FESTIVALS
The Candle Festival
is the largest religious ceremony in Ubon Ratchathani. It is celebrated yearly on Asalha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Day in July. The ceremony is held at Thung Si Mueang and Chaturamuk Pavillion. At night, there is entertainment to celebrate the Lent candles. The reflection of lights on the candles creates a picturesque effect during the festival.
Kaeng Sa Peu Songkarn Festival
is held yearly in April. Villagers will splash water on each other and swim in the Mun River. The festival also features local sports and northeastern folk music.
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Welcome to Ubon Ratchathani
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Since the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or simply Ubon, was part of the Khmer Empire until the Ayutthaya Kingdom later conquered it. Towards the end of the 18th century, Laotians immigrated to the northern banks of the Mun River and founded the provincial capital. The Laotian influence is evident in the architectural structures of some of the city’s religious buildings. During the Vietnam War, Ubon encountered an expansive growth due to its proximity to an American air base.
Today, the province is the largest and one of the most important provinces in northeastern Thailand. It is a major tourist attraction of the lower I-San located 629 kilometres from Bangkok. Due to the large number of fascinating temples dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Aside from the numerous attraction sites, festivals and holidays are celebrated with a unique Ubon flair. The province borders the Mekong River in the east and features superb scenic view of Cambodia.
The province covers 15,517 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Warin Chamrap, Det Udom, Buntharik, Na Chaluai, Nam Yuen, Phibun Mangsahan, Khong Chiam, Si Muang Mai, Trakan Phuet Phon, Khemarat, Mung Sam Sip, Khueang Nai, Kut Khaopun, Tan Sum, Pho Sai, Samrong, Sirindhorn, Don Mot Daeng, Thung Si Udom, Na Yia, Na Tan, Lao Suea Kok, Sawang Wirawong and Nam Khun.
Attractions
Ban Kan Luang Archaeological Site
Ban Kan Luang Archaeological Site is situated in Wat Ban Kan Luang, 3 kilometres from the town along Highway No. 212. Turn right onto Highway No. 2050 for 2 kilometres. In 1992, the Fine Arts Department excavated the site. Discoveries include artefacts, implements, ornaments, beads, pottery and iron axes. It is believed that this settlement dates back at least 2,000 years.
Ban Pa Ao
Ban Pa Ao is situated at Tambon Nong Khon, 18 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 23. At the 273-km marker, turn right and travel along the track for another 3 kilometres. It is one of the oldest villages in Ubon Ratchathani. According to history, the villagers migrated from Vientiane, Laos during the reign of King Siri Bun San. The village is over 200 years old and has a special identity of its own which has been handed down from its ancestors, such as the craft of making bronzeware and weaving beautiful silk.
Ban Tha Khong Lek
Ban Tha Khong Lek is on Highway No. 226 (Ubon Ratchathani-Si Sa Ket Route) about 3 kilometres from the district centre. The clay, taken from the Mun River, is thoroughly mixed with chaff and other kinds of material. The whole process is done by hand.
Hat Khu Dua
Hat Khu Dua is a sandy river shore on the Mun River’s bank about 12 kilometres from town. There are varieties of local food sold along the shore.
Hat Wat Tai
Hat Wat Tai is a sandy island in the middle of the Mun River. The island becomes larger than usual in summer. It is also used as a recreation place by townspeople.
The Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
The Ubon Ratchathani National Museum is on Khuan Thani Road. Built in 1918, the building was once used as the City Hall. It is regarded as the museum with the best arrangement and display artefacts from all districts in the province. Inside, there are displays of prehistoric events, history, and cultures of the natives of Ubon Ratchathani. The Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Thung Si Muang
Thung Si Muang is a wide-open ground in the middle of the city used as a recreation and festival celebration area for the townspeople. A monument of the founder of Ubon Ratchathani is also located here.
Transportation
Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
Car
a) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then use Highway No.226 to Ubon Ratchathani via Buri Ram, Surin and Si Sa Ket, for a total distance of 629 kilometres.
b) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 2 till arriving Sikhio, then turn into Highway No. 24 and proceed to Ubon Ratchathani via Chok Chai, Nang Rong, Prasat, Det Udom and Warin Chamrap.
Train
Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Ubon Ratchathani every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
Air
i Airways has several daily flights connecting Bangkok with Ubon Ratchathani. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2280-0060, 0-2628-2000 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.
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