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LOTR vibes in Thailand? Get ready to know more about Ubon Ratchathani!
- Things to Know
- Best Time to Visit Ubon Ratchathani
- How to Get to Ubon Ratchathani
- What to See and Do in Ubon Ratchathani
- Check out Sam Phan Bok's unique rock formations
- Marvel at the Pha Taem National Park's giant rock cliffs
- See the giant gong at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan
- Traverse Kaeng Thana National Park's stunning nature trails
- Learn about traditional cotton-making in Tohsang Cotton Village
- Listen to the relaxing cascade of Huai Luang Waterfall
- Visit Wat Sirindhorn Wararam's glow-in-the-dark temple
- Admire Wat Phra That Nong Bua's elegant architecture
- Spend the day exploring Thung Sri Muang
- Where to Eat in Ubon Ratchathani
- Pakmor Robot
- Guay Jub Ubon
- Som Tum Jinda
- Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani
- Tohsang Heritage Khong Chiam
- Centara Ubon
- Sunee Grand Hotel
Can you imagine visiting a place that has full-on LOTR vibes, but right in Thailand? Ubon Ratchathani with its tall mountain ranges, verdant landscapes, and a river flowing through the middle should tick all the boxes for you.
And the best part? It isn’t on everyone’s radar! So, it’s about time you cap your trip to Thailand with something truly special and start this adventure to incite the Frodo Baggins (or Gandalf, if you prefer) in you.
Things to Know
Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Ubon Ratchathani International Airport
Operating Hours: 24/7
Best Time to Visit Ubon Ratchathani
It’s best to visit Ubon Ratchathani from November to February to enjoy good weather during your vacation. After all, these months get less rain and cooler dry temperatures.
That makes it ideal for daytime activities like hiking, sightseeing, and temple visits. Plus, the cooler temperature means you can enjoy doing all these throughout the day.
How to Get to Ubon Ratchathani
Plane: Ubon Ratchathani has an international airport so you can easily access it by plane from key locations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket. That also means you can fly here directly from outside Thailand.
After your plane lands, you can just ride the airport taxis or buses to your hotel.
Bus: Public buses also travel to Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. This is a cheaper alternative if you don’t mind traveling for more than 10 hours.
For instance, bus tickets from Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani can set you back between 500 and 100 baht.
Train: You can also go to Ubon Ratchathani by train, which can be cheaper than a bus ride depending on your seat type. For example, a second-class fan seat from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station will cost only 581 baht when booked on-site.
Traveling by train to Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok can take between 8 to 12 hours.
What to See and Do in Ubon Ratchathani
Check out Sam Phan Bok’s unique rock formations
Media credit: mathildefoyer
Sam Phan Bok is one of the most notable attractions in Ubon Ratchathani because of its unique natural rock formations. This popular tourist site has numerous holes created by swirling waters that erode the surrounding sandstones.
That’s why it looks like a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. In fact, this similarity is also why the locals call this the Mekong Grand Canyon.
The rock formations in Sam Phan Bok are best seen during the dry season, so time your visit then if you want to see them in all their glory!
Marvel at the Pha Taem National Park’s giant rock cliffs
Media credit: gobgabp
This place is also well-known for its natural rock formations. The Pha Taem National Park is a great place to explore since it has plenty of giant rock cliffs and mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Plus, some of its rock formations have prehistoric carvings which history buffs will appreciate. Aside from that, you’ll also find Naga statues, Buddha images, and a small waterfall within the park’s borders.
See the giant gong at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan
Media credit: schweizthailand
Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is one of the most important temples in Ubon Ratchathani, and we think it’s visiting for its impressive structures. Its giant gong, in particular, is the temple’s most popular attraction.
This gong is adorned with golden lotus-like petals at the center and the flags of all ASEAN countries at the side. That makes this temple famous even to non-Buddhist tourists vacationing in the province.
Traverse Kaeng Thana National Park’s stunning nature trails
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If you like exploring nature, Kaeng Thana National Park is your best option in Ubon Ratchathani. The park has numerous nature trails offering stunning sceneries rich in flora and fauna.
In fact, this place is popular among dedicated animal spotters. It’s also home to over 40 local bird species, so it’s perfect if you enjoy taking wildlife photographs of exotic birds.
The local avians in the park include the oriental dwarf kingfisher, banded kingfisher, orange-breasted trogon, banded broadbill, golden-fronted leaf bird, and more.
Learn about traditional cotton-making in Tohsang Cotton Village
The place to go if you like Ubon Ratchathani’s local hand-woven cotton products. At Tohsang Cotton Village, you can buy some of the province’s best traditional clothes and handicrafts made with materials like cotton, silk, and brass.
Aside from shopping, you can watch how the locals create the fabrics and textiles they use to make clothes, pillows, yarn, and more. That means you can see how your bought product was made from scratch!
Listen to the relaxing cascade of Huai Luang Waterfall
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Huai Luang Waterfall is great for families looking for a peaceful hideaway close to nature. It’s located inside the Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park, so prepare for a 5-minute hike from the parking area before reaching the cascade.
The waterfall’s relaxing stream makes it ideal for family picnics, and swimming or dipping your toes in its pond is fun. Look out for butterflies near the waterfall to get some unique and awesome photos!
Visit Wat Sirindhorn Wararam’s glow-in-the-dark temple
Media credit: vivreenthailande
Visiting Wat Sirindhorn Wararam is one of the most unique experiences in Ubon Ratchathani. Not only is the temple famous for its intricate wall and floor carvings, but these designs also glow in the dark.
It’s done using luminescent paint, which makes the carvings store ambient light during the day. Once it’s dark, the paint releases the stored light to make the designs glow—that’s why it attracts plenty of visitors, especially at night.
Admire Wat Phra That Nong Bua’s elegant architecture
Media credit: sekkin1970
Though Wat Phra That Nong Bua isn’t among Thailand’s most ancient religious temples, its elegant architecture is top-notch. That’s why it’s one of the most impressive-looking structures in Ubon Ratchathani.
The temple is well-known for its tall, ivory-white Laotian-style chedi adorned with intricate gold motifs. Moreover, Wat Phra That Nong Bua houses a great collection of golden seated Buddha images.
If you like taking temple photos, there are also numerous golden wall carvings inside. Our favorite subjects are the beautiful pillars at the shrine!
Spend the day exploring Thung Sri Muang
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This charming city square is a must-visit when vacationing in Ubon Ratchathani. Here, you’ll find a tall golden pillar amid a lush green garden making it ideal for pleasant morning and afternoon strolls.
Since it’s a public park, you’ll also find other facilities while walking around. Think benches, a playground, a temple, a basketball court, a royal family shrine, and a small pond.
Plus, it’s next to the Thung Sri Muang Night Market, so you can head there after spending the day in the park.
Where to Eat in Ubon Ratchathani
Pakmor Robot
Media credit: uncmac
Address: 82 Benchama Road, ตำบล ในเมือง Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 86 710 9768
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Jaehoonyon/
Prices: ฿
This Vietnamese restaurant in Ubon Ratchathani is a local favorite. It’s famous for its signature Vietnamese-style dumplings with fried egg filling.
They use soft and thin dough, so you’re getting more filling at every bite (don’t forget to try it with Pakmor Robot’s secret sweet sauce!).
The restaurant is a byword in the local scene as it has been in operation for over 30 years satisfying countless patrons along the way. Just a heads up: your credit/debit card won’t matter here as they only accept cash payments.
Guay Jub Ubon
Media from guayjububon
Address: 7 Promthep Road, Nai Muang, Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani, 34000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 87 074 0499
Prices: ฿
Guay Jub Ubon is one of the best noodle shops in Ubon Ratchathani. The top pick here is their signature guay jub noodles, a traditional rice noodle dish with a rich five-spice broth and pork offal.
Aside from that, this Thai restaurant is also a go-to for classic egg noodles and dumplings.
Som Tum Jinda
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Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 45 255 223
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SomtumJindaUbon/
Prices: ฿฿
If you’re looking for good-quality food at great value in Ubon Ratchathani, there’s Som Tum Jinda. In fact, it was given a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its authentic and affordable traditional Isan cuisine.
This includes their signature som tum, larb pla kang, sup nor mai, chin sam nam, nam phrik pla tu, and more. Since their food is authentic, expect most dishes to be spicy and seasoned with numerous herbs.
Our heat-challenged teammates appreciate the chilis below the dishes in the menu, which indicate the spice levels.
Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani
Tohsang Heritage Khong Chiam
Media from tohsang_heritage_khongjiam
Address: 68 หมู่ 7 บ้านห้วยหมากใต้ Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani 34220, Thailand
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 45 351 174
Website: https://tohsang.com/khongchiam/
Prices: ฿฿
This resort in Khong Chiam District is one of the best accommodations in Ubon Ratchathani because it’s next to the great Mekong River. That means you’re already covered for scenic sunset views.
Plus, Tohsang Heritage Khong Chiam has some of the best facilities you’ll want from a hotel. Think full-service spa, private pools, riverside cafe, onsite restaurant, and an alfresco bar.
It’s also a minute away from the Tohsang Cotton Village which is great if you plan to visit it.
Centara Ubon
Media from centaraubon
Address: 355 Chaeramae, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 45 319 556
Website: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cub
Prices: ฿฿
Centara Ubon is a solid mid-range hotel with plenty of modern facilities. The hotel rooms are chic with decent space, so your stay will be comfortable.
Moreover, their bathroom facilities are clean and modernized. Our team particularly enjoyed hanging out at the hotel’s lush garden area, which has a huge outdoor pool, several sunbeds, and a couple of lounges.
Sunee Grand Hotel
Media credit: adisaksanjan
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 81 265 3388
Website: http://suneegrandhotel.com/
Prices: ฿฿
If you like shopping on the side, staying at the Sunne Grand Hotel is a solid choice. After all, it’s located in the Sunee Tower which is also a city mall in Ubon Ratchathani.
Aside from that, staying here puts you close to numerous restaurants and services within the tower’s premises. Think: cinema, fast food chains, fine-dining restaurants, a water park, beauty salons and more!
