Things To Do
in Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani is a warm, welcoming city in northeastern Thailand (Isan) known for its strong Lao cultural influences, colorful temples and lively markets. It serves as a gateway to stunning natural attractions in the province, including dramatic Mekong River formations and national parks with ancient cliff paintings. The city is famous for its annual Candle Festival in July, a major cultural event that draws visitors across Thailand.
Daily life centers on riverside promenades, night markets and temples, offering an authentic provincial Thai experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Wat Thung Si Mueang, a beautiful temple that showcases traditional Thai architecture. As the sun rises, the temple's intricate details come to life, giving you the perfect backdrop for a morning stroll. Don’t forget to stop by a local market nearby for some fresh fruits and traditional Thai breakfast snacks.
After exploring the temple, enjoy lunch at a charming local eatery, where you can savor dishes like Khao Soi and Som Tum. Continue your journey by visiting the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the region. The museum’s exhibits provide insight into the local customs and artifacts that define this vibrant community.
As the sun sets, head to the famous Pha Taem National Park to witness the breathtaking views of the Mekong River. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the cliffs, where ancient rock paintings tell stories of the region's past. Conclude your day with dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious Thai cuisine while listening to the soothing sounds of the river.
Begin your day early with a hike in Pha Taem National Park, where you can witness stunning landscapes and unique rock formations. The morning light enhances the beauty of the park, making it a perfect time to capture photos of the natural scenery. Be sure to visit the prehistoric rock paintings that date back thousands of years.
After your hike, take a break for lunch at a local restaurant near the park, enjoying traditional dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup. Spend the afternoon exploring the park further, perhaps by visiting the nearby waterfalls which offer a refreshing dip in their cool waters. The lush surroundings provide a relaxing atmosphere as you immerse yourself in nature.
In the evening, return to Ubon Ratchathani and experience the local night market, where you can sample an array of street food delights. Try local favorites like grilled meats and sticky rice while browsing through the handmade crafts and souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly vendors make for a memorable evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi or tuk-tuk ride | $1-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Isan culture and cuisine with fewer tourists than Thailand’s major destinations
- Close access to unique natural attractions like Pha Taem and Sam Phan Bok
- Friendly locals and vibrant markets with excellent, affordable food
- Less developed tourist infrastructure compared with Bangkok or Chiang Mai (fewer English speakers outside service industry)
- Hot and rainy seasons can limit some outdoor activities
- Fewer international flight options — usually requires a domestic connection
- "สวัสดีครับ / ค่ะ (Sawasdee krap/ka)" - Hello (male/female speaker endings)
- "ขอบคุณ (Khop khun)" - Thank you
- "ราคาเท่าไหร่ (Raa-khaa thao-rai)" - How much is this?
- "ช่วยด้วย / ขอโทษ (Chuay duay / Kor-thot)" - Help / Excuse me / Sorry
- "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน (Hong nam yuu tee nai)" - Where is the restroom?
- "ฉัน/ผมไม่กินเนื้อสัตว์/ปลา/ถั่ว (Chan/Phom mai gin nuea sat/pla/tua)" - I don't eat meat/fish/peas (useful for dietary restrictions)
Places to Visit in Ubon Ratchathani
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking modern temple with a tall, white chedi inspired by Borobudur — great for architectural shots, especially at sunrise or dusk.
Dramatic cliff-top views over the Mekong, ancient rock paintings and sweeping vistas at sunrise; excellent for landscape and sunrise photography.
Unique sandstone formations exposed during the dry season along the Mekong; offers abstract foregrounds and strong low-water reflections for photos.
Local life scenes, fishing boats and golden-hour portraits along the river; good for candid street and environmental portraits.
Elaborate hand-carved candle floats, processions and temple rituals provide spectacular event photography with color and motion.
Food in Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy, tangy papaya salad served everywhere; try the local versions with fermented crab (pon), preserved fish (pla ra) or grilled river prawns at markets and street stalls.
Must-Try!
Sticky rice paired with freshly grilled Mekong fish or pla pao (salt-crusted grilled fish), widely available at riverside eateries and night markets.
A punchy mixture of minced meat (pork, chicken or fish), lime, chilies and toasted rice powder — an Isan classic often eaten with raw vegetables and sticky rice.
Marinated and charcoal-grilled chicken served with dipping sauces; popular at roadside grills and markets.
Rice noodles with a rich fermented fish or curry-style sauce; a popular breakfast or lunch option at local stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the best places to try grilled meats, som tam, sticky rice desserts and local sweets; lively in the evening with stalls, live music and affordable eats.
A daily market for fresh produce, prepared breakfasts like jok and noodle soups, and local snacks; a good spot to sample authentic home-style Isan dishes.
Small riverside food vendors selling grilled fish, seafood and chilled drinks — great for an evening meal with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The customary greeting is the wai (palms together) — return it politely. Use 'Sawasdee-krap/ka' for hello (krap for men, ka for women).
Dress modestly when visiting temples: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering prayer halls, and behave respectfully around monks and religious objects.
Avoid touching people's heads (considered sacred) and don’t point feet at people or images of the Buddha. Sit cross-legged or with feet tucked away in temples and homes.
Keep voices moderate; displays of public anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon. Always show respect to the Thai royal family — comments about the monarchy can have legal consequences.
Safety
Tipping in Ubon Ratchathani
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. For restaurants, leaving small change or about 5–10% in nicer places is common; round up taxi fares. Tip guides and drivers if service is good.
Thai baht (THB) is the local currency. Cash is king at markets and small eateries; credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, malls and many mid-to-upscale restaurants. ATMs are widely available in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May brings hot, dry conditions with temperatures often above 35°C (95°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
May to October is the monsoon season with heavy afternoon storms; rivers rise and some rural roads may be flooded. Bring a lightweight rain jacket and flexible plans for outdoor excursions.
November to February is the most pleasant period — milder temperatures (20–28°C / 68–82°F), clearer skies and ideal conditions for sightseeing and hiking.
July hosts the Ubon Candle Festival — expect crowds, road closures near temple areas and abundant photo opportunities; book accommodations early for this period.
Ubon Ratchathani at Night
Hiking in Ubon Ratchathani
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails to cliff viewpoints and prehistoric rock art overlooking the Mekong — best for sunrise/sunset photography and moderate hiking.
Cross-border park with Laos offering rainforest trails, waterfalls and mountain views; routes vary in difficulty and often require early starts.
Trails around rapids and forested areas along the Mun River, suitable for day hikes and wildlife spotting.
Airports
How to reach Ubon Ratchathani by plane.
The main regional airport serving the city with frequent domestic flights to Bangkok; about 10–20 minutes from the city center by taxi, making it the most convenient option for most visitors.
About a 3–4 hour drive northwest of Ubon, Khon Kaen offers additional domestic connections and can be an alternative if combining multi-city travel in Isan.
Smaller regional airports within a few hours' drive; they offer limited connections and can be useful depending on specific travel routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population of northeastern Thailand with a distinct Lao-influenced dialect, cuisine and cultural practices.
Theravada Buddhism shapes daily life, festivals and temple-centered activities across the city and province.
Smaller communities of ethnic groups and migrant workers contribute to local culture; Lao cross-border ties also influence demographics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional Thai boxing is widely practiced and followed; local stadiums sometimes hold matches that are popular with residents.
Local football clubs and school competitions are popular, with community support for matches and tournaments.
A traditional Southeast Asian sport played across Isan — fast-paced and popular in school and community settings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ubon Ratchathani.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but may be limited at street stalls; say 'phit-sa-zaa' (vegetarian) and request no fish sauce or shrimp paste. Larger restaurants and markets often accommodate with rice and vegetable-based dishes.
Vegan travelers should be explicit about avoiding fish sauce, oyster sauce and shrimp paste. Look for vegetarian restaurants or ask cafes for vegetable dishes without animal products.
Many Thai staples are rice-based, but sauces (soy sauce, some curries) can contain wheat. Ask staff about ingredients and prefer simple grilled meats, salads and steamed rice.
Carry a translated allergy card in Thai to show vendors. Cross-contamination is common in street food settings.