About Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani lies in eastern Isaan on the Mun River, close to the Laos and Cambodia borders. The city is known for the Candle Festival in July, when large wax sculptures are paraded through the streets. You find temples such as Wat Thung Si Mueang and Wat Nong Pah Pong, the monastery of the famous forest monk Ajahn Chah. By the river there are food stalls and parks. Outside town the rapids of Kaeng Saphue on the Mun are a well-known attraction, especially at low water. Further east lie Khong Chiam and Pha Taem National Park. Ubon is a good city to get to know Isaan, with its own airport and a calm pace. The city lies about 630 km from Bangkok and can be reached by direct flights, an overnight train and long-distance buses, which makes it a good starting point for the eastern border region.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with green rice fields. From February to April there can be haze from burning fields. The Candle Festival is in July; Kaeng Saphue is at its best at low water in the dry season. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight (about 1 hour), night train or bus (about 8 to 10 hours); the city has an airport and a station. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Ubon Ratchathani
- Candle Festival In July giant wax sculptures are carried through the city.
- Wat Nong Pah Pong The monastery of Ajahn Chah, a well-known forest monk.
- Kaeng Saphue Rapids on the Mun River, most visible at low water.
- Mun River Walks and food stalls along the river in town.
Ubon Ratchathani on the map
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