Ubon Ratchathani Sights and POI
Ubon Ratchathani is for travellers seeking a bit of culture and spirituality, coupled with a laid-back cafe scene. People don’t come here for the nightlife, so don’t be too disappointed when it doesn’t compare to Bangkok. However, if Ubon is on your list of spots to visit, that’s likely not what you’re looking for.
Ubon has a couple things going for it outside of being a close stopping point on your way to or from Laos. Take a walk around the city, and you’ll likely notice a healthy stream of orange clad monks walking to and from one of the many nearby wats, or temples. Take a short drive outside the city, and you’ll soon stumble upon one of several vast national parks, just waiting to be explored.
Ubon Temples
Ubon is where even the most ardent temple lovers can get a serious temple overdose (the only one city in Thailand which can compares to Ubon in the number of temples is probably Phetchaburi).
Even if you’ve spent a good deal of time exploring temples in other cities throughout Southeast Asia, it’s hard to ignore the strong presence of temples in Ubon, so we suggest taking a stroll through at least one or two during your time here.
Free tram temple route
There is an easy way to explore about half a dozen of the most important, elaborate and beautiful temples in Ubon. The local travel authority offers free tram rides around the city to visit the temples. Pink trams are found in front of Thung Si Muang Park. Though there are rides throughout the day, trams leave when full, so to avoid long waiting times, come at 9am to catch the first departure.
The tram route includes, among others, Wat Thung Si Mueang with a beautiful teak library in the middle of the pond and stunning gilded Wat Nong Bua, close to the bus terminal.
Wat Ban Na Mueang
Our favourite wat out of the vast choice in Ubon was probably Wat Ban Na Mueang, and although it’s a bit outside of the city, it’s worth the drive or tuk-tuk ride. Simply walking toward the entrance to this wat is a sight to see in itself. The large, intricate entrance and temples definitely set this one apart from the others. Our favourite part was the temple built in the image of a ship, right in the middle of a small lake. (open during daylight hours; free)
Meditation retreats
If you’re interested in doing more than just touring the grounds of a wat, why not spend several days at Wat Pah Nanachat? This Buddhist monastery is also located outside of Ubon, but a tuk-tuk can take you there without a problem.
What’s special about this wat compared to many others is its history and tradition; it’s one of the only monasteries where English is spoken, and the majority of monks are foreign. If you’re looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a few nights spent here will surely do the trick. Accommodations are simple, wake up bells start at 3am, and men who stay longer than a few days are expected to shave their heads, beards, and eyebrows. (open during daylight hours; free)
Thung Si Muang Park
Despite the heat, our evenings were spent being active and exercising right alongside Ubon’s locals at Thung Si Muang Park.
You likely won’t see too much activity here during the day, but come evening time, the park jumps to life with people jogging, dancing, playing sports, or doing various other types of exercise. Take a few laps around the main walkway, and if you need to balance out the running with a little indulgence, head to the nearby night market afterwards for a bite to eat.
Of course, you don’t have to partake to appreciate this sight; simply take a seat on one of the many benches and watch Thai life go by.
Pha Taem National Park
If you’re willing to take another short trip outside the city, Pha Taem National Park can’t be missed. If you enjoy being outdoors, even just a little bit, this park is definitely worth a visit.
Take an early taxi out to enjoy the sunrise atop one of the towering cliffs that overlooks much of the Mekong and Laos. Afterwards, spend time exploring the interesting rock formations and 3,000 year old cave paintings. Sure, they’re no Picasso, but the fact that they’ve been around for so long is amazing in and of itself.
If you’re lucky enough to be there before things have dried up for the year, take in the masses of wildflowers and the powerful nearby waterfalls. (6am-6pm; THB400)
