Ubon Ratchathani Travel Guide
City City in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand
Eastern Thailand’s cultural hub, Ubon Ratchathani stages the elaborate Candle Festival every Buddhist Lent and shelters Wat Phra That Nong Bua. Tourists also use it as a base for Pha Taem’s cliff paintings, Mekong riverfront views and Lao-inspired Isan cuisine.
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Why Visit Ubon Ratchathani? #
Ubon Ratchathani is a cultural gateway to northeastern Thailand where powerful Buddhist traditions and riverside landscapes meet. The city’s annual Candle Festival during Buddhist Lent is a spectacular local highlight, and nearby Pha Taem National Park provides dramatic cliff-top murals and Mekong vistas. Ubon’s night markets serve Isan staples-som tam, sticky rice and grilled river fish-so culinary discovery goes hand in hand with temple visits like Wat Phra That Nong Bua. The city balances festival energy with quiet riverfront life.
Who's Ubon Ratchathani For?
Ubon Ratchathani is a great place for bold Isaan flavors-grilled river fish, som tam, sticky rice and fiery laab dominate night markets. Thung Si Mueang market and riverside stalls offer inexpensive, intensely flavored dishes that reflect local culinary traditions.
Ubon is a gateway to Pha Taem National Park with cliff-top views and prehistoric rock paintings; nearby Mun River scenery and Kaeng Tana rapids add riverine landscapes. These national-park day trips offer striking geology and seasonal greenery within easy reach.
Safe streets, clear signage and cultural sites like Wat Thung Si Mueang make Ubon straightforward for families. The annual Candle Festival is a colorful highlight for older kids, while parks and night markets provide relaxed, family-friendly evenings.
Beyond town you’ll find rock-scramble trails, river rapids and cliff hikes in Pha Taem and the surrounding countryside. Day trips and one-night treks offer rewarding scrambling and viewpoints; local guides are recommended for more remote routes and river activities.
Best Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani Bucket List
- Wat Phra That Nong Bua - Sri Lankan-style stupa beside the Mun River, a defining Ubon landmark.
- Ubon Ratchathani National Museum - Displays Lao‑Isan artifacts, indigo textiles, and archaeological finds from the region.
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival - July festival with enormous carved wax floats, parades, and Buddhist ceremonies.
- Thung Si Muang (City Park) - Leafy central park with the city pillar shrine, weekend markets, and riverside paths.
- Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station - Classic eastern‑line station with atmospheric platform bustle and nearby street‑food stalls.
- Walking Street / Ubon Night Market - Riverside night market and walking street selling grilled snacks, crafts, and performances.
- Chao Mae Ong Ubon Shrine (local spirit shrine) - Local riverside shrine attracting daily worshippers and small traditional offerings from residents.
- Old City Riverside Promenade - Quiet riverside stretch favored by locals for morning walks and sunset views.
- Pha Taem National Park - Cliffside prehistoric paintings overlooking the Mekong, plus sunrise viewpoints and rock formations.
- Khong Chiam (confluence of Mun and Mekong) - Riverside district where the Mun meets the Mekong, with viewpoints and morning markets.
- Sirindhorn Reservoir (Sirindhorn Dam) - Large reservoir with fishing, birdwatching and sunset views, roughly two hours away.
- Kaeng Tana National Park - Riverside rapids, rocky islands and short trails beside the Mun River, accessible by car.
Regions of Ubon Ratchathani #
Nai Mueang
Nai Mueang is Ubon’s old city: temples, municipal buildings and markets form a relaxed grid that’s easy to explore on foot. There’s a strong local rhythm here - morning markets and temple visits - so it suits travelers who want cultural immersion rather than nightlife.
Top Spots
- Wat Phra That Nong Bua - the striking lotus‑shaped stupa south of the city.
- Ubon Ratchathani National Museum - exhibits on local history and culture.
- Local markets - day markets selling regional food and crafts.
Riverfront
The Mun Riverfront livens up in the evenings when hawkers and families take over the promenade. It’s the destination for night market snacks, casual riverside dining and people watching. Stay here if you like evening strolls and sampling a lot of street food.
Top Spots
- Ubon Night Market / Walking Street - riverside evening market with food stalls and vendors.
- Mun River promenade - a pleasant strip for sunset walks and street snacks.
- Riverside cafés - places to watch river traffic and try grilled specialties.
University Quarter
The university area is practical and youthful, with budget food, cafés and student services. It’s quieter in the holidays but offers cheap, reliable meals and a friendly vibe. Good for budget travelers and anyone visiting the campus or using it as a cheap base.
Top Spots
- Ubon Ratchathani University - green campus with occasional cultural events.
- Student cafés and eateries - budget-friendly restaurants and dessert shops.
- Local bookstores and stationery shops - small shops catering to students.
Plan Your Visit to Ubon Ratchathani #
Best Time to Visit Ubon Ratchathani #
Visit Ubon Ratchathani in the cool season (November-February) when lower humidity and milder temperatures make temples and national-park outings pleasant. The hot season is oppressively warm but lively for Songkran, while the monsoon (June-October) turns the landscape lush with heavy afternoon rains.
Best Time to Visit Ubon Ratchathani #
Ubon Ratchathani's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 17°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1590 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (264 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (314 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (282 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani is served by Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) and by the Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station, the eastern terminus of Thailand's northeastern rail line. Most visitors arrive by a short domestic flight from Bangkok or by overnight train/bus from the capital.
Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP): The regional airport sits about 8-12 km south of the city centre. Ground transport options include metered taxis to the city centre (around 150-250 THB, roughly 15-25 minutes), airport minivans/shuttles or shared vans (about 50-100 THB, 20-30 minutes), and local tuk‑tuks or motorbike taxis for shorter rides (typically 80-150 THB). Domestic flights from Bangkok take about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Train: Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station is the rail terminus for the northeastern line (จากสถานีรถไฟอุบลราชธานี). Regular services run from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) and intermediate stations; overnight trains typically take about 10-12 hours. Expect a wide price spread depending on class - basic third‑class seats are the cheapest, second‑class fan or air‑con seats and sleeper berths cost more - and book ahead for sleeper berths on peak dates.
Bus: Intercity buses run to Ubon from Bangkok’s Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal and other regional hubs, arriving at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal (Terminal 2). Travel time from Bangkok is commonly 8-11 hours depending on service (express/VIP faster); ticket prices for VIP/express services are generally in the range of 450-700 THB. Buses are frequent and a reliable alternative to night trains.
How to Get Around Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon is a compact provincial city where short hops by songthaew, tuk‑tuk or motorbike taxi work best; taxis and Grab cover point‑to‑point trips. For arrivals, flying into UBP saves time, while overnight trains or VIP buses from Bangkok are economical and convenient alternatives.
- Domestic flights (to UBP) (900-2,000 THB) - Flying is the fastest way to reach Ubon from Bangkok (about 1 hour 10 minutes). Multiple low‑cost and full‑service carriers operate flights; fares vary by season and how far ahead you book, and flights land directly at Ubon Ratchathani Airport with quick ground connections to the city.
- Train (200-1,200 THB) - The rail terminus at Ubon Ratchathani connects to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) and intermediate Isan towns. Overnight trains take roughly 10-12 hours; book sleeper berths in advance for comfort. Trains are a laid‑back, scenic option and often cheaper than flying if you choose non‑AC seats.
- Intercity bus (450-700 THB) - Buses from Bangkok's Ekkamai (Eastern) Terminal and regional hubs serve Ubon's Bus Terminal 2; travel time is typically 8-11 hours depending on the service. VIP/express buses are comfortable and air‑conditioned - buy tickets in advance during holidays to secure a seat.
- Taxis & tuk‑tuk (50-250 THB) - Metered taxis operate in the city and run from the airport; fares from the airport to the centre are commonly 150-250 THB. Tuk‑tuks are convenient for short distances but you should negotiate a price before setting off. Ride‑hailing apps like Grab work in the city but may have limited coverage late at night or in outer districts.
- Songthaews & local buses (10-40 THB) - Red songthaews (shared open-bed minibuses) and local buses handle most short trips within town and to nearby suburbs; fares are very cheap and typically charged per person. They're the most economical way to get around, but routes can be informal - ask locals or your hotel which one to take for a particular destination.
- Walking - The city centre (around the market, riverfront and main temples) is compact and easy to explore on foot. Walking is the best way to experience local life, but carry sun protection and water during the hotter hours.
Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani #
Where to Eat in Ubon Ratchathani #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ubon Ratchathani's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Ubon Ratchathani #
Ubon Ratchathani has a lively night-market culture - evening bazaars with food stalls, street vendors and casual beer gardens are the heart of the city after sunset. Night markets typically run until 22:00-23:00 and are where you’ll find local snacks, inexpensive drinks and occasional live music. For bars and clubs, head toward the city centre; tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis make short late-night hops easy. Stay hydrated in the warm nights and carry small change for stalls and transport.
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