Self-guided Travel to Ubon Ratchathani – Where to Stay, What to Do, and What to Eat?

If you want to explore a different side of Thailand beyond bustling Bangkok, you can visit Ubon Ratchathani to reconnect with peaceful nature. Let’s join Vietjet to discover everything about this “familiar yet new” land to best prepare for your trip!

You can visit Ubon Ratchathani to reconnect with peaceful nature.

1. Where is Ubon Ratchathani?

Ubon Ratchathani province is located in Northeast Thailand, about 600 km from Bangkok. It is known for its vast plateaus and endless mountain ranges. Ubon Ratchathani is also part of the “Golden Triangle” between Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

The name Ubon Ratchathani means "Royal City of the Lotus." As such, the province’s symbol is a lotus flower inside a circle. The lotus is also the signature flower of this region. Ubon Ratchathani has a thriving Buddhist culture and has witnessed many historical ups and downs. Therefore, when you visit, you’ll not only marvel at natural scenery but also have the chance to learn about local spirituality and cultural history.

See more: Travel to Bangkok – Discover the land of temples

2. When is the best time to visit Ubon Ratchathani?

Ubon Ratchathani’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season, each with its own beauty. So, you can visit at any time of the year.

Dry season (March – October): Lots of sunshine, clear blue skies, fresh air—perfect for outdoor activities.
Rainy season (November – March of the following year): Frequent rain makes the vegetation lush and vibrant, creating a beautiful green landscape.

Additionally, if you want to join the famous Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani, visit in July. During the festival, there are candle carving competitions. The artworks are meticulously crafted by artisans, then paraded through the streets to lively music and spectacular performances by dancers, creating a truly impressive festival atmosphere.

3. How to get to Ubon Ratchathani

3.1 Getting to Ubon Ratchathani

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Ubon Ratchathani, so you can reach it by one of these two ways:

By air: You’ll need to fly to Bangkok first. From Bangkok, you can choose to travel to Ubon Ratchathani by train, bus, or another flight.
By road: If you are in a province near the Laos border, you can travel overland via the following route:Hoa Lu Border Gate (Binh Phuoc, Vietnam) – Treapeng Sre Border Gate (Stung Treng, Laos) – Vang Tao Border Gate (Pakse, Laos) – Ubon Ratchathani.

3.2 Getting Around Ubon Ratchathani

Currently, there are no taxis operating in Ubon Ratchathani. Therefore, to travel between destinations, you can only choose between tuk tuks, buses, motorcycle taxis, or Sam Lor (three-wheeled vehicles). Depending on your destination and departure time, select the most suitable mode of transportation for your needs.

3.3 Accommodation Types in Ubon Ratchathani

There are all kinds of accommodation here, from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxury hotels. Most hotels and guesthouses are located along the main highway running through Ubon Ratchathani city, or in areas near the Mun River. Depending on your financial situation and personal preferences, you can choose the type of accommodation that suits you best.

4. Attractions in Ubon Ratchathani

Let’s take a tour around Ubon Ratchathani to explore must-see destinations:

4.1 Pha Taem National Park

If you want to be the first to see the sunrise in Thailand, head to Pha Taem National Park, as this is where the sun rises first in the country. The park is also a natural wonder, covering an enormous area of around 140 km², featuring plateaus and mountains with steep cliffs. Here, you can admire unique flora growing on the rocky ground, and especially prehistoric rock carvings dating back about 4,000 years.

4.2 Namtok Huai Luang Waterfall

Namtok Huai Luang Waterfall is also known as "Valley Waterfall" because the water flows down into a deep hole resembling a valley. This is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Ubon Ratchathani. The scenery here is fresh and cool, with white sand and emerald green water. Especially from late October to December, wildflowers bloom on the rocks around the falls, making the waterfall even more picturesque.

Namtok Huai Luang Waterfall is also known as "Valley Waterfall" because the stream plunges into a deep hole resembling a valley.

4.3 Sam Phan Bok Rock Complex

What’s special is that you can only visit this site during the dry season, because in the flood season, the rock formations are submerged under the Mekong River. During that time, the rocks are swirled and polished by the floodwaters, creating various natural shapes and more than 3,000 bizarre round holes. When the dry season returns and the water recedes, the Sam Phan Bok rock complex emerges vividly once again.

The Sam Phan Bok rock complex is swirled and polished by the floodwaters, creating various natural shapes.

4.4 Thung Si Muang Temple

This temple was built during the reign of King Rama III, with a highlight being its beautiful ceremonial hall, showcasing the architectural style of Northeast Thailand. The temple features a large freshwater pond, with a wooden Tripitaka Library at its center to store sacred scriptures and protect them from insects and termites. Surrounding the temple are decorative murals, creating a serene space rich in Buddhist spirit.

4.5 Phrathat Nong Bua Temple

Phrathat Nong Bua Temple features a unique architectural style, modeled after an ancient temple in Bodh Gaya. The temple is a tall white stupa adorned with exquisite gold-plated details, and its interior is protected by golden pillars. In the center of the main hall is an altar displaying relics related to the Buddha.

Phrathat Nong Bua Temple is modeled after an ancient temple in Bodh Gaya.

4.6 Thung Si Muang Park

This park serves as both an entertainment venue and the main location for the province’s major festivals. You’ll see locals exercising, jogging, dancing, and more, creating a vibrant snapshot of everyday life. The park also features a monument to the founder of Ubon Ratchathani and a Memorial of Merit honoring prisoners of war from World War II.

5. What to Eat in Ubon Ratchathani?

5.1 Som Tum – Papaya Salad

Papaya salad is a dish you can’t miss when visiting Thailand. Its main ingredients include shredded green papaya, long beans, dried chili, basil, cucumber, all mixed with crushed garlic and chili, lime juice, sugar, roasted peanuts, and more—creating a bold, addictive flavor.

Som Tum – Papaya salad is a dish you can't miss when coming to Thailand.

5.2 Sticky Rice

Just like regular rice, sticky rice is a staple daily food for people in Ubon Ratchathani. The sticky rice here is cooked from a famous glutinous rice variety grown along the fertile banks of the Mekong River, which gives the grains their fragrant, chewy texture and distinct nutty flavor. Sticky rice in Ubon Ratchathani is typically served with grilled chicken, grilled pork, or even grilled fish.

5.3 Kai Yang

Kai Yang is a dish with origins in Laos, made mainly with chicken that’s marinated in aromatic spices and grilled over charcoal. It’s usually served with papaya salad or sticky rice, enhancing the dish’s delicious flavor and richness.

The above is some interesting information about Ubon Ratchathani. Hopefully, it will help you have a more enjoyable and well-prepared trip. Don’t miss your chance to hunt for flight tickets to Thailand starting from only 210,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees), as well as the 0 VND ticket promotion for international flights every Friday HERE.

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