Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More

14 Best Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani

Have you ever seen a temple that glows in the dark? If you’ve decided to visit Ubon Ratchathani, you can witness it for yourself at Wat Sirindhorn Wararam, a stunning Buddhist temple located in Chong Mek, right on the border between Thailand and Laos.

Built atop a hill overlooking the Thai-Lao border, this incredible temple is best known for the luminous paint used to decorate its exterior. It’s a one-of-a-kind glow-in-the-dark temple that you won’t find anywhere else but here.

The luminous paint is used to create intricate patterns on the floors and walls of the temple grounds, and, of course, the best time to witness this glowing spectacle is after sundown. Around sunset, you’ll see tourists from all over Thailand gathering around the temple to watch the magic unfold.

I spent hours there waiting for the glow—and it was absolutely worth it. The darker the sky became, the more vivid the glow appeared. In my opinion, the best time to visit Wat Sirindhorn Wararam is about 30 minutes after sunset. That’s when the blue hour sets in, casting the perfect light for photography.

This was definitely the highlight of Ubon Ratchathani for me, and it was well worth the drive. If you are looking for a cool and unique attraction to visit here, be sure to check out Wat Sirindhorn Wararam. The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM daily, and the entry is free.

Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani?

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Bordin Hotel

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Mid-Range

V Hotel Ubon Ratchathani

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Centara Ubon

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2. Check the Golden Monument of Thung Sri Mueang

Since Ubon Ratchathani is one of the most populous provinces in Southern Isaan, you can expect to find plenty of awesome things to do in the city center. One landmark I recommend checking out is Thung Sri Mueang, a vast park located in the heart of the city. It’s home to the stunning golden monument, which is something you truly have to see for yourself.

The park serves as a focal point for community gatherings and is especially famous for hosting all kinds of events, from the annual Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival to the Songkran Festival, and more.

At the center of the park, you’ll find a soaring golden pillar adorned with stunning, intricate patterns and designs, featuring the shape of a royal barge with mythical creatures such as the Garuda at the bow, nagas, and more—all covered in gold from top to bottom. It is the crown jewel of the park and one that got me interested in visiting in the first place.

At the park, if you are observant enough, you will also find a monument erected by British prisoners of war during World War II, expressing gratitude to the citizens of Ubon Ratchathani for their assistance. Something to keep an eye out for.

I happened to be there during Songkran, and the entire place had turned into a waterpark, with sprinklers shooting water at passersby, a huge foam party, and a local concert that will keep you going for days.

Celebrating Songkran here was a blast. There were hardly any foreigners, so you really get to experience an authentic Songkran celebration. If you happen to be in town during early April, you’re in for a real treat!

For a travel guide of just Ubon City Center, check out:Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More

3. Be Amazed by Wat Thung Si Mueang, a Wooden Temple on Stilts

Not too far from the park, you’ll find Wat Thung Si Mueang, an old wooden temple built on stilts—one of the oldest of its kind in the city. Constructed during the reign of King Rama III (1824–1851), the temple was originally built to house a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, a significant religious artifact in Buddhist countries like Thailand.

One of the temple’s most striking features is its wooden Tripitaka library, known as the Ho Trai. This structure is elevated on stilts over a pond, a design choice intended to protect the sacred palm-leaf manuscripts from termites and other pests.

It’s not very big, but a beautiful historical structure worth seeing nevertheless. There are plenty of shades and benches you can take a break at as you explore the city. There are also bathrooms available here that you can access for free.

The temple is open daily from 5 AM to 7 PM, and like most attractions in the city, entry is free. Honestly, I love exploring off-the-beaten-path provinces like Ubon—no commercialization, just a pure, authentic cultural experience. I absolutely love it!

Right next to Thung Si Mueang, you will find Ubon Ratchathani National Museum, one of the best museums in the region with a massive collection of archaeological artifacts and a wonderful place to stroll around and learn more about the rich history of Ubon Ratchathani.

The museum is housed in this charming, yellow-colored colonial-era building constructed in 1918. The building was originally the city hall before being converted into a museum in 1989.

The museum’s well-curated exhibits span various historical periods, with highlights including 3,000-year-old pottery unearthed in Isaan and rare Buddha statues from different eras.

One particularly unique artifact is a statue of a Hindu god in a sitting position—the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia. You will also find massive old wooden sculptures, a religious boundary stone that is only found in Ubon Ratchathani, and so much more.

If you’re a history buff and want to dive deeper into this part of Thailand, you’ll love the national museum. It’s open from 9 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday to Sunday, with an entrance fee of 100 THB. Just a heads-up – they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

5. Be Blown Away by Wat Phra That Nong Bua

Located not too far from the city center, you will find Wat Phra That Nong Bua, one of the most iconic and architecturally striking temples in Ubon Ratchathani. Built in 1956 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism, the temple’s centerpiece is the 56-meter-tall white and gold pagoda modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment.

The chedi features a square base and pyramid-like structure, with each side adorned by a meditating Buddha statue. Surrounding the main chedi are four smaller stupas, also painted in white and gold, creating perfect symmetry.

The inside is even more impressive, with a seated Buddha image at the center, surrounded by towering pillars that stretch all the way up to the top of the chedi, supporting its incredible height. The pillars are covered in gold, while the beams are adorned with red and gold patterns.

The entire interior is intricately designed, and I was in awe as I stepped inside and looked up. It’s definitely a must-visit when you are in Ubon Ratchathani. The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 8 PM daily, and entry is free.

6. Stroll Around the Tree-Shaded Surrounding of Wat Nong Pah Pong

Another cool temple you might want to visit in Ubon Ratchathani is Wat Nong Pah Pong, a modern temple located in a forest-covered area just outside of the city center. The temple is surrounded by tall trees, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere perfect for meditation or for those who seek to be among nature for a while.

The temple is so peaceful that it has become a popular spot for both Thais and foreigners to participate in Vipassana retreats. Here, you can live like a monk for a few days—spending time meditating, helping around the temple, and learning about the Buddhist way of life—all without having to pay a dime.

Right at the center of the tree-shaded temple ground, you will find a beautiful golden pagoda that, although looks traditional on the outside, the inside feels more like you are in a spaceship, which I think was really cool.

There is also a 3-storey museum inside the temple premise built in memory of Ajahn Chah, one of the great Thai Meditation masters of the 20th century, that you can visit and learn more about his life.

If you are looking for a calm place to visit near Ubon Ratchathani city center, be sure to come and check out Wat Nong Pah Pong. The temple is open from 5 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entry is free.

7. Enjoy a Drink By the River at Huk Mun Market

If you’re looking for a charming spot by the river to enjoy a drink and take in the sunset, one of the best places is Huk Mun Market. It’s a modern food market with makeshift bars and restaurants, offering a great atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the view.

The market is located right on the banks of the Mun River, the main river flowing through the city, and it’s a fantastic spot to catch the sunset over the water. There are plenty of seats available along the riverbank, along with several bars and restaurants—some set up inside repurposed train cars—where you can enjoy food and drinks.

There’s also live music and occasional small concerts in the evening, so if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind after sunset, you’re going to love Huk Mun Market. The market is open from 4 PM to 12 AM, though it really comes alive after 6 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

8. Check Out the Rock Formations at 3000 Bok

Now, it’s time to step out of the city and explore the attractions in the countryside of Ubon Ratchathani. On the far edge of the province, right along the Mekong River that divides Thailand and Laos, you’ll find 3000 Bok, a dried riverbed famous for its unique rock formations.

“Bok” is a Laotian word that translates to “holes”, so the name of the place—3000 Bok—perfectly describes the area, which is known for its thousands of natural holes carved into the rocks.

Here, you will find thousands of cylindrical depressions carved into the sandstone bedrock by the erosive forces of the Mekong River over millennia. These formations, which vary in size and shape, are most visible during the dry season, from December to May, when the water levels of the Mekong River recede, exposing the rock formations.

Once you get here, you will have to park your car at the village nearby. There, you have the option to either hire a song-taew to take you around the area and see some of the place’s finest features, or you can opt to walk around by yourself.

Many of the stunning rock formations are quite far from the village, so if you want to reach these spots, it’s best to hire a song-taew to explore 3000 Bok. The price for one song-taew is 200 THB, and it can fit 10 to 12 people. The song-taew will take you to 10 different photo spots and operates daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.

If you want to make your visit even more epic, you can hire a long-tail boat to explore the coastline. A short trip costs 500 THB per boat, while a longer trip costs 1000 THB per boat. Each boat can accommodate around 8 to 10 people. The boats operate daily from 6 AM to 5 PM.

All of the money from these activities goes to support the local community, which is important, as there aren’t many economic activities in this remote area. If you’re driving along the Thai-Lao border in Ubon Ratchathani, be sure to make your way to 3000 Bok!

9. Visit Thung Na Mueang Waterfalls

While you are exploring the Thai-Lao border of Ubon Ratchathani, you might want to drop by and check out Thung Na Mueang Waterfalls, a beautiful waterfall located inside Pha Taem National Park right next to the Mekong River.

The cool thing about this waterfall is that, unlike other waterfalls in the area, it has water flowing all year round. I’ve visited many waterfalls in the province during April, one of the driest seasons, and while other falls barely had any water flowing, this one still cascades majestically, as you can see in the pictures I took.

It’s a nice stop as you make your way towards the easternmost point of Thailand, which is next on this list. The waterfall is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily, and the entry is free.

10. Take Photos at the Easternmost point of Thailand

Now, if you’re a geography nerd—though, let’s be honest, every avid traveler becomes one at some point, right?—then you might want to drive all the way to the easternmost point of Thailand to claim that you’ve traveled as far east as you can go.

As you continue from Thung Na Mueang Waterfalls, you will eventually reach a small, sleepy village on the riverbank of Mekong Road. This is where you will find a monument marking the easternmost point of Thailand where you can take photos.

If the Mekong River receded enough, you can even walk down the dried-up riverbed and peek at the neighboring Laos. I even waved at some of the Laos fishermen on the other side just for fun 😂.

Even though the village isn’t a tourist attraction in itself, I found it wildly interesting just to be here and observe. I saw locals setting up small makeshift markets to trade with one another, and a few people casually taking boats across to Laos—hauling bags full of stuff they’d just bought in Thailand. No immigration required 😂.

After all, the people living around here are essentially the same, right? They speak the same language, share the same culture—so it only makes sense that they can trade freely without modern-day borders getting in the way. I’ve always found border towns fascinating, and if you’re the same, be sure to check out the easternmost point of Thailand.

11. Explore Sao Chaliang

Another impressive natural wonder you have to check out as you explore the far fringe of Ubon Ratchathani is Sao Chaliang, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the province, located within the scenic Pha Taem National Park.

These surreal, mushroom-shaped rock formations were sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion. The name “Sao Chaliang” translates to “columns of stone”, and the formations truly resemble giant stone mushrooms rising from the earth—such a cool sight to see in person.

The site features a loop trail that takes you right under the formations, where you can really observe these rock formations and take dramatic photos of the place up close.

If you walk further up the rocks, you’ll also come across Lan Hin Taek, a rocky area marked by naturally occurring cracks that run deep into the ground. Be careful with your phone and flip-flops while hopping between the gaps—once something drops in there, there’s no getting it back!

A little further from Lan Hin Taek, you will find a viewpoint where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pha Taem National Park. I highly recommend you do the loop trail. It doesn’t take very long, about 10 minutes in total, and doesn’t require a lot of effort.

Sao Chaliang is part of Pha Taem National Park, so there’s an entrance fee of 200 THB per person. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. If you’re looking for a unique natural wonder to explore in Ubon Ratchathani, make sure to add Sao Chaliang to your list!

12. Visit Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai 💎 Hidden Gem

Around Klong Chiam District, not too far from the Thai-Lao border crossing area of Chong Mek, you will find many forest and cave temples with scenic settings, and one of the most beautiful ones here is Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai, a temple built under a cliffside.

One of the coolest things about this temple is the waterfall that flows off the cliff above, cascading over the temple built beneath it. The result is a mystical temple ground that feels like something out of a fairy tale—a quiet and calm place where devotees can come to pray, and where we as tourists can enjoy.

The cave temple requires a bit of walking along the cliff side before you can get to the beautiful part, but trust me, it will be worth the walk. I was there during the driest season, in April, so I didn’t get to see much water flowing through the temple, but if you are there in September or October, you are in for quite a treat!

The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM daily, and entry is free. If you are there during the wet season, be sure to come and visit Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai and report back on how epic the waterfall is!

13. See the Two-Color River Viewpoint

While you’re in Khong Chiam District, you might want to check out the Two-Color River Viewpoint, located inside Wat Khong Chiam—a temple situated right at the confluence of the Mun and Mekong Rivers.

The meeting of these two rivers creates a striking contrast, with two distinct shades of water forming a visible dividing line. You can see this effect most clearly when the sun is high in the sky.

I visited at sunrise, so the difference wasn’t as pronounced, but it was still subtly noticeable. If you visit later in the day, you should get an even clearer view of the two-tone river.

The area is open 24/7, so you can visit anytime, but I recommend coming in the late morning or afternoon for the best visibility. Entry is free.

14. Check Out Wat Tham Khuha Sawan

Last but not least, before you leave Khong Chiam District, be sure to go and check out Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, a highly revered temple in the area with beautiful cave settings and a great view of the Mekong River from afar.

At the temple, you will find a cave that houses a row of seated Buddha statues, a reclining Buddha, and the glass coffin containing the well-preserved remains of Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula Mani, the esteemed meditation master highly revered here.

You will also find one of the world’s largest gongs right at the entrance of the temple, as well as a striking white and gold pagoda with beautiful intricate design. It’s located on a cliffside, which makes for a great vantage point of the whole district. You can see all the way to Laos from here.

If you are visiting Khong Chiam District, be sure to come and check out Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. The temple is open 24/7 and the entry is free.

What to Drink & Eat in Ubon Ratchathani?

One of my favorite restaurants in Ubon Ratchathani, and a favorite among locals, is Ubon Ocha, a local eatery that has been serving delicious meals at the same spot for decades.

One of their standout dishes is Guay Jub Yuan, a Thai-Vietnamese-style noodle soup. You can choose from a variety of meats, including pork, chicken (they even offer chicken feet for the adventurous!), Vietnamese sausage, and more.

What’s even better is the affordability, especially considering the size of the bowl. After one serving of Guay Jub Yuan, I was completely full—maybe even a little too full! They also serve traditional breakfast dishes like Khai Krata (egg-on-a-pan), Thai-Vietnamese bread, hot traditional coffee, and more.

The soup was tasty and delicious. I love it! If you’re looking for a true local treat in Ubon Ratchathani, you can’t go wrong with Ubon Ocha. The restaurant is open daily from 5:30 AM to 3:00 PM, so make sure to get there before it closes!

Enjoy a Cup of Coffee or Drink at Impression Sunrise

The youth art scene in Ubon Ratchathani is vibrant, though it’s something many foreigners might not immediately notice. As a Thai, I can recognize it right away, and one of the places that truly embodies this youthful creativity is Impression Sunrise.

Impression Sunrise is a vibrant cultural hub in Ubon Ratchathani that seamlessly blends art, food, and community spirit, unlike any other place in the city center. Housed in this renovated four-story building, you’ll find a charming café, a lively bar with outdoor seating and live music at night, an airy rooftop bar where you can hang out, and an art gallery to explore.

During the day, it’s a quiet and tranquil spot, perfect for a cup of coffee as you relax and enjoy the artsy atmosphere. In the evening, it transforms into a lively venue where young people gather to enjoy great live music and more. If you’re looking for a place to unwind in the city center, this is definitely worth a visit. The venue is open from 8:30 AM to 12 AM daily.

How to Get to Ubon Ratchathani?

By Plane: The fastest way would be to fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Airport via AirAsia. The flight should take about 1.5 hours and costs around 1,000 THB. For the best price of flights, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.

By Train: You can also take a train from Bangkok’s Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Ubon Ratchathani Train Station. There are about 12 trains running between the 2 cities with a variety of classes you can choose from, ranging from a third-class seat to a second-class seat with AC or fan, with prices ranging from 250 THB to 1,000 THB respectively. The journey should take about 8 – 11 hours depending on which train you go for. You can see the schedule and book online here.

By Bus: Another great way to get to Ubon Ratchathani is by buses and vans. They often leave from Morchit Bus Station, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 500 to 770 THB and takes between 8 – 12 hours depending on the bus size and the traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. It’s a pretty straightforward journey, thanks to the newly built M6 Highway, out of Bangkok and drive east straight to Ubon Ratchathani. The whole journey should take about 7 – 8 hours. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Ubon Ratchathani?

By Car: Honestly, the best way to get around Ubon Ratchathani is by renting a car. Most of its attractions are quite spread out, and the Isaan heat is no joke.

While renting a motorbike is possible, it’s not the most comfortable option—plus, you’ll often be riding on highways, which can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders.

For the most convenient experience, I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent one directly from Ubon Ratchathani Airport, or pick one up at Bangkok’s airports and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.

What to Pack for Ubon Ratchathani?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi’s jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It’s lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker’s towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It’s a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You’ll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It’s large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it’s stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can’t go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:

• As the gateway to Isaan, you can’t travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
• Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
• One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you’ll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here’s a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
• Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
• Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
• If you’re passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
• Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
• Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn’t do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.