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General Information
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well
established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most
tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and
historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.
The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the
practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which
can still be seen throughout the province today.
A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong
River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Yasothon and
Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen Province. The provincial
capital is approximately 630 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.
The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the
indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry,
and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held
every July. There are natural beauties and historical sites including the
4,000 years old rock formation, prehistoric rock paintings, national parks,
waterfalls, and the two-colored river, etc.
The Past
Since the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or simply Ubon, was part of the
Khmer Empire until the Kingdom of Ayutthaya conquered it. Towards the end of
the 18th century, Laotians immigrated to the northern banks of the Mun River
and founded the provincial capital. The Laotian influence is evident in the
architectural structure of some of the city's religious buildings. This
incident was told in the provincial seal which features a pond with a lotus
flower and leaves in a circular frame. It symbolizes the ancient community
of the people who fled the massacre of King Siriboonsarn of Vientiane and
came to settle in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province in 1779 during the reign of King
Thonburi. This community was established as a province with the name Ubon
Ratchathani Srivanalai in 1792 during the reign of King Rama I, the first
king of the Chakri Dynasty.
During the reign of King Rama V, Ubon Ratchathani was annexed to Lao Kao
town. Later in 1899, the area was under the supervision of Northeastern
Monthon, with Ubon Ratchathani serving as an administrative hub. In 1900,
the name was changed to Monthon I-San. When the Monthon system was
abolished, the city has become Ubon Ratchathani province. During the Vietnam
War, Ubon encountered expansive growth due to its proximity to an American
air base.
The Present
Today, the province is the largest and one of the most important provinces
in northeastern Thailand. Due to the large number of fascinating temples
dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist
Lent. Aside from the numerous attractions, festivals and holidays are
celebrated with a unique Ubon flair.
Located in the Korat Basin about 68 meters (227 feet) above sea level, most
of Ubon Ratchathani is a plateau sloping to the east to meet the Maekhong
River, a border between Thailand and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic.
Other major rivers in the area are the Chee River, Moon River, Lum Saybok
River, Lum Domeyai River and Lum Domenoi River. There are some high mountain
ranges in the south such as Bantad Range and Phanom Dongrak Range which
border Ubon Ratchathani and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and the
Kingdom of Cambodia.
The most important natural resource in Ubon Ratchathani is its forests, such
as Teng-Rung forests, Red forests and mixed forests. In the province, there
are 50 national preserved forests, 3 national parks, 2 botanical gardens, 1
wild life preservation area and 1 botanical park.
There are highways and rail roads connecting different districts in Ubon
Ratchathani with other provinces and there is one international airport
located in Muang District.
People of Ubon Ratchathani are engaged in activities related to agriculture
and livestock raising. They are religious and still abide by tradition and
culture. Locals usually dwell in groups of houses, speak their own dialects
and practice their traditionally handed down cultures.
The province covers 15,517 square kilometers and is divided into the
following districts: Muang, Warin Chamrap, Det Udom, Buntharik, Na Chaluai,
Nam Yuen, Phibun Mangsahan, Khong Chiam, Si Muang Mai, Trakan Phuet Phon,
Khemarat, Mung Sam Sip, Khueang Nai, Kut Khaopun, Tan Sum, Pho Sai, Samrong,
Sirindhorn, Don Mot Daeng, Thung Si Udom, Na Yia, Na Tan, Lao Suea Kok,
Sawang Wirawong and Nam Khun.
How to get there By Car:
a)From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon
Ratchasima, then use Highway No.226 and proceed to Ubon Ratchathani via Buri
Ram, Surin and Si Sa Ket, for a total distance of 629 kilometers.
b) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 2 unil arriving at
Sikhio, then turn into Highway No. 24 and proceed to Ubon Ratchathani via
Chok Chai, Nang Rong, Prasat, Det Udom and Warin Chamrap.
By Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) to
Ubon Ratchathani every day. Contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66
for more information.
By Train
Regular trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Ubon
Ratchathani every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
By Air
Thai Airways has several daily flights connecting Bangkok with Ubon
Ratchathani. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel.
0-2280-0060, 0-2628-2000 or view their website at
www.thaiairways.com. Air Asia
operates two flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to Ubon
Ratchathani International Airport. The flight time is 1.05 hours. Call 02
515 9999 or visit www.airasia.com for
more details.
Getting around the city
Getting around the city is easy with city buses. They usually run along the
main avenues, from north to south of the town. The fare is only 5B.
Taking Samlor around the city would cost approximately 30B/kilometre
If you, however, choose to enjoy the ride of a rented car, there are several
car rental companies, big names and local names, which provide this kind of
service.
They are:
Chaw Wattana. Tel. 045 1906. Address: 39/8 Suriyat Road.
Budget Rent a Car. Tel. 045 240507. Address: Arrival Hall, Ubon Ratchathani
Airport.
Getting to nearby provinces
By Bus
There are buses departing from a bus terminal located at Chayangkun Road to
Ubons neighboring provinces and its own districts. They include: (please
note that fares are subject to change without prior notice)
Buriram (ordinary 66B, air-con 148B), Kantharalak (for Khao Phra Viharn
ordinary 20B), Khong Chiam (ordinary 40B), Khon Kaen (ordinary 66B, air-con
148B), Khorat (ordinary 149B, air-con 260B), Mukdahan (ordinary 55B, air-con
105B), Phibun Mangsahan (ordinary 22B), Prakhon Chai (for Phanom Rung,
ordinary 84B), Roi Et (ordinary 61B, air-con 99B), Sakon Nakhon (ordinary
101B, air-con 1738B), Si Saket (ordinary 29B, air-con 60B), Surin (ordinary
72B, air-con 129B), That Phanom (ordinary 65B, air-con 140B), Udon Thani
(ordinary 122B, air-con 219B), and Yasothon (ordinary 43B, air-con 76B),
Attractions
Amphoe Buntharik
Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park
This was declared as a national park on 1 June 1987. Covering an area of 687
sq. km over mountainous areas in Ubon Ratchathani, the park is where borders
of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. To get superb view of the three
countries, visitors are recommended to take hiking trails which lead on to
the high plateau. The best view can be seen from the cliffs at Pha Pheung.
Interesting attractions include: the 40-metre Bak Tew Yai waterfall, which
is located approximately 4 kms from the park office, rock formations at
Phlan Yaw and a group of springs in the forest at Bo Nam Sap.
Amphoe Khong Chiam
Kaeng Tana National Park
This park can be reached on two routes. The first route is by taking Highway
No. 2222 where visitors will be presented with a beautiful view of Kaeng
Tana. On the other hand, visitors can take the route to the National Park
Office along Highway No. 217 (Phibun Mangsahan-Chong Mek route) and turning
left onto Highway No. 2173 and proceeding for another 13 kilometers.
Khong Chiam District
The Khong Chiam district overlooks the Mekhong River and is located 80
kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani. Boat rental services are available here to
go to Kaeng Tana cataract and to go sightseeing at Mae Nam Song Si or the
bicolor river where the Mekhong and Mun Rivers meet.
Maenam Song Si
Maenam Song Si or the Bi-colored River or the Mun Rivers alluvium, is the
place where two rivers join: the brown Mekong River and the blue Mun River.
It is located in Khong Chiam District, about 84 kilometers from Ubon
Ratchathai City centre. Visitors can hire a boat from Khong Chiam district
to see the alluvium.
Namtok Saeng Chan
This waterfall is only 1 kilometer from Thung Na Muang Waterfall. This is a
very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic of its own the small
stream of water cascades down the face of the cliff through an opening in
the rock resembling a hole. Visitors viewing the waterfall at noon when the
sunlight shines through the hole will be presented with a view of the
cascading water similar to that of the full moon shining onto the world.
Travelling can be made from Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112,
and then turning right to the waterfall.
Namtok Soi Sawan
This is a big waterfall cascading from two sides of steep cliffs about 20
metres high and is located 30 kilometers from Khong Chiam District.
Namtok Tat Ton
This waterfall is on Highway No. 2173, which is about 6 kilometers off
Highway No. 217. This beautiful waterfall is created from Tat Ton Brook
flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto the plain forming a basin
large enough to swim in that is surrounded by flowering shrubs and forests
in the shady area.
Pak Mun Dam
Constructed from stone and reinforced with clay soil, this dam has a width
of 17 metres and a length of 300 metres. The dam, which facilitates
agriculture and generates electricity, is located approximately 75
kilometers from town, or about 6 kilometers from the area where the Mekong
River meets the Mun River. It is possible to travel along the top of the dam
wall as a short cut from Khong Chiam District to Amphoe Sirinthon without
driving back to Phibun Mangsahan District. Cruising along the beautiful Mun
River is possible from the end of the dam to the Bicolored River, where the
Mun River joins with the Mekong River.
Pha Taem National Park
This park covers an area of 140 square kilometers, where plateaus and hills
dominate the parks landscape. There are sheer cliffs, which resulted from
earthquakes. Most trees are of the deciduous dipterocarp forest. Irregular
shaped sandstone is found scattered throughout the area. Beautiful flowering
plants grow among the rocky ground. Travelling can be made from Khong Chiam
District along Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then
turning right for another 5 kilometers. Places of interest within the park
are:
Pha Taem and Pha Kham are located near the national park
headquarters. On the cliffs surface are numerous prehistoric cave paintings
dating back 3,000-4,000 years ago that offer insight into the way of life
that existed during the pre-historic days and reflect the ancient lifestyle
of the people who once lived in the area. These painting depict scenes of
fishing, rice farming, figures of people, animals, hands and geometric
designs. It should be noted that the most extensive site for cave paintings
in the country is that of Pha Taem.
Home to one of the world's oldest agrarian communities, Ubon Ratchathani is
also the 'cradle of northeastern civilisation'. Recently discovered
archaeological evidence suggests that humans settled in the region between
14,000 to 6,000 years ago.
Sao Chaling
Sao Chaliang, which is 11 kilometers from Khong Chaim District on Highway
2112 is a place that is scattered with natural mushroom-like piles of stone
slabs with a large amount of shells embedded in their surface. The area is
believed by geologists to be a long dried up seabed (over a million years
ago).
Tham Heo Sin Chai
This cave is on Highway No. 2222, about 7 kilometers before reaching Amphoe
(district) Khong Chiam, turn left and proceed for about 2 kilometers. This
cave, which is on the same route as Kaeng Tana, is a Buddhist center with a
beautiful reclining Buddha image. In addition, there is a waterfall
cascading down the cliff to the area in front of the reclining Buddha image
making the place very cool and beautiful.
Tham Muet
Tham Muet means dark cave. It is at Ban Sa Som, is a cave approximately 4
meters wide and 6 meters high. Within the cave are many carved Buddha
images, indicting that it used to be a place for religious ceremonies.
Wat Tham Khuha Sawan
This temple is on Highway No. 222 about 6 kilometers before reaching Khong
Chiam District. The temple was built in 1978 by Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula
Mani and was his residence and place of meditation during his lifetime.
Despite the fact that he passed away many years ago, his body remains in
perfect condition. Along the route to the temple are numerous scenic spots
for visitors to admire the beauty of the Mekong River and the Laotian
border.
Amphoe Khueang Nai
Lion Pulpit at Ban Chi Thuan
Located in a sermon hall of Wat Si Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom, the pulpit was
elaborately crafted in the form of a lion upholding a tower. This
Vietnamese-style pulpit was built in 1925 by a Vietnamese artist. The site
is located approximately 26 kilometres from the district town. To get there,
travel along Highway No. 23 (Ubon Ratchathani Yasothon) for approximately 24
kilometres. Upon reaching the 268-km. marker, turn left to the village and
proceed for another 5 kilometres.
Amphoe Mueang
Ban Kan Lueang Archaeological Site
This is situated in Wat Ban Kan Lueang, 3 kilometers from the town along
Highway No. 212. Turn right onto Highway No. 2050 and proceed for 2
kilometers. In 1992, the Fine Arts Department excavated the site.
Discoveries include artifacts, implements, ornaments, beads, pottery and
iron axes. It is believed that this settlement dates back at least 2,000
years.
Ban Pa Ao
This village is situated at Tambon Nong Khon, 18 kilometers from the city on
Highway No. 23. At the 273-km. marker, turn right and travel along the track
for another 3 kilometers. This village is one of the oldest villages in Ubon
Ratchathani. According to history, the villagers migrated from Vientiane,
Laos during the reign of King Siri Bun San. The village is over 200 years
old and has a special identity of its own which has been handed down from
generation to generation by its ancestors, such as the craft of making
bronzeware and weaving beautiful silk.
Ban Tha Khong Lek
This village is on Highway No. 226 (Ubon Ratchathani-Si Sa Ket Route) about
3 kilometers from the district center. This whole village produces clay pots
where the clay, taken from the Mun River, is thoroughly mixed with chaff and
other kinds of material. The whole process is done by hand.
Hat Khu Duea
This is a sandy river shore on the Mun River bank about 12 kilometers from
town. There are varieties of local food sold along the shore.
Hat Wat Tai
This is a sandy island in the middle of the Mun River. The island becomes
larger than usual in summer. It is also used as a recreation place by
townspeople.
The Stone Inscription at Phu Manat Cave
This is believed to date back to the 12th or 13th Buddhist Century. This
sandstone inscription records the spreading of King Srimahanetaravoramans (Jitrasane)
power to the Mun River area. A rectangular shape 82 centimeters in length
and 24 centimeters in height, it narrates the victory of the King in the
Sanskrit language. Blurred but still readable, it is now kept at the
National Museum of Ubon Ratchathani.
Thung Si Muang
This is a wide-open area in the middle of the city used as a recreation and
festival celebration area for the townspeople. A monument of the founder of
Ubon Ratchathani is also located here.
Ubon Ratchathani Cultural Centre
Located in Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, the centre features several
halls that display Isans history, local wisdom, religion, geography and
culture. The centres 7-story building is constructed in an Isan-contemporary
style of architecture. Inside the centre are seminar rooms, theatre, banquet
rooms, restaurants and hotel rooms.
The centre opens daily except Sunday and public holidays from 9.00a.m.
4.00p.m. For more information, call 0 4525 0115-20 for more information.
Tourists are welcome to stay, please contact 0 4526 2901-2 to reserve your
room.
Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
This is on Khuean Thani Road. Built in 1918, the building was once used as
the City Hall. It is regarded as the museum with the best arrangements and
displays artifacts from all districts in the province. Within the museum are
displays of prehistoric events, history, and culture of Ubon Ratchathani
natives. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to
4.00 p.m.
Wat Ban Na Mueang
Wat Ban Na Mueang is 5 kilometers from town. The temple has a very beautiful
ordination hall built of ceramics in the shape of the Suphannahong Royal
Barge.
Wat Buraparam
This temple was once the residence of many famous monks who practiced
meditation. Their statues, carved from stones from various rivers, are kept
here for the people to visit and pay their respect.
Wat Chaeng
Wat Chaeng, on Sapphasit Road in the municipal area, has one of the oldest
ordination halls in the province that is well preserved and illustrates the
perfect northeastern style.
Wat Maha Wanaram
Wat Maha Wanaram, located on Sappasit Road, is an ancient temple in the city
that enshrines the holy Buddha image, Phra Chao Yai Indra Plaeng that is
greatly revered by the people of Ubon Ratchathani and nearby provinces. An
additional attraction is an engraved stone tablet interred behind the
pedestal of the Buddha image.
Wat Nong Bua
This is the only temple in this province that has a rectangular Chedi, which
is an imitation of Chedi Buddhakhaya of India. The temple is located on the
outskirts of Ubon Ratchathani on Highway No. 212 (Ubon-Amnat Charoen). At
the 3-km. marker on the highway, turn into a side road and proceed for 800
meters to the temple.
Wat Pa Nanachat
This temple is approximately 15 kilometers from the province on the Ubon-Si
Sa Ket route and is renowned for its meditation activities and the large
number of foreign monks practicing there.
Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram
This is a royal temple on Upparat Road beside the City Hall. The ordination
hall is in the same style as the Marble Temple in Bangkok. The main
attraction enshrined within this temple is the towns sacred Topaz Buddha
image.
Wat Supattanaram
This is a royal temple of the Dhammayut Sect in the northeast. The temple,
built in 1853 on the bank of the Mun River surrounded by beautiful and
tranquil scenery. There is a Thai-Chinese-European style ordination hall,
which houses the principal serene Buddha image of the temple.
Wat Thung Si Muang
This temple is located on Luang Road in the municipal area. The temple was
built during the reign of King Rama III and has a beautiful ordination hall
in the northeastern architectural style. A scripture hall is located in the
middle of a pond, featuring a roof that shows the Burmese architectural
style while the lintel was carved in the Laotian architectural style. Mural
paintings in this temple feature the civilizations and cultures of the
people of Ubon Ratchathani over 200 years ago.
Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan
Kaeng Saphue
Kaeng Saphue, which is the most beautiful cataract in Ubon Ratchthani, is in
the Mun River near the Phibun Mangsahan District Office, about 45 kilometers
from Ubon Ratchathani City center, on the left-hand side of Highway No. 217.
This beautiful cataract of natural rocks is visible for half the year during
the dry season.
Wat Phukhao Kaeo
This temple is on the slope of a hill in Phibun Mansahan District along
Highway No. 217, 43 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani. The main attraction
inside the temple is a beautiful ordination hall built entirely from
ceramics. In addition, within the hall are replicas of all the Buddha relics
found in Thailand.
Amphoe Thung Si Udom
Chong Mek Border
Chong Mek is the boundary between Thailand and Laos that marks the end of
Highway No. 217, which is 89 kilometers long. This highway will be connected
to a 38-kilometre road in Laos leading to Pak Sae, which will be part of the
Asian Highway.
Prasat Ban Ben
This is a medium-sized Khmer stone castle found in Ubon Ratchathani. The
whole compound consists of three brick Prangs seated on separated laterite
bases. Several religious art objects including Lintel depicting God Indra
and Erawan elephant, etc. were discovered on site in 1990. Archeologists
believe they can be dated back to the late 15 to the beginning of 16
Buddhist Century.
The Sirindhorn Dam
This is about 70 kilometers from the city center on Highway No. 217. Turn
right at the 71-km. marker and proceed for about 500 metres. A multi-purpose
dam, it was built to generate electricity and to facilitate agriculture
across a tributary of the Mun River. The nearby forests have been turned
into the park which recently has gain an increasing amount of popularity. As
an ideal recreational area, water sports and boat trips are available.
Amphoe Warin Chamrap
Ban Tha Khong Lek
The village is located on Highway No. 226 (Ubon Ratchathani Sri Saket),
approximately 3 kilometres from the districts town. The specialty of the
villagers lies in the wisdom in making pottery. All earthenware are made by
using special clay taken from Mun River. They are all hand made.
Wat Nong Pa Phong
Wat Nong Pa Phong is a mediation center with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere
where a number of foreigners practice Buddhism. The center is located on
Highway No. 2178 about 6 kilometers from the city.
Wat Nong Pa Phong and Wat Pa Nanachat, provide a special opportunity
for non-Thai speakers to find out more about Buddhism and to experience the
insight meditation (Vipassana-style of meditation). For those interested, it
is recommended that you can pay a visit to the temple of your choice and
discuss with foreign monks beforehand. The participation in the meditation
course may require some commitments. Call Wat Nong Pa Phong at tel. 045
322729 for more information. Staff speaks English.
Necessities to take with you when staying in Buddhist
temple/monastery/retreat Centre:
The following items are suggested as useful to take:
- Clothes:Loose fitting, easily cared for. Simple sandals and some loss
fitting tops, especially T-shirts are highly recommended. An umbrella can be
useful in the rainy season. In the cold season a sweater or two would be
practical. Also a blanket or sleeping bag.
- Medicine: Pills for diarrhea and constipation, mosquito repellent and
coils, tiger balm or other ointment for bites. Some kind of antibiotic or
disinfectant for cuts, band-aids, minor first-aid stuff. Eye wash can be
very useful. Anti-malaria preventives.
- Food items: Most of the temples/monasteries provide both food and
accommodation. However, there are some useful items you might bring along
but not necessary: thermos, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, ovaltine, hot plate,
cup and kettle.
- Toilet articles: Toilet paper, soap, mirror, all toilet articles. Helpful
to have a small scrub brush for laundry.
- Tips: Behave with full awareness, dress conservatively, have much patience
to yourself and others.
Wat Pa Nanachat
Located at Ban Bung Wai is perhaps the second most famous temple amongst
tourists. The temple is the 19th branch of Wat Nong Pa Phong. What attracts
foreigners most is the monastery's peaceful ambience and its practice of
Buddhists insight meditation a unique meditation style that also known as
Vipassana in Pali.
Travelling to the monastery can be made from Highway No. 226 (to Sri Saket
Province). Approximately 14 kilometres from the districts town, turn right
and proceed to the temples entrance which is the same to the entrance of Wat
Pa Mongkol.
Festivals
Kaeng Sa Peu Songkarn Festival
Kaeng Sa Peu Songkarn Festival is held yearly in April. Villagers will
splash water on each other and swim in the Mun River. The festival also
features local sports and northeastern folk music.
The Candle Festival
The Candle Festival is the largest religious ceremony in Ubon Ratchathani.
It is celebrated yearly on Asalha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
Day in July. The ceremony is held at Thung Si Muang and Chaturamuk Pavillion.
At night, there is entertainment to celebrate the Lent candles. The
reflection of lights on the candles creates a picturesque effect during the
festival.
Shopping
Hand-Woven Fabric
Popular items include silk and cotton products. Souvenir shops located along
Khuan Thani Road near the Ratchathani Hotel usually have such souvenirs in
stock. Alternatively, you can get them cheaper from the market in town.
Dining
Blue Bakery
Suriyat Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4524 4810
Fern Hut
Ratchathani Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4524 4305
Indochin
Sapphasit Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4525 4126
Jiew-Ki
Kuean Thani Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4525 4017
Krua Im-Em
Phadung Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4526 3025
Porn
Yutthaphan Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4525 5621
Rosthip
Chayangkul Road, Amphoe Meaung, Ubon Ratchathani
Tel :: 0 4525 4401
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Hotels in Ubon Ratchathani |
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