pah Pong is a peaceful forest monastery established by the highly respected meditation monk Ajahn Chah. The temple is known for its serene environment and serves as a center for practicing mindfulness and meditation. Visitors often come here to learn about Buddhist monastic life, meditate in the forest, and pay respects at the memorial stupa of Ajahn Chah. The tranquility and simplicity of the surroundings make this a spiritually enriching experience.
8. Wander Around Thung Sri Muang Night Market and Weekend Walking Street
   For a true taste of Ubon Ratchathani local cuisine, the Thung Sri Muang Night Market and weekend walking street are must-visits. The market comes alive in the evenings with vendors selling a variety of Isaan dishes, from spicy Som Tam (papaya salad) to grilled meats like Gai Yang. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with the aromas of street food, live music, and locals and tourists mingling. It’s the best place to try local favorites and shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
9. Explore Wat Phu Prao (Wat Sirindhorn Wararam)
   Wat Phu Prao, located near the Lao border, is known for its striking design and enchanting glowing murals. These murals, which light up in the dark, depict the tree of life and create a magical ambiance in the evening. The temple is perched on a hilltop, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s an ideal place to visit in the late afternoon to watch the sunset, followed by the illumination of the murals after dark.
10. Hike Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park
    Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park is a hidden gem in Ubon, offering beautiful hiking trails through lush forests, serene waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. This park is perfect for those who enjoy trekking and want to explore nature away from the crowds. One of the highlights is the Huay Luang Waterfall, which cascades into a clear pool, perfect for cooling off after a hike. The park also offers viewpoints overlooking the Lao border, making it a peaceful and scenic day trip.

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Must-Try Ubon Ratchathani Local Cuisine

Ubon Ratchathani is known for its vibrant and flavorful Isaan cuisine, which is a must-try for any visitor to the region. Here are some of the best dishes to savor while you’re exploring the city:

• Som Tam (Papaya Salad): A staple of Isaan cuisine, Som Tam is a spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, peanuts, and sometimes fermented fish or crab. It’s tangy, spicy, and refreshing—perfect for hot weather.
• Laab (Spicy Minced Meat Salad): Laab is a spicy, tangy salad made with minced meat (usually pork or chicken), lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and ground toasted rice. It’s one of Isaan’s signature dishes, often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
• Sai Krok Isaan (Isaan Sausage): A popular street food, Sai Krok Isaan is a fermented pork sausage with a sour, savory taste. It’s usually served with sticky rice, raw cabbage, chilies, and slices of fresh ginger for a balanced flavor experience.
• Khao Jee (Grilled Sticky Rice): A simple yet delicious snack, Khao Jee is sticky rice molded into a patty, brushed with egg, and grilled until crispy. It’s a popular breakfast or street snack in Ubon.
• Tom Saap (Isaan Spicy Soup): A sour and spicy soup made with pork ribs or beef, flavored with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. Tom Saap is packed with herbal flavors and is a warming dish often enjoyed with sticky rice.
• Kaeng Om (Isaan Herbal Soup): Kaeng Om is an Isaan-style herbal soup made with various meats (usually beef or pork) and vegetables. The broth is light but deeply flavored with local herbs and spices like dill, lemongrass, and galangal.
• Pa Lo (Five-Spice Pork Stew): A Chinese-influenced dish that’s popular in Ubon, Pa Lo is a slow-cooked pork stew flavored with five-spice powder, soy sauce, and hard-boiled eggs. The rich, savory flavors make this dish a comforting favorite.

Conclusion of Best Things To Do In Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is a captivating destination with its blend of rich history, cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. From exploring stunning temples and historical sites to enjoying the natural beauty of national parks and rivers, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re walking through the city center, sampling street food at the night markets, or visiting iconic Ubon Ratchathani attractions, this city offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s northeastern charm. For those seeking an authentic experience, Ubon Ratchathani is the perfect mix of tradition and adventure.