Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี) is a city in Isaan, Thailand, in a province of the same name. Often referred to as simply Ubon (อุบล), not to be confused with "Udon Thani" to the north. Ubon lies 582 km from Bangkok and has Thailand's 13th largest city population.

Ubon was founded on the northern bank of the Mun River by a group of Lao princes fleeing Vientiane in the late 1700s. They applied for King Taksin's protection, duly granted in 1779 along with the city's new name, meaning "Royal City of the Lotus". Modern-day Ubon was a U.S. air base during the Vietnam War and grew rapidly at the time, but little has happened since then. The town of Warin Chamrap, on the south bank of the river, is effectively a suburb of Ubon these days.

The sleepy Ubon office of the Tourist Authority of Thailand (264/1 Khuan Thani Rd) is worth a visit to pick up useful English maps of the town and nearby provinces. Basic English spoken. Open daily 08:30-16:30.

• SaSom Homestay and Dong Natam national park for the ones who love adventures and want to experience the first sunrise of Thailand.. The rural village near the boarder of Laos PDR provides a home-stay and welcome volunteers who want to explore the real local life of Isaan people which is serene,simply and sincere. You will learn how to plant rices in the real paddy fields, finding varieties of mushroom in the wild or even be a volunteered teacher in a local primary school. You can enjoy the steams and forest around there and hiking to Pha Chanadai ผาชนะได to experience the first sunrise in Thailand. Arrange is advance at Nap@Mun hostel napatmunhostel@gmail.com if you are willing to volunteer at the Sasom village school for more than 5 days, you can stay at our hostel in Ubon Ratchathani old town for one night free!
• Thung Si Muang Park. At the centre of town in front of city hall, this pleasant little park has several points of interest.
  A bright yellow elaborately carved candle sculpture, completed in 2000, standing 22 m tall and dedicated to the king, showcases Isaan art styles and has become the symbol of the city. The candle is placed on a junk, with a garuda eagle at the bow and a naga serpent around it.
  A statue of Phra Phatumvoraratsuriyawang commemorates the tersely-named founder of the town.
  Monument of Goodness (อนุสาวรีย์แห่งความดี) - The monument was built by WWII POWs to honour the generosity and goodness of the people of Ubon Ratchathani.
• City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง) - At the southern corner of the field, the sacred pillar was built in 1972.
• National Museum of Ubon Ratchathani (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ อุบลราชธานี) - The single-storey hip roofed building, built in 1918, once served as the city hall before it was handed to the Fine Arts Department. The museum has exhibitions on local geography, history of the city’s establishment, archaeological fine art objects, local handicrafts, and folk games.
• The Golden Jubilee Art and Cultural Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมกาญจนาภิเษก) - The seven-storey building in contemporary Isan architecture was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the king's accession to the throne. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony on 11 December 2001.
• Monument of Phra Pathum Worarat Suriyawong or Chao Kham Phong (อนุสาวรีย์พระปทุมวรราชสุริยวงศ์ หรือ เจ้าคำผง) Phra Pathum Worarat Suriyawong was the founder of Ubon Ratchathani during 1778-1795.
• Sculpture of Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong or Tisso Uan (ปฏิมากรรมสมเด็จพระมหาวีรวงศ์ หรือ ติสโส อ้วน) A famous monk who was well versed in Sutra and Vipassana.
• Sculpture of Harmony and Progress (ปฏิมากรรมร่วมใจก้าวไปข้างหน้า) - The sculpture represents the harmony of four countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
• Prasat Ban Ben. The Khmer sanctuary is a religious site comprising three brick prangs on separated laterite bases. The Fine Arts Department excavated the site in 1990 and found lintels featuring nine directional guardian angels and the God Indra on his Erawan heavenly elephant.
• Hat Khu Duea. This beach on the Mun River is 12km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani via Highway 24.
• Kaeng Saphue (แก่งสะพือ) - The rapids in the Mun River. "Saphue" derives from the word "Samphuet" in the Suai ethnic language meaning "large serpent".
• Sirindhorn Dam. Called Khuean Dom Noi by the people of the area, the rockfill dam with a clay core was constructed across the Lam Dom Noi, a tributary of the Mun River. The hydroelectric dam is 42 metres high and 940 metres long.
• Ban Kan Lueang Archaeological Site. An archaeological site which can be dated back to 2,800-2,500 years ago. In 1996, the Fine Arts Department found a number of artefacts such as beads, pottery, bronze bells, iron axes, and chaff.
• Ban Pa-ao. This ancient village is in Tambon Nong Khon. Two centuries ago, the villagers immigrated from Vientiane during the reign of King Siri Bunsan. The village produces brass work in an ancient style.
• Chong Mek (ช่องเม็ก) - The permanent Thai-Lao border pass is 90km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. The pass is a land bridge to Champasak Province.
• Annamese Lion Pulpit at Ban Chi Thuan. The Buddhist pulpit is placed at Wat Sinuan Saeng Sawang Arom. The concrete pulpit itself is unique, with a lion sculpture carrying the pulpit with decorative stucco, multi-layer wooden roof, and painting in the Annamese style.
• Maenam Song Si (แม่น้ำสองสี) - At the mouth of the Mun River, Ban Woen Buek. The Mun River runs into the Mekong, so we can see two rivers, in two different colours. "Song si" means 'two colours', blending together. The Mekong River is reddish brown, while the Mun River is bluish.
• Sao Chaliang. Carved by wind and water for millions of years, the mushroom-like stone towers are scattered around the area containing shell fossils, sand and gravels in their texture. Geologists think that over a million years ago this area was a sea.
• Pha Taem and Pha Kham (ผาแต้มและผาขาม) - The towering cliffs house groups of prehistorical paintings which date back 3,000-4,000 years. There are over 300 paintings in five categories including animals, geometrical motifs, rice farmers, hands, and "tum", or fish trap.
• Namtok Soi Sawan. Two streams, Huai Soi and Huai Phai, combine and plunge 20 metres down to the pond below, making the waterfall look like a necklace – "soi" in Thai.
• Namtok Thung Na Mueang (น้ำตกทุ่งนาเมือง) - The medium-sized waterfall cascades down a 25-metre cliff through flowerbeds which are in full bloom from October to December.
• Namtok Saeng Chan or Namtok Ru. The tiny cascade is special as the stream falls through a hole, "ru", down to the pond below. At noon, sunshine through the hole makes the waterfall look like a ray of moonshine, "saeng chan".
• Dong Na Tham Forest. From September to November is the best time to visit as flowers are in full bloom. There are waterfalls and fogs over the Mekong River. From January to March the forest changes its hue, with trees shedding their leaves, and cruises in the Mekong run from Ban Pak La to Khan Tha Kwian.
• Phu Lon (ภูหล่น) - The mountain is in Tambon Song Yang, 20km north of Amphoe Si Mueang Mai. It has a cave where monk Phra Achan Man Phurithatto practiced his Vipassana.
• Namtok Kaeng Lamduan (น้ำตกแก่งลำดวน) - These falls are in the compound of the Ubon Ratchathani Wildlife Reservation Promotion and Development Station. The waterfall runs over a rock terrace and through the shady forest of Lamduan trees.
• Namtok Huai Sai Yai or Kaeng I Khiao. The waterfall is in the Buntharik–Khao Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall runs over the rock terrace in a shady environment.
• Hat Wat Tai (หาดวัดใต้) - A beach in the middle of the Mun River. During the dry season, its white sandy beach is a tourist destination.

• Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park. The park covers a total area of 686km2. Its boundary connects to Laos and Cambodia in the area called the Emerald Triangle.
• Pha Taem National Park. The park features plateaus, undulating hills, and towering cliffs with strange sandstone formations scattered around. The park is covered mostly by deciduous dipterocarp forest and wild flowers can be found on the rock terrace.
• Kaeng Tana National Park. The park features plateaus and undulating hills with deciduous dipterocarp forest and grassland.

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park. The park covers a total area of 686km2. Its boundary connects to Laos and Cambodia in the area called the Emerald Triangle.

Pha Taem National Park. The park features plateaus, undulating hills, and towering cliffs with strange sandstone formations scattered around. The park is covered mostly by deciduous dipterocarp forest and wild flowers can be found on the rock terrace.

Kaeng Tana National Park. The park features plateaus and undulating hills with deciduous dipterocarp forest and grassland.

• Wat Nong Bua. A very unusual large white angular chedi, said to be a copy of the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodh Gaya, India. Quite stunning in appearance, but the decorations seem rather modern and with reason. The structure was built only in 1957 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of Buddha's death.
• Wat Nong Pah Pong. The forest monastery of the late venerable Ajahn Chah, one of the most famous meditation masters in Thailand in recent times. About 70 monks live here, including some foreign ones, and there is a small museum and a stupa (or chedi) with the relics of Ajahn Chah to visit. The temple is in a lush forest of Tambon Non Phueng. Monks study and practice Vipassana meditation there. The temple has the Phra Phothiyan Thera Museum that displays the eight requisites and wax model of Luangpu Cha.
• Wat Pah Nanachat. A famous forest meditation temple with more than 20 foreign/Western monks from all over the world. If you come before 08:00 you can join in the morning meal, and maybe speak to a monk afterwards. You can take a red songthaew from Warin Chamrab to Wat Pah Nanachat for about 10 baht. Numerous foreign monks study and practice Vipassana meditation here; most of them can speak Thai fluently and pray in Pali.
• Wat Thung Si Muang. Primarily notable for its wooden scripture hall (hor trai), on stilts above a pond. The monastery was built in the reign of Rama III (1824-51) to house a replica of Buddha's footprint. The Buddha's footprint is housed in the ubosot which mirrors art blending between the early Rattanakosin era and that of Vientiane. Another important building in the temple is the Ho Trai, the Hall of Tipitaka scriptures. The wooden hall was built in the pond to protect the Tipitaka from insects.
• Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram or Wat Si Thong. The ubosot houses a sacred Buddha image known as “Phra Kaeo Butsarakham”. The Buddha image, in the attitude of subduing Mara, is carved from topaz into the Chiang Saen style. Each year, in the Songkran Festival, people parade the Buddha image for the people to pay their respects to and bathe.
• Wat Chaeng. The ubosot, which was only completed 24 years later, is noted for its architecture and rare woodcarving. As a heritage site, the ubosot is well preserved in its original condition. It won a Certificate of Honour from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in the "Architect 87" Exhibition.
• Wat Maha Wanaram. It was at first only a "Samnak Song", a monastic residence, for Vipassana monks. According to a stone inscription found behind the principal Buddha statue, Phrachao Yai In Paeng, it was built in 1807. The stucco Buddha statue, in the attitude of subduing Mara, was built in the Laotian style.
• Wat Burapharam. The temple once served as a residence for famous meditation monks. Today, the temple houses lifelike stone figures of these monks.
• Wat Supattanaram Worawihan. This is the first Dhammayutika temple of the province. The temple has a special ubosot designed by a royal highway engineer Luang Sathit Nimankan (Chuan Supiyaphan). It has a Thai-style roof, Western-style hall and Khmer-style base.
• Wat Phukhao Kaeo. The temple has an ubosot delicately decorated with a tiered roof covered with terracotta tiles and supporting a golden spire in the middle. Inside is a high-relief regarding important phrathats, relic-containing pagodas, of Thailand.
• Wat Thung Si Wilai. The temple houses Luangpho Wiset, the principal Buddha image carved from laterite seated beneath the Naga's hood. The Buddha image from the Dvaravati period is considered a sacred icon for the village. The temple is surrounded by several enclosures of Sima stones that mark the temple’s consecrated boundary.
• Wat Tham Kuha Sawan. The temple was built by Luangpu Khamkhaning Chulamani to be a place for meditation practice where he also resided. After Luangpu's death his body, which did not decompose, was put in a glass coffin and is considered sacred.
• Wat Phu Anon (วัดภูอานนท์) - The temple has interesting attractions including a rock terrace with large footprints, nature-made stone jar, and cave painting.
• Wat Sa Prasan Suk or Wat Ban Na Mueang (วัดสระประสานสุข หรือ วัดบ้านนาเมือง) - The temple houses a special ubosot in the shape of the Suphannahong Royal Barge decorated with mosaics. The abbot is Achan Bunmi.

Wat Nong Bua. A very unusual large white angular chedi, said to be a copy of the Mahabodhi stupa in [[Bodh Gaya]], [[India]]. Quite stunning in appearance, but the decorations seem rather modern and with reason. The structure was built only in 1957 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of Buddha's death.

Wat Nong Pah Pong. The forest monastery of the late venerable Ajahn Chah, one of the most famous meditation masters in Thailand in recent times. About 70 monks live here, including some foreign ones, and there is a small museum and a stupa (or chedi) with the relics of Ajahn Chah to visit. The temple is in a lush forest of Tambon Non Phueng. Monks study and practice Vipassana meditation there. The temple has the Phra Phothiyan Thera Museum that displays the eight requisites and wax model of Luangpu Cha.

Wat Pah Nanachat. A famous forest meditation temple with more than 20 foreign/Western monks from all over the world. If you come before 08:00 you can join in the morning meal, and maybe speak to a monk afterwards. You can take a red songthaew from Warin Chamrab to Wat Pah Nanachat for about 10 baht. Numerous foreign monks study and practice Vipassana meditation here; most of them can speak Thai fluently and pray in Pali.

Wat Thung Si Muang. Primarily notable for its wooden scripture hall (hor trai), on stilts above a pond. The monastery was built in the reign of Rama III (1824-51) to house a replica of Buddha's footprint. The Buddha's footprint is housed in the ubosot which mirrors art blending between the early Rattanakosin era and that of Vientiane. Another important building in the temple is the Ho Trai, the Hall of Tipitaka scriptures. The wooden hall was built in the pond to protect the Tipitaka from insects.

Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram or Wat Si Thong. The ubosot houses a sacred Buddha image known as “Phra Kaeo Butsarakham”. The Buddha image, in the attitude of subduing Mara, is carved from topaz into the Chiang Saen style. Each year, in the Songkran Festival, people parade the Buddha image for the people to pay their respects to and bathe.

Wat Chaeng. The ubosot, which was only completed 24 years later, is noted for its architecture and rare woodcarving. As a heritage site, the ubosot is well preserved in its original condition. It won a Certificate of Honour from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in the "Architect 87" Exhibition.

Wat Maha Wanaram. It was at first only a "Samnak Song", a monastic residence, for Vipassana monks. According to a stone inscription found behind the principal Buddha statue, Phrachao Yai In Paeng, it was built in 1807. The stucco Buddha statue, in the attitude of subduing Mara, was built in the Laotian style.

Wat Burapharam. The temple once served as a residence for famous meditation monks. Today, the temple houses lifelike stone figures of these monks.

Wat Supattanaram Worawihan. This is the first Dhammayutika temple of the province. The temple has a special ubosot designed by a royal highway engineer Luang Sathit Nimankan (Chuan Supiyaphan). It has a Thai-style roof, Western-style hall and Khmer-style base.

Wat Phukhao Kaeo. The temple has an ubosot delicately decorated with a tiered roof covered with terracotta tiles and supporting a golden spire in the middle. Inside is a high-relief regarding important phrathats, relic-containing pagodas, of Thailand.

Wat Thung Si Wilai. The temple houses Luangpho Wiset, the principal Buddha image carved from laterite seated beneath the Naga's hood. The Buddha image from the Dvaravati period is considered a sacred icon for the village. The temple is surrounded by several enclosures of Sima stones that mark the temple’s consecrated boundary.

Wat Tham Kuha Sawan. The temple was built by Luangpu Khamkhaning Chulamani to be a place for meditation practice where he also resided. After Luangpu's death his body, which did not decompose, was put in a glass coffin and is considered sacred.

Wat Phu Anon (วัดภูอานนท์) - The temple has interesting attractions including a rock terrace with large footprints, nature-made stone jar, and cave painting.

Wat Sa Prasan Suk or Wat Ban Na Mueang (วัดสระประสานสุข หรือ วัดบ้านนาเมือง) - The temple houses a special ubosot in the shape of the Suphannahong Royal Barge decorated with mosaics. The abbot is Achan Bunmi.

SaSom Homestay and Dong Natam national park for the ones who love adventures and want to experience the first sunrise of Thailand.. The rural village near the boarder of Laos PDR provides a home-stay and welcome volunteers who want to explore the real local life of Isaan people which is serene,simply and sincere. You will learn how to plant rices in the real paddy fields, finding varieties of mushroom in the wild or even be a volunteered teacher in a local primary school. You can enjoy the steams and forest around there and hiking to Pha Chanadai ผาชนะได to experience the first sunrise in Thailand. Arrange is advance at Nap@Mun hostel napatmunhostel@gmail.com if you are willing to volunteer at the Sasom village school for more than 5 days, you can stay at our hostel in Ubon Ratchathani old town for one night free!

Thung Si Muang Park. At the centre of town in front of city hall, this pleasant little park has several points of interest.
A bright yellow elaborately carved candle sculpture, completed in 2000, standing 22 m tall and dedicated to the king, showcases Isaan art styles and has become the symbol of the city. The candle is placed on a junk, with a garuda eagle at the bow and a naga serpent around it.
A statue of Phra Phatumvoraratsuriyawang commemorates the tersely-named founder of the town.
Monument of Goodness (อนุสาวรีย์แห่งความดี) - The monument was built by WWII POWs to honour the generosity and goodness of the people of Ubon Ratchathani.

City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง) - At the southern corner of the field, the sacred pillar was built in 1972.

National Museum of Ubon Ratchathani (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ อุบลราชธานี) - The single-storey hip roofed building, built in 1918, once served as the city hall before it was handed to the Fine Arts Department. The museum has exhibitions on local geography, history of the city’s establishment, archaeological fine art objects, local handicrafts, and folk games.

The Golden Jubilee Art and Cultural Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมกาญจนาภิเษก) - The seven-storey building in contemporary Isan architecture was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the king's accession to the throne. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony on 11 December 2001.

Monument of Phra Pathum Worarat Suriyawong or Chao Kham Phong (อนุสาวรีย์พระปทุมวรราชสุริยวงศ์ หรือ เจ้าคำผง) Phra Pathum Worarat Suriyawong was the founder of Ubon Ratchathani during 1778-1795.

Sculpture of Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong or Tisso Uan (ปฏิมากรรมสมเด็จพระมหาวีรวงศ์ หรือ ติสโส อ้วน) A famous monk who was well versed in Sutra and Vipassana.

Sculpture of Harmony and Progress (ปฏิมากรรมร่วมใจก้าวไปข้างหน้า) - The sculpture represents the harmony of four countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Prasat Ban Ben. The Khmer sanctuary is a religious site comprising three brick prangs on separated laterite bases. The Fine Arts Department excavated the site in 1990 and found lintels featuring nine directional guardian angels and the God Indra on his Erawan heavenly elephant.

Hat Khu Duea. This beach on the Mun River is 12km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani via Highway 24.

Kaeng Saphue (แก่งสะพือ) - The rapids in the Mun River. "Saphue" derives from the word "Samphuet" in the Suai ethnic language meaning "large serpent".

Sirindhorn Dam. Called Khuean Dom Noi by the people of the area, the rockfill dam with a clay core was constructed across the Lam Dom Noi, a tributary of the Mun River. The hydroelectric dam is 42 metres high and 940 metres long.

Ban Kan Lueang Archaeological Site. An archaeological site which can be dated back to 2,800-2,500 years ago. In 1996, the Fine Arts Department found a number of artefacts such as beads, pottery, bronze bells, iron axes, and chaff.

Ban Pa-ao. This ancient village is in Tambon Nong Khon. Two centuries ago, the villagers immigrated from Vientiane during the reign of King Siri Bunsan. The village produces brass work in an ancient style.

[[Chong Mek]] (ช่องเม็ก) - The permanent Thai-Lao border pass is 90km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. The pass is a land bridge to Champasak Province.

Annamese Lion Pulpit at Ban Chi Thuan. The Buddhist pulpit is placed at Wat Sinuan Saeng Sawang Arom. The concrete pulpit itself is unique, with a lion sculpture carrying the pulpit with decorative stucco, multi-layer wooden roof, and painting in the Annamese style.

Maenam Song Si (แม่น้ำสองสี) - At the mouth of the Mun River, Ban Woen Buek. The Mun River runs into the Mekong, so we can see two rivers, in two different colours. "Song si" means 'two colours', blending together. The Mekong River is reddish brown, while the Mun River is bluish.

Sao Chaliang. Carved by wind and water for millions of years, the mushroom-like stone towers are scattered around the area containing shell fossils, sand and gravels in their texture. Geologists think that over a million years ago this area was a sea.

Pha Taem and Pha Kham (ผาแต้มและผาขาม) - The towering cliffs house groups of prehistorical paintings which date back 3,000-4,000 years. There are over 300 paintings in five categories including animals, geometrical motifs, rice farmers, hands, and "tum", or fish trap.

Namtok Soi Sawan. Two streams, Huai Soi and Huai Phai, combine and plunge 20 metres down to the pond below, making the waterfall look like a necklace – "soi" in Thai.

Namtok Thung Na Mueang (น้ำตกทุ่งนาเมือง) - The medium-sized waterfall cascades down a 25-metre cliff through flowerbeds which are in full bloom from October to December.

Namtok Saeng Chan or Namtok Ru. The tiny cascade is special as the stream falls through a hole, "ru", down to the pond below. At noon, sunshine through the hole makes the waterfall look like a ray of moonshine, "saeng chan".

Dong Na Tham Forest. From September to November is the best time to visit as flowers are in full bloom. There are waterfalls and fogs over the Mekong River. From January to March the forest changes its hue, with trees shedding their leaves, and cruises in the Mekong run from Ban Pak La to Khan Tha Kwian.

Phu Lon (ภูหล่น) - The mountain is in Tambon Song Yang, 20km north of Amphoe Si Mueang Mai. It has a cave where monk Phra Achan Man Phurithatto practiced his Vipassana.

Namtok Kaeng Lamduan (น้ำตกแก่งลำดวน) - These falls are in the compound of the Ubon Ratchathani Wildlife Reservation Promotion and Development Station. The waterfall runs over a rock terrace and through the shady forest of Lamduan trees.

Namtok Huai Sai Yai or Kaeng I Khiao. The waterfall is in the Buntharik–Khao Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall runs over the rock terrace in a shady environment.

Hat Wat Tai (หาดวัดใต้) - A beach in the middle of the Mun River. During the dry season, its white sandy beach is a tourist destination.

• Candle Festival. Ubon's biggest event. Held in early-July on Khao Phansa day, which marks the beginning of the rainy season retreat. For three months, monks do not leave their temple except for an emergencies, and laypersons vow to abstain from drinking alcohol as well as bonking. Huge wax candles are displayed in Thung Si Muang Park, which are carried around town in a procession the next morning.
• Illuminated Boat Procession. This less well-known festival is held in October on the river near the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge to mark the end of the rainy season (Ok Phansa).
• Flower Festival. Held every February at Thung Kham Nam Saep Stadium, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, the festival features floral floats, decorative and flowering plant contests, and fair.
• Kaeng Saphue Songkran Festival. Held every April in Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan, the festival includes a beauty contest, fair, local sports, and local music contest.
• Traditional Boat Races. Several boat racing tournaments are held annually in October after the end of Buddhist Lent. The Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Municipality's tournament is held near the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge. Tambon Phibun Mangsahan Municipality's tournament is held near the Mun River Bridge, and Wat Pho Tak's tournament is held in front of the temple.

Candle Festival. Ubon's biggest event. Held in early-July on Khao Phansa day, which marks the beginning of the rainy season retreat. For three months, monks do not leave their temple except for an emergencies, and laypersons vow to abstain from drinking alcohol as well as bonking. Huge wax candles are displayed in Thung Si Muang Park, which are carried around town in a procession the next morning.

Illuminated Boat Procession. This less well-known festival is held in October on the river near the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge to mark the end of the rainy season (Ok Phansa).

Flower Festival. Held every February at Thung Kham Nam Saep Stadium, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, the festival features floral floats, decorative and flowering plant contests, and fair.

Kaeng Saphue Songkran Festival. Held every April in Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan, the festival includes a beauty contest, fair, local sports, and local music contest.

Traditional Boat Races. Several boat racing tournaments are held annually in October after the end of Buddhist Lent. The Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Municipality's tournament is held near the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge. Tambon Phibun Mangsahan Municipality's tournament is held near the Mun River Bridge, and Wat Pho Tak's tournament is held in front of the temple.

• Phanchat Esan Folk Arts & Handicrafts. Wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts. Has two beautifully designed locations downtown.

Phanchat Esan Folk Arts & Handicrafts. Wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts. Has two beautifully designed locations downtown.

• 126 Cafe Ubon, Ratchabut Rd (close to the intersection of night markets. 17:00-00:00. A secret cafe with live acoustic music. Provided healthy drinks made from soy milk and delicious fusion cuisines
• Muen Thip, Phichit Rangsan Rd (east of intersection with Thepyothi. A popular two-storey place specializing in a Thai interpretation of Korean barbecue (Neua Yang Kaolee), grilled at your own table and dipped in fiery sauces. A plate of your meat of choice and a large tray of veggies, plenty for two, costs 90 baht. English menu available, not that you really need it.
• The Outside Inn, 11 Suriyat Rd (Within 100 m of Wat Si Pradu (“See ba-doo”). Variety of cuisine- authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican food, Thai classics, Isaan and Lao specialties, and Western favourites. Many offered in vegetarian and vegan versions. Menu isn’t huge, but it’s varied and unique. Guest rooms from 750 baht.
• Peppers Restaurant, Bakery & Café, 297/2-3 Uppalisan Rd (Opposite the entrance to the air force base, next to the international Airport, +66 45 245275. 08:00-21:00. Great Western and Thai food, along with coffee cakes, pies, fruit shakes, milkshakes, tea, cocktails, beer and wine.
• Spago Original Italian Pizza, 420 Chaengsanit Rd, +66 45 281100. 11:30-14:30 and 17:00-22:00. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven and the flour and tomatoes are imported from Italy.

126 Cafe Ubon, Ratchabut Rd (close to the intersection of night markets. 17:00-00:00. A secret cafe with live acoustic music. Provided healthy drinks made from soy milk and delicious fusion cuisines

Muen Thip, Phichit Rangsan Rd (east of intersection with Thepyothi. A popular two-storey place specializing in a Thai interpretation of Korean barbecue (Neua Yang Kaolee), grilled at your own table and dipped in fiery sauces. A plate of your meat of choice and a large tray of veggies, plenty for two, costs 90 baht. English menu available, not that you really need it.

The Outside Inn, 11 Suriyat Rd (Within 100 m of Wat Si Pradu (“See ba-doo”). Variety of cuisine- authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican food, Thai classics, Isaan and Lao specialties, and Western favourites. Many offered in vegetarian and vegan versions. Menu isn’t huge, but it’s varied and unique. Guest rooms from 750 baht.

Peppers Restaurant, Bakery & Café, 297/2-3 Uppalisan Rd (Opposite the entrance to the air force base, next to the international Airport, +66 45 245275. 08:00-21:00. Great Western and Thai food, along with coffee cakes, pies, fruit shakes, milkshakes, tea, cocktails, beer and wine.

Spago Original Italian Pizza, 420 Chaengsanit Rd, +66 45 281100. 11:30-14:30 and 17:00-22:00. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven and the flour and tomatoes are imported from Italy.

• Miss Aree Coffee. Serves freshly brewed coffee.
• Xero Coffee Club, +66 86-823-6636. Daily 11:00-16:00. 2-floor co-work space and coffee house, opened in October 2018. It’s American-owned, the coffee is fresh, there are an assortment of homemade cake loafs including banana bread. Unusually for Ubon Ratchathani, you can also create your own sandwich. Nice owner and fast, kind service.

Miss Aree Coffee. Serves freshly brewed coffee.

Xero Coffee Club, +66 86-823-6636. Daily 11:00-16:00. 2-floor co-work space and coffee house, opened in October 2018. It’s American-owned, the coffee is fresh, there are an assortment of homemade cake loafs including banana bread. Unusually for Ubon Ratchathani, you can also create your own sandwich. Nice owner and fast, kind service.

• Preah Vihear (Prasat Khao Phra Wihaan in Thai) - Khmer temple once accessible as a day trip from neighboring Si Saket Province (which is closed from the Thailand side; it's possible to cross into Cambodia and go from there, but this will take considerably longer)
• Cambodia
• Laos - the nearest city is Pakse - while there are a couple of different ways to go, the most straightforward is a tour bus leaving the Ubon terminal at 09:30 and 15:00 everyday for 200 baht