Ubon Ratchathani, often referred to as Ubon, is a captivating city located in the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan. Known for its rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, this city is a hidden gem for seeking for authentic Thai experience.
Ubon Ratchathani is known for its strong Buddhist tradition, with monks dwelling in monasteries in the forest, like the Wat Nong Pah Pong, a renowned Buddhist monastery which follows the Thai Forest Tradition, or the Wat Thung Si Mueang and Wat Nong Bua, which are located in the city.
However, the most notable thing about Ubon Ratchathani is perhaps its annual Candle Festival, which showcases large, intricate wax sculptures and colorful, ornate candle floats, with traditional Thai dance and music.
Beyond it’s cultural wealth, Ubon Ratchathani is also blessed with stunning natural landscapes. Nature lovers will be delighted by the picturesque Pha Taem National Park, where you can witness ancient rock paintings, jagged cliffs, and panoramic views of the Mekong River.
Far from the crowds of the major tourist hubs, Ubon is the ideal destination for those seeking cultural immersion and natural beauty in one of Thailand's lesser-known treasures.
Songthaews, or mini-bus, are one of the most cheapest way to get around Ubon Ratchathani. There are 13 fixed songthaew routes that operate around the city, most of them are numbered and color-coded to make it easier to identify. The songthaews stop operating at around 6:00 PM.
Ubon Ratchathani is located in northeastern Thailand, approximately 630 kilometers (391 miles) from Bangkok. The city can be reached by air, train, or bus, with several daily flights, trains, and buses available from Bangkok. The travel time by air is approximately 1 hour, while the travel time by train or bus is approximately 10-12 hours.
Ubon Ratchathani can be reached from Bangkok by air, train, or bus. The city has its own airport, Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP), with several daily flights available from Bangkok.
Alternatively, visitors can take a train or bus from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, with several daily trains and buses departing from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station and Mo Chit Bus Terminal, respectively. The travel time by air is approximately 1 hour, while the travel time by train or bus is approximately 10-12 hours.
Some of the top things to do in Ubon Ratchathani include visiting the ancient temples, such as Wat Phra That Nong Bua and Wat Thung Si Muang, to learn about the city's rich cultural heritage. You can also explore the city’s local markets, such as the Ubon Ratchathani Night Market, to sample local cuisine and buy handmade crafts or souvenirs.
For nature lovers, the Pha Taem National Park and Kaeng Tana National Park offer stunning views of waterfalls, rock formations, and scenic landscapes. Additionally, you can experience the city’s unique festivals, such as the Candle Festival and the Ubon Ratchathani International Wax Candle Festival, which celebrate the city’s rich traditions and culture.
Some of the must-try local specialties in Ubon Ratchathani include ‘kanom jeen’ (a rice noodle dish with spicy curry sauce), ‘sai ua’ (spicy sausage made with pork and herbs), ‘moo yang’ (grilled pork), and ‘som tam’ (spicy papaya salad).
You can also try the local ‘kaeng kradang’ (spicy soup made with fish and vegetables), and ‘kai palo’ (braised pork and eggs in a flavorful broth).
Some of the top natural attractions in the city include the Pha Thaem National Park, which offers stunning views of rock formations and the Mekong River, and the Kaeng Tana National Park, which is home to scenic waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails.
You can also explore the Sam Pan Bok or the “Grand Canyon of Thailand”, which is a unique rock formation along the Mekong River, and the Huai Luang Reservoir, a place that offers a peaceful setting for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
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