Of the many tourist destinations in Thailand, Ubon Ratchathani is an enriching place to explore. The city, whose name means Royal Lotus City, boasts numerous natural and cultural attractions, such as Wat Pa Pak Dome and the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum.
Here are some recommended Ubon Ratchathani attractions worth visiting.
Ubon Ratchathani Attractions
Ubon Ratchathani, whose territory is divided by the Mun River, lies near neighboring Laos and Cambodia. Rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, many interesting Ubon Ratchathani tourist attractions exist. The attractions are well-preserved and hidden gems for travelers visiting Thailand.
Besides temples surrounded by greenery, many travelers also like to visit the Ubon Ratchathani night market. Here, they can snack on local foods and shop for various items such as silk cloth, hand-woven cotton cloth, brass utensils, etc.
Ubon Ratchathani Attractions: Places to Visit
This city, which is about 382 miles east of Bangkok, has various exciting places to visit, such as Wat Phra That Nong Bua, Ubon Ratchathani National Museum, Thung Sri Muang Night Market, and many more.
Here is a curated list of must-see attractions in Ubon Ratchathani.
1. Wat Phra That Nong Bua
Almost every city in Thailand is home to temples. In Ubon Rathchathani, you can visit the Wat Phra That Nong Bua temple. The unique temple is in the city center, so visitors will have no trouble finding it.
In Wat Nong Bua, there are three key areas are worth exploring: Chedi, Wiharn, and Naga. Chedi is a pyramid-shaped structure standing 56 meters tall, designed in an architectural style inspired by India’s Mahabodhi Temple. Surrounding the white and gold chedi are Buddha statues and stupas.
Meanwhile, Wiharn is in the ordination hall with 8 Buddha statues and intricate decorations on some of its parts.
The last part, Naga or dragon, is a green and red dragon snake statue outside the temple. To enjoy the captivating temple, you need to travel about 4 km or an 8-minute drive from downtown Ubon Rathchathani.
- Location: 108, ตำบล ในเมือง, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free
2. Wat Nong Pah Pong
Located approximately 18 minutes from Ubon Ratchathani’s center, there is a temple that will give you an insightful experience: Wat Nong Pah Pong, a Buddhist temple surrounded by lush greenery.
The temple has several buildings and is decorated in an architectural style that is quite different from other temples in Thailand. One of the buildings is a stilt house with small moats around it. The small moat prevents ants from entering the home or climbing up.
The main worship area is a spacious hall with a large Buddha statue. Elsewhere, the walls are adorned with chedi motifs and intricate carvings depicting Buddhist themes and nature.
- Location: 5R5H+GH8, Non-Phueng, Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free
3. Wat Pa Pak Dome
Another temple worth visiting in Ubon Ratchathani is Wat Pa Pak Dome. It is located in Phibun Mangsahan district and is close to a river that flows into the Mekong River, one of the major rivers in Thailand.
Travelers usually visit the Phaya Tana Munnakharat statue at the mouth of the river to pay their respects. One of the core appeals of this place is the beautiful and magnificent Naga statue named Thanamun Nakharat. Along with Naga statues, there are gold and silver Buddha statues and other small statues such as monks, elephants, etc.
If you plan to visit this temple with family or friends, you will need to drive about 54 minutes from Ubon Ratchathani’s city center.
- Location: Pho Sai Subdistrict, Phibun Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free
4. Wat Maha Manaram
Wat Maha Manaram is a temple in Ubon Ratchathani that is popular among locals and foreigners. The temple, also known as Wat Pa Yai, is only about 4 km from the city center. Inside the site, there is a highly respected Buddha statue named Phra Chao Yai Indra Plang.
For a smooth and enjoyable visit, there are several tips to consider. First, choosing a visit time in the early morning is better. This way, you can enjoy the quiet morning atmosphere with fresh air. If you want to be lucky enough to witness ceremonies or festivals held here, check the calendar to find out when the events will be held.
Second, remember to respect local rules or customs. For example, wearing modest clothing and maintain silence while inside the temple premises.
- Location: 370 Luang Alley, ตำบล ในเมือง Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free
5. Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
This museum is one of the best options for travelers as it offers recreational and educational tourism. Travelers can explore various exhibits and learn about the preservation of local arts, culture, and archaeological discoveries in the Lower Northeast Region.
Inside the museum, there are 10 exhibition rooms, each with its own theme. Room 4, containing everything related to Dvaravati and Chenla culture, and Room 7, containing various objects related to Ancient and Local Textiles, are among the many rooms.
- Location: 318 Khuanthani Rd, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
- Operating hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9.00 AM – 4.00 PM
- Entry Tickets: THB 100 (USD 2.87)
6. Ubon Ratchathani Zoo
The zoo, formerly known as Ubon Ratchathani Wildlife Park, is suitable as a destination for families and students wanting to enrich their knowledge about nature and wildlife.
The 1.94 square kilometers of land are divided into 10 zones. Some of them are the horse hoof zone, the white lion zone, the white tiger zone, and the small animal zone.
- Location: 112 หมู่ 17 Kham Yai, เมือง Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free for children <120 cm tall, elderly 60 years old, & people with disability; THB 120 (USD 3.45) for children, and THB 350 (USD 10.06) for adult
7. Thung Si Mueang
This destination is a picturesque 4-gate public park that was once a rice field, located in front of the Ubon Ratchathani city hall. This public park was previously a rice field. During the reign of King Rama V, this place has been transformed into a beautiful public park. At certain times, the park becomes a place for holding festivals.
In addition to providing a playground, this park also contains several statues and historical monuments, such as the statue of Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong, the monument of goodness, the statue of Harmony and Progress, and the City Pillar Shrine.
- Location: 6VJ4+3WM, Upparat Rd, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free
8. Thung Sri Muang Night Market
To make the most of your evenings in Ubon Ratchathani, visit the vibrant Thung Sri Muang Night Market. Around 5 PM, you’ll see many locals open their vendors to sell various foods and drinks. For instance, dishes like fried dumplings, grilled sausages, cakes, and smoothies are popular ones there.
In addition to Thai cuisine, there are various Vietnamese dishes as well. For only THB 10-60 (USD 0.29-1.72), you can enjoy a portion of baguette sandwiches and egg rolls, among other things.
- Location: 6VH5+3F3, Khuanthani Rd, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
- Operating hours: Daily, 4.30 PM – 10.30 PM
- Entry Tickets: Free
So, from the list of Ubon Ratchathani attractions above, which destination appeals most to you? Plan your memorable getaway by booking flights and hotels through Airpaz.