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Ubon Ratchathani

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City
—°4
Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand)
ℹ️

Practical info — Ubon Ratchathani

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Time your visit for July to witness the world-famous Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival.
  • Don't miss Wat Phra That Nong Bua, known for its magnificent white Indian-style stupa.
  • Use the local songthaews for a very affordable way to get around the city area.
  • Take a stroll along the Mun River banks, especially scenic during the golden hour.
  • The city serves as a great gateway for visiting the prehistoric art at Pha Taem National Park.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kuay Jab Yuan

A Vietnamese-style noodle soup that is a beloved local breakfast staple.

🍽
Isan Street Food at Thung Si Mueang

Try spicy Som Tum at the evening stalls near the main park.

🍽
Grilled Mun River Fish

Look for riverside eateries serving fresh fish caught from the local river.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Thung Si Mueang Night Market

A great central spot for tasting local dishes and budget shopping.

🛍
Rachabut Night Market

Highly recommended for its diverse and delicious street food options.

🧘
Thung Si Mueang Park

The main city park, first-rate for a peaceful afternoon break.

🧘
Hat Wat Tai

A river beach/island on the Mun River, great for relaxing during the dry season.

Ubon Ratchathani, known as the 'Royal City of the Lotus,' is a prominent cultural and administrative hub located in the easternmost part of Thailand's Isan region. The city sits on the banks of the Mun River and has a history of over 200 years, shaped by local Lao leaders and its eventual integration into the Siamese Kingdom. Ubon Ratchathani is internationally renowned for its spectacular annual Candle Festival, held at the beginning of Buddhist Lent, featuring massive, intricately carved wax sculptures paraded through the streets. The region exhibits strong cultural ties to neighboring Laos and Cambodia, which is evident in its temple architecture and local culinary traditions. The surrounding province is home to striking natural sites, such as the Pha Taem National Park with its prehistoric rock art and unique geological formations. The city is a vital trade center for agricultural goods and serves as a major gateway for tourism in the lower Northeast through its international airport.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262830312927262626262524
Rain mm563373173202297299301108217

Geography

Population
122,533 (2026)
Coordinates
15.22800, 104.85800

Facts

  • Ubon Ratchathani was established in the late 18th century during the Thonburi era.
  • The Ubon Candle Festival is recognized as the largest event of its kind globally.
  • The Mun River is one of the most significant tributaries of the Mekong River.
  • Pha Taem National Park contains rock paintings dating back over 3,000 years.
  • The province shares borders with both Laos and Cambodia.
  • Wat Phra That Nong Bua features a square-shaped stupa modeled after Bodh Gaya in India.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Ubon Ratchathani (4)

Ubonratchathani National Museum🏛 museum

A national museum in Ubon Ratchathani showcasing regional history and art.

💶

Wat Sri Ubon Ratanaram (Wat Si Thong)⛪ religious

A Buddhist temple in Ubon Ratchathani known for its sacred Buddha image.

Wat Thung Si Muang⛪ religious

An important temple in Ubon Ratchathani featuring a wooden library on stilts.

Wat Mahawanaram⛪ religious

A revered Buddhist temple and spiritual center in Ubon Ratchathani.

Frequently asked questions

What is worth seeing in Ubon Ratchathani?
The impressive temples and the nature in the area.
Is it a major travel destination?
More of a lesser-known spot in the east of the country.
How is the food?
Very spicy, typical for the Isan region.
Can I explore nature?
Yes, national parks are easily accessible in the area.
Are there accommodations?
Yes, a good selection of hotels is available.
Ubon Ratchathani: where is it located?
Ubon Ratchathani is located in Thailand.
Ubon Ratchathani: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ubonratchathani National Museum, Wat Sri Ubon Ratanaram (Wat Si Thong), Wat Thung Si Muang.
Ubon Ratchathani: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Ubon Ratchathani: why is it worth visiting?
Ubon Ratchathani, known as the 'Royal City of the Lotus,' is a prominent cultural and administrative hub located in the easternmost part of Thailand's Isan region.
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