Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is Isan’s easternmost major province, tucked into the corner where the Mekong meets Laos and Cambodia. It’s one of the least-touristed areas in Thailand despite having 118 attractions — 123 temples, 35 national parks, and some of the most dramatic river scenery in the northeast. If you want to see Thailand without the tourist infrastructure, this is it.

What to See & Do

Pha Taem National Park is the province’s flagship — cliff-edge trails above the Mekong with 3,000-year-old rock paintings and views into Laos. Come at sunrise for the first light in Thailand (Ubon claims the earliest sunrise in the country). Downstream, Kaeng Sam Phan Bok earns its “Grand Canyon of Thailand” nickname — thousands of water-carved potholes in exposed sandstone, best seen between January and May when river levels drop.

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park is wilder and less visited, with waterfalls deep in the forest. Closer to town, Namtok Huai Sai Yai is one of the most scenic waterfalls in northeastern Thailand — a wide cascade over tiered sandstone.

Temple-wise, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao glows green in the dark — its walls are painted with phosphorescent murals that light up after sunset, making it one of the most photographed temples in Isan. Wat Tham Khuha Sawan occupies a cave above the Mekong, and Wat Phra That Nong Bua is modelled after India’s Mahabodhi Temple. For meditation, Wat Nong Pah Pong is the forest monastery founded by Ajahn Chah — it still accepts visiting practitioners.

Don’t miss Ancient Yok Thong Silk Weaving Village at Ban Tha Sawang — this village produces some of the finest hand-woven silk in Thailand and you can watch the entire process.

The province’s biggest event is the Candle Festival during Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent, typically July). Enormous wax sculptures are paraded through the city on floats — it’s Ubon’s equivalent of Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng but with carved candles instead of lanterns.

Where to Stay

Hotels average just $21/night, making this one of the cheapest bases in Thailand. YUU Hotel (9.3 on Agoda) is the standout in the city centre — modern, well-designed and under $30. Nartsiri Hotel (9.0) is a solid mid-range option near the night market.

Getting There

Ubon Ratchathani Airport receives multiple daily flights from Bangkok (1h 10m). The overnight train from Bangkok takes about 10 hours and arrives at Warin Chamrap station, just across the river from the city centre. Buses run from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (8-10 hours).

Best Time to Visit

November to February is cool and dry — perfect for national parks and river scenery. Sam Phan Bok’s rock formations are only visible January to May when the Mekong is low. The Candle Festival falls in July. Avoid September-October when heavy rains flood some roads and river access points.

Insider Tip: Rent a motorbike from the city (200-300 baht/day) to reach Pha Taem and Sam Phan Bok — these sites are 80-100km out and public transport is unreliable. The roads are good and traffic is minimal.