Ubon Ratchathani
อุบลราชธานี · Ubon Ratchathani Province
Population
200K
Budget / Month
$320
Internet
55 Mbps
Best Season
October to February; July for Candle Festival
About Ubon Ratchathani
Often shortened to simply "Ubon," this sprawling northeastern city has long served as the cultural and administrative hub of lower Isan. With several universities fueling a youthful energy, Ubon balances traditional Isan life with modern amenities.
The city itself is pleasant but not conventionally touristic — its real appeal lies in the surrounding province, which encompasses dramatic Mekong River scenery, ancient cliff paintings at Pha Taem National Park, the striking Sam Phan Bok ("Grand Canyon of Thailand"), and the serene Kaeng Tana rapids. The city center features impressive Buddhist temples, particularly Wat Thung Si Mueang and Wat Supattanaram.
Ubon is a place where visitors can experience genuine Isan hospitality, feast on fiery som tam and larb at prices that barely register, and explore a region that most international tourists skip entirely.
Historical Note
Ubon Ratchathani was established in the late 18th century by Lao migrants from Champasak. During the Vietnam War, the nearby US Air Force Base brought a brief international presence. Since then it has developed as an educational and commercial center for lower Isan.
Best time to visit: October to February; July for Candle Festival
At a Glance
Thai Name
อุบลราชธานี
Province
Ubon Ratchathani
Region
Isan (Northeastern)
Population
200,000
Area
15,745 km²
Elevation
120 m
Postal Code
34000
Airport
UBP
Local Language
Thai, Isan
Cost of Living
budget
/month11,500 THB
~$320 USD
comfortable
/month21,500 THB
~$600 USD
luxury
/month38,000 THB
~$1,055 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 35 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 50 | 80 |
| Western restaurant meal | 150 | 300 |
| Coffee (specialty) | 50 | 80 |
| Large beer (restaurant) | 70 | 120 |
| Water 1.5L | 12 | 15 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse per night | 300 | 600 |
| City hotel per night | 700 | 1,500 |
| Upper hotel per night | 1,800 | 3,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Grab across town | 40 | 80 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 250 |
| Car rental per day | 800 | 1,200 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile plan per month | 200 | 400 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 150 | 250 |
| Laundry per kg | 30 | 40 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
28% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
1
Weather & Climate
October to February for cool, dry weather. July for the spectacular Candle Festival. December to May for Sam Phan Bok (visible when Mekong is low). Avoid March-May extreme heat (40°C+).
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 16 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 34 | 18 | 10 | 50% |
| Mar | 36 | 22 | 30 | 52% |
| Apr | 37 | 24 | 70 | 58% |
| May | 35 | 25 | 200 | 70% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 220 | 75% |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 250 | 78% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 280 | 80% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 300 | 80% |
| Oct | 32 | 22 | 150 | 75% |
| Nov | 31 | 19 | 30 | 60% |
| Dec | 30 | 16 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
Candle Festival (Khao Phansa)
งานแห่เทียนพรรษา
Thailand's most spectacular Buddhist Lent celebration with enormous carved wax sculptures paraded through town.
Pha Taem National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติผาแต้ม
3,000-year-old cliff paintings overlooking the Mekong and the first sunrise point in Thailand.
Sam Phan Bok
สามพันโบก
The 'Grand Canyon of Thailand' — thousands of rock formations along the Mekong, visible only when water is low.
Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (Fluorescent Temple)
วัดสิรินธรวราราม
The 'fluorescent temple' with glow-in-the-dark murals on the chapel walls, stunning after dark.
Wat Thung Si Mueang
วัดทุ่งศรีเมือง
Beautiful city temple with a wooden library built over a lotus pond.
Khong Chiam (Two-Color River)
โขงเจียม
Small riverside town where the muddy Mun and clear Mekong visibly merge.
Kaeng Tana National Park
Dramatic rapids and rock formations where the Mun River narrows.
Night market
Excellent Isan street food and local goods at rock-bottom prices.
Food & Dining
ลาบอุบล
Larb Ubon
Ubon's famous dry-spiced minced meat salad, distinctive for its roasted rice powder and herb-forward flavor.
35-60
Local restaurants and night market
ส้มตำ
Som Tam
Papaya salad at its most authentic — Ubon style is intensely spicy with pla ra (fermented fish).
25-40
Every street stall
ไก่ย่าง
Kai Yang (Grilled Chicken)
Marinated charcoal-grilled chicken served with sticky rice and jaew dipping sauce.
40-70
Roadside stalls throughout the city
แจ่วบอง
Jaew Bong
Roasted chili paste with fermented fish, a beloved Isan condiment.
20-40
Local restaurants
ปลาช่อนเผา
Pla Chon Pao (Grilled Snakehead Fish)
Whole fish stuffed with lemongrass and salt-crusted, grilled over charcoal.
80-150
Riverside restaurants near Khong Chiam
Night Markets
- Ubon Ratchathani Night Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 350
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 600
THB / night
Mid-Range
700 - 1,500
THB / night
Luxury
1,800 - 3,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,000 - 5,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
4,500 - 8,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Book weeks ahead for the Candle Festival in July. Riverside resorts near Khong Chiam are ideal for nature-focused visits.
Getting There from Bangkok
Ubon Ratchathani Airport
Airport Code: UBP
Flight
1 hour
1,200-3,500 THB
Bus
8-10 hours
400-700 THB
Train
8-11 hours
300-1,400 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedShared pickup trucks on fixed routes
10-20
Tuk-tuk
LimitedNegotiate price within city
40-80
Motorbike rental
WidespreadEssential for Pha Taem and outlying areas
150-250/day
Car rental
WidespreadBest for Sam Phan Bok and multiple day trips
800-1,200/day
Grab
LimitedAvailable but limited fleet
40-80
Neighborhoods
City Center (Thung Si Mueang area)
Lively Isan cityCentral park, main temples, night market, and most hotels. Walkable core with restaurants.
Best for: Accommodation and city sights
Warin Chamrap
University townAcross the Mun River with the main train station and university. Cheaper and more local.
Best for: Budget stays and student eateries
Khong Chiam
Quiet and scenicSleepy Mekong riverside town 80 km east. Base for Pha Taem and the two-river confluence.
Best for: Nature day trips
Festivals & Events
Candle Festival (Khao Phansa)
งานแห่เทียนพรรษา
Massive carved wax candle processions — the most elaborate in Thailand. Book accommodation weeks in advance.
Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
บุญบั้งไฟ
Homemade rockets launched to encourage rain, with parades and raucous celebrations.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival celebrated enthusiastically throughout the city.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Float krathongs on the Mun River with local festivities.
Practical Info
Hospital
Sappasitthiprasong Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai and Isan (Lao dialect). Very limited English.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Pha Taem National Park
Prehistoric cliff paintings, Mekong viewpoints, and the first sunrise point in Thailand.
Sam Phan Bok
3,000 Holes rock formations on the Mekong, best December to May when water is low.
Kaeng Tana National Park
River rapids, rock formations, and waterfalls where the Mun River narrows.
Chong Mek Border Market
Thai-Lao border crossing with a large market selling goods from both countries.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ubon Ratchathani worth visiting?
Yes, especially for the Candle Festival in July and the stunning natural attractions like Pha Taem and Sam Phan Bok. It is a genuine Isan experience without tourist crowds.
How many days do I need?
2-3 days minimum. One day for the city, 1-2 days for Pha Taem, Sam Phan Bok, and other natural attractions.
Do I need a car?
Highly recommended. Pha Taem, Sam Phan Bok, and Kaeng Tana are all distant from the city with limited public transport.
When is the Candle Festival?
Usually mid-July, coinciding with the start of Buddhist Lent. Check exact dates each year.
Can I cross to Laos from Ubon?
Yes, via the Chong Mek border crossing about 90 km south. Lao visa on arrival available for most nationalities.