Since the 10th century, Ubon Rachathani, or simply Ubon, was part of the Khmer Empire until the Ayutthaya Kingdom later 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 structures of some of the city’s religious buildings. During the Vietnam War, Ubon encountered an expansive growth due to its proximity to an American air base. Today, the province is the largest and one of the most important provinces in northeastern Thailand. It is a major tourist attraction of lower Isan located 629 kilometers from Bangkok. 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. The province borders the Mekong River in the east and features superb scenic view of Cambodia.

Capital City Attractions

The National Museum is on Khuan Thani Road. It is a one-storey Panya style building built in 1918. It was once used as the City Hall and as a palace for Rama VI. Later, it was offered to the Department of Fine Arts to be used as the National Museum of the city. It is well known as the museum with the best display of artifacts from all districts in the province. Inside, there are displays of prehistoric events, history, and cultures of the natives of Ubon Rachathani.

Thung Si Muang Temple is on Luang Road in the municipal area. Built during the reign of King Rama III, it has a beautiful ordination hall in the northeastern architectural style with some influences from Bangkok. Its scripture hall is a perfect example of northeastern architectural style, and is located in the middle of a pond. Mural paintings in this temple show the civilization and cultures of the people of Ubon Rachathani over 200 years ago.

Wat Supattanaramworawihan is a royal temple and a temple of the Dharmayuthi Sect in the northeast, and was built in 1853 by Phra Prom Ratchawongsa (Phra Upart Ku Thong), who was Governor of Ubon Rachathani during the reign of King Rama IV. The temple is on the bank of the Mun River, surrounded by beautiful and tranquil scenery. Two life-like lions stand in front of the Thai-Chinese-European styled ordination hall which houses the principal serene Buddha image of the temple.

Wat Nong Bua was built in 1957 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s death. The main attractions are the 2 whitewashed towers with four-sided bases decorated with carved standing Buddha images in niches and reliefs depicting tales of Lord Buddha in his previous lives. It is almost exactly a replica of the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya, India.

The Art Home sells fine locally produced hand-woven silk and cotton fabrics at very affordable prices. Very close to the Lai Thong Hotel. 52 Pichitrangson Rd.

The Women Weaving Collective is a group of weavers who custom-make silk and cotton garments for men and women. Sisaket-Warinchumrup Rd., Warinchumrup District

Provincial Attractions

Wat Nong Pa Phong is a meditation center. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. It is in Warin Chamrap district. The ordination hall is an all white building made in the Thai style. Inside is a wax image of Phra Achan Luang Pu Cha, a famous meditation monk who founded the temple and is much revered by everyone. Achan Cha founded many branch temples in the province and even one in Sussex, England.

Wat Pa Nanachart (International Forest Temple) is famous for its meditative teachings and has attracted many foreigners into the monkhood. The abbot is Australian and many of the monks are European, American, or Japanese. The forest monastery is great place to visit for those seriously interested in Buddhism.

Pha Taem National Park lies 94 kilometers northeast of Ubon. The centerpiece of this park is its prehistoric cliff paintings. The paintings are at least 3000 years old. Mural subjects include fish traps, giant Mekong catfish, turtles, elephants, human hands, and geometric designs.

Festivals

The Candle Festival is the largest religious ceremony in Ubon Rachathani. It is celebrated yearly on Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) in July. The ceremony is held at Thung Si Muang and Chaturamuk Pavilion. Many people carve wax into large sculptures and parade them through town. At night, there is entertainment to celebrate the Lenten candles. The reflection of candles on the river creates a picturesque effect during the festival.

Accommodation

Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort
68 Mu 7 Ban Huai Mak Tai, Khong Chiam [Tel: 0 4535 1174] 1750-2850 baht

Lai Thong Hotel
50 Phichit Rangsan [Tel: 0 4526 4271] 1,160-1,605 baht

Tohsang Hotel
251 Phalochai Road [Tel: 0 4524 5531] 1,800-3,750 baht

Nevada Grand
Chayangkun Road [Tel: 0 4528 0999] 900-2,500 baht

Dining

Kai Yang Wat Jaeng offers tasty grilled Lao-style chicken. Suriyat Rd.

Indochine specializes in delicious Vietnamese food. Saphasit Rd.

Sincere cooks Thai-French fusion cuisine. Saphasit Rd.

Bin Toe is a small local cuisine place, whose owners are very friendly. The food is quite tasty.