What is Ubon Ratchathani famous for?

The Candle Festival (July), ancient Khmer temples, Pha Taem National Park with prehistoric paintings, and being a Mekong River gateway.

How do I get to Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok?

Fly (1.5 hours), take a train (10-12 hours overnight), or bus (9-10 hours) from Bangkok.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited outside tourist areas and hotels. Learning basic Thai phrases is helpful.

Can I visit Laos from Ubon Ratchathani?

Yes, via the Chong Mek-Vang Tao border crossing to Pakse, Laos (about 1 hour drive from Ubon city).

What local dishes should I try?

Som tam (spicy papaya salad), grilled river fish, sai krok Isan (fermented sausage), and khao jee (grilled sticky rice).

Varies by nationality. Many countries get 30-day visa exemption. Check with Thai embassy.

What currency is used?

Thai Baht (THB). ATMs widely available. Cash preferred in rural areas.

Can I drink tap water?

No, drink bottled or filtered water. Ice in restaurants is usually safe.

What is the best way to get from Bangkok?

Fly to Ubon Ratchathani Airport (1 hr) or take overnight train/bus (8-10 hrs).

Are credit cards accepted?

In hotels and larger shops, but cash is king in markets and small eateries.

Light clothing, rain jacket (Jun-Oct), insect repellent, sunscreen, and a scarf for temples.

Is it safe to eat street food?

Yes, choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw or undercooked items.

Can I rent a motorbike without a license?

Not recommended; police checkpoints fine without international driving permit.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares or leave 10-20 baht for good service.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Don't point feet at Buddha images or people. Avoid public criticism of the monarchy.

What is the Candle Festival?

Held in July (Khao Phansa), featuring giant wax candle parades and merit-making.

Ubon Ratchathani - Travel destination image

Ubon Ratchathani

ProvinceThailand, Asia

Ubon Ratchathani is a STATE in Thailand, Asia.

Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand's easternmost province, offers a captivating blend of ancient Khmer heritage, serene natural landscapes, and vibrant Buddhist culture. Known as the 'Royal Lotus City,' it's famous for the spectacular Candle Festival in July, where enormous, intricately carved beeswax candles parade through the streets during Buddhist Lent. Travelers can explore magnificent temple ruins like Wat Phra That Nong Bua and the Khmer-style Prasat Ban Ben, remnants of the ancient Angkorian empire. The province is a gateway to the Mekong River, where you can witness stunning sunsets and visit riverine communities. Nature lovers will be drawn to Pha Taem National Park, home to prehistoric cliff paintings and dramatic sandstone cliffs overlooking Laos. Ubon's unique Isan culture shines through its distinctive cuisine, traditional silk weaving, and warm hospitality. Don't miss the serene Mun River, the sacred Wat Thung Si Muang with its beautiful library, and the opportunity to experience authentic rural Thai life far from crowded tourist trails.

Best time to visit Ubon Ratchathani

November to February (cool season) offers pleasant temperatures (20-30°C) and minimal rainfall, ideal for exploring temples and national parks. July is perfect for experiencing the famous Candle Festival, though it's hot and humid. Avoid March to May (hot season) with extreme heat, and June to October (rainy season) when flooding may occur, though landscapes are lush.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Rain easing 23-32°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

End of rainy season

Know before you go

Getting there

UBP

Ubon Ratchathani Airport

Domestic

5 km away

BFV

Buriram Airport

Domestic

180 km away

KOP

Nakhon Phanom Airport

Domestic

200 km away

REP

Siem Reap International Airport

International

250 km away

BKK

Suvarnabhumi Airport

International

600 km away

Getting around

"Songthaews (converted pickup trucks) are the main public transport within the city, following set routes. Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are available for shorter trips—negotiate fares beforehand. Car and motorbike rentals are available but require an international driving permit. Popular ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in Ubon city. For longer distances, use local buses or rent a car with driver. Bicycles are great for exploring the city center and riverfront areas."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes in city

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+66

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime but watch for petty theft and road safety.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime but watch for petty theft and road safety.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Ubon Ratchathani is generally safe with low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious when crossing streets. Common scams include overcharging by unmetered tuk-tuks and gem scams. The city center and tourist areas are safe. Avoid political demonstrations. Road safety is a concern—wear helmets on motorbikes and drive defensively, especially on rural roads. The border areas with Laos and Cambodia should be approached only at official crossings."

Police

191

Ambulance

1669

Fire

199

Tourist Police

1155

Entry and health

Health information

"Ubon Ratchathani has several well-equipped hospitals including Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital (public) and Bangkok Hospital Ubon Ratchathani (private). Common health concerns include heatstroke, food/waterborne illnesses, and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Drink bottled or boiled water, use insect repellent, and ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations. Medical facilities are adequate in the city but limited in rural areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple buildings and homes. The wai (pressing palms together) is the traditional greeting. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in tourist establishments (10% in restaurants if service charge not included). Respect monks—women should not touch them or hand objects directly. Avoid touching people's heads or pointing feet at Buddha images. The Isan culture is more relaxed than central Thailand—embrace the slower pace."

ThaiIsan (Lao dialect)Khmer

Costs and practicals

Currency

Thai Baht (THB) · ฿

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$2-4 | local street meal costs $2-4

Hotels

$15-40 | budget hotels range $15-40/night

Local transport

$0.50 | local songthaew ride ~$0.50

Cost notes

Very affordable compared to Bangkok or Phuket.

Timezone

Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,800,000

Area

15,744 km²

Government

Provincial Administration

ISO code

TH-75

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Provinsi Ubon Ratchathani, Changwat Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani Hū, صوبہ ابون راتچاتھانی, استان اوبون راتچاتانی, UBN, Province d'Ubon Ratchathani, Provincia di Ubon Ratchathani, ខេត្តឧប្បលរាជធានី, TH-34, Убон Ратчатани, 乌汶府, ཨུ་བཱོན་ར་ཊི་ཅ་ཐ་ནི་ཞིང་ཆེན།, Propinsi Ubon Ratchathani, Вилояти Убон Ратчатани, ウボンラーチャターニー県, Provincia de Ubon Ratchathani, ຈັງຫວັດອຸບົນລາຊະທານີ, Ubon Ratchathani, Provincia Ubon Ratchathani, صوبہ اوبون راٹچاتھانی, محافظة أوبون راتشاثاني, 우본랏차타니주, Убонратчатхани, پارێزگای ئودۆن ڕاتچاتانی, চাংৱাত উবোন রাতচাথানি, Убонратчатхані, Ubon Ratchathani Province, उबोन रात्चाथानी प्रान्त, 烏汶府, Prowincja Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani-fylket, Ubon Ratchathani Hú, จังหวัดอุบลราชธานี, Faritanin'i Ubon Ratchathani, Убонрачатхани аймаг, Amphoe Na Tan, Ban Na Tan, King Amphoe Na Tan, Na Tan, na tal, นาตาล

Major HubHistoric CityCulturalNatureTemplesOff the Beaten PathFestival