Things to do in Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani has a vibe that will leave you far more relaxed than big cities like Bangkok. If you’re on your way to or from Laos, it’s worth stopping off for several days. Take a breather, tour the area, and leave feeling a little more spiritual, or maybe just with a clearer head to gear up for the rest of your travels.

Candle Festival in Ubon

If your trip to Ubon happens in July, there’s a chance you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Candle Festival. Each year, around the full moon, festivities and a procession are held in preparation of the Buddhist Lent. Head over to Thung Si Muang Park to be in the thick of the action. It’s held on the occasion of the beginning of the Buddhist Lent and while many cities in Thailand held similar festivals, the one in Ubon is the most famous and spectacular.

Ubon Jungle Park

For a little nature without much walking, check out the Ubon Jungle Park. This zoo is relatively new, and visitors have the option to tour via bus or by hiring a personal golf cart. Entrance fee is THB100 for foreigners and THB300 for a 1-hour golf cart rental. The park isn’t too large, so plan for about an hour to tour the whole area.

Bike Tours

If you don’t mind braving the Thai heat, book an Ubon Bike Tour. For THB1200, an English-speaking guide will join you on a ride through the city, lasting about 4 hours. The total distance covered is about 23 kilometres, and a drink and small lunch are included in the price. Before booking, check expected temperatures, as 4 hours riding in the heat can be a bit much.

Night market

The Rachabut Night Market was a routine stop-off for us on most evenings. Make sure to spend at least one night tasting the local foods here. You’ll enjoy the fact that dinner is the only thing sold here on weekdays; you won’t be overwhelmed with vendors selling clothes and souvenirs. While the market isn’t huge, there are plenty of tables to sit down for a cheap, delicious meal.

3D Gallery

For a different kind of artistic experience, visit the Country of Arts 3D Gallery. Unusual Thai paintings offer 3 dimensional views that make for some pretty unique photo ops. Spend a couple hours walking through. The gallery is open from 11am–1.30pm and again from 3-5pm. The entrance fee is THB180.

Ubon Ratchathani Cultural Center

For an overnight stay or short history lesson, the Ubon Ratchathani Cultural Center is a great spot to visit. From the outside, the building offers a unique Thai-Victorian feel. Inside, you can book a basic hotel room for the night. We suggest skipping out on that part, and spending an hour in the downstairs folk museum instead.

Thai Massage and spa

After a long day of sightseeing, stop by Garden House Thai Massage for some much needed relaxation. For THB300, you can book a 2-hour Thai massage from experienced therapists. While two hours seems like a long time, it truly flies by, so savor the moments while you can. Better yet, book another for later; the price is well worth it.

Visiting national parks

If you’re willing to splurge on a 2-day tour, book the National Park Thailand tour through Travelisaan. For THB2000, you’ll be guided through Ubon’s surrounding national parks, along with a group of beautiful temples. A riverside guesthouse is included in the price, along with all transportation, but food and park fees are extra. This is a great option if you’re looking for a hands-free trip.

Ban Pa Ao handicraft village

Ban Pa Ao is another must see on many travellers’ itineraries. Hire a private guide or head out on your own. You’ll watch as experts teach visitors the traditional way to make brass bells and other bronze artifacts. You can also observe artists practicing silk hand-weaving. Stop by the gift shop before leaving for some beautiful souvenirs.