Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Ubon Ratchathani – Temples, Nature & Culture

1.Wat Phra That Nong Bua

Wat Phra That Nong Bua stands in Ubon Ratchathani’s northern area and is famous for combining Thai spiritual traditions with the architectural design of India. To celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism in 1957 AD, this modern temple was constructed as a place for contemplation.

What gives Wat Phra That Nong Bua a special character is that its design is inspired by Buttagaya, as seen nowhere else in Thailand. Based on the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, the temple here has a square white pagoda at its middle and four smaller pagodas located at each corner, forming a very pleasing and memorable shape.

Nature Has Totally Favored the Region
Nong Bua Park is near the temple and is popularly known as Lotus Pond Park, where people can relax and enjoy the beautiful nature. Because the sacred architecture is situated in a natural setting, this becomes a peaceful getaway from the city.

A Mark of Modern Revival in Buddhism
Built in the Sarit Thanarat period, the temple shows that during that time, Thailand was working to boost its Buddhist identity throughout the country. Currently, Wat Phra That Nong Bua continues to be respected by pilgrims and recognized as a remarkable artifact in the area.

Info for guests

• Nong Bua Park is located in the northern part of Ubon Ratchathani.

• Bottom Line: Notable for its main central pagoda, calm environment and rare temple format.

• When to Visit: The very early mornings or evenings for a nice breeze and great illumination for photos

2.Wat Nong Pah Pong

Wat Nong Pah Pong, cozy in the forests of Ubon Ratchathani province, is a deeply spiritual site; if not the birth place, it is certainly the home of one of Thailand’s greatest meditation masters: Ajahn Chah. The temple is overly strict and you have to adhere to meditative ambience and visitor experience depends on timing and what you expect.

But if you plan on watching the monks’ morning alms round remember that it is brief and symbolic and normally happens between 6:30 – 7:00AM just outside the gates. At around 8:00 AM things get a little more meaningful with a Dharma talk and then one communal meal at 9:00 AM. If the alms round is small, coming too early can result in you having little to do.

If you feel like waking up early, you could bike but most prefer to take a taxi from Ubon Ratchathani city (about 100 THB). The forest setting is void of human noise, filled with relaxing sounds of birds, wild turkeys and the rare jungle rustle.

The international forest monastery called Wat Pah Nanachat, where the English language is spoken, is a wonderful complement to Wat Nong Pah Pong. To get there you just have to take a 10-minute train (2 THB) from Ubon to Bang Wai and then walk 2 km. The wonderful lotus pond at Nanachat is huge and spectacular.

• Placed: Outside Ubon Ratchanthai.

• Best Time to Visit: Dharma talk and meal are held from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

3.Wat Pah Nanachat

Tucked deep in the peaceful Bung Wai forest near Ubon Ratchathani is Wat Pah Nanachat, also known as the International Forest Monastery. Under the direction of Ajahn Chah, it started in 1975 and welcomes foreign monks for training and opens its doors to people looking for peace, mindfulness and a sense of spirituality.

Wat Pah Nanachat is not created for tourists; it’s the actual place. Thanks to its surroundings in the forest, the rules the monks follow and deep appreciation for Dhamma, it appeals to sincere visitors. Despite not being able to schedule a room for the night, I still remember the place from my visit the previous day. Summer’s heat does not keep people going in the forest; it is cool and flat enough to walk on easily.

Traveling to the monastery is both affordable and beautiful. A 10-minute train trip from Ubon Ratchathani to Bung Wai costs only 2 baht. Walking from the parking lot, the gate of the monastery is 2 kilometers away. Gaining access to the shady forest immediately makes you feel cool again after being out in the sun.

Since I could not join the large meal earlier, I arrived around 1 PM and found that I could still rest, enjoy the silence of the woods and visit the many teaching signs found at the temple which included teachings of Ajahn Chah.

Next to the entrance is a huge lotus pond. These are true lotus flowers, not water lilies and they bloom at different times, making the place look even more marvelous. Near the park, you can visit small businesses for any snacks or something to give as an offering.

• The location of the temple is at Bung Wai, close to Ubon Ratchathani.

• Those who wish to attend the meal or be involved during daytime activities should come early morning.

4.CentralPlaza Ubon Ratchathani

If you’re in Ubon Ratchathani, CentralPlaza is the lively place to visit for shopping and entertainment. You can come here for a relaxing escape from the sun, since the impressive mall offers conveniences, has many choices and is full of delicious dishes.

Everyone Who Loves Food Will Flourish
The food court at CentralPlaza is well known for its lively atmosphere and variety of choices. The menu ranges from traditional Thai dishes to meals you’ll recognize from other cultures. If you feel like eating som tam, fried chicken, nice noodles or a smoothie, you can always find something delicious and economical here. The area for seating is tidy and properly maintained, helping to keep customers happy any time they rest here.

Throughout the various floors of the mall, I find Thai brands popular with locals, global retail outlets, electronic stores, places to buy cosmetics and shops for buying basics. Whether you need clothes, electronics or something to eat, you’ll find that all the major and local brands are here.

Alongside the various restaurants and shops, their cinema in CentralPlaza offers an air-conditioned space where you can relax and watch current movies. Everyone can enjoy the atmosphere, thanks to pop-up markets, sporadic events and seasonal shows available at the mall.

• This place is found in Ubon Ratchathani City Center.

• For a relaxing time shopping and dining, visit late morning or afternoon.

• Food Court is open every day and offers both local and international dishes.

5.Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

Every year, during the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival in Northeast Thailand, the city radiates with light and brilliant art, with people participating in religious rites.

The grand festival is organized during the full moon of July, kicking off a three-month Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa). During this time, monks spend more time studying and meditating in their monasteries, as the rains begin. To honor this tradition, candles are given to temples to shine a light for monks as they meditate there.

The highlight of the celebration is when gigantic beeswax carvings are shown off during the Candle Procession. Many of these great artworks portray moments from Hindu epics, Thai tales and Buddhist legends, beautifully decorated with familiar designs. It shows just how skilled and proud the people are of their culture.

A Collection of Impressive Talent from All Around the World
Competitions and exhibitions in Ubon Ratchathani attract candle artists both locally and globally. The festival celebrates the best in Thai art and also encourages people from all over the world to join in.

There’s More to Mardi Gras than Just the Parade
Apart from the procession of candles, people can also participate in cultural activities, listen to traditional singers, join dance performers, visit food fairs and try many cultural workshops. People in the city often wear typical clothes and the city center turns into a shining display of fun and joy, giving a friendly reception to people from Thailand and all over the world.

Festival Details:

• Ubon Ratchathani is the location of the museum.

• Starting At: Full Moon in July (the start of Buddhist Lent)

• Special events include many large candles, cultural performances, traditional music and food fairs.

• If you want to see carving and how it all begins, come several days before the full moon to enjoy the lead-up.

6.Ubon Ratchathani National Museum

Anyone interested in history, art or exploration should visit the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum in the heart of Ubon Ratchathani. Set in a building dating back to the colonial era, the museum explores the history and culture of Thailand’s Northeastern region, also known as Isan.

Its unique stone, bronze and iron tools, carefully organized and displayed, help show the lives of ancient people in the area. These things were made by people who used their inventive and adaptable minds and we see their achievements in them.

From the 8th to the 12th century, Buddha sculptures and impressive guardian pieces are some of the Khmer-style sculptures found here. As a result of Khmer architecture and religion, visitors to these artifacts can see what life was like as Thai and Khmer cultures intertwined and prospered.

Bringing Tradition into History
Visit the textile gallery to admire traditional clothing and fabrics made by the different ethnicities in Ubon Ratchathani and the area. The use of various bright colors and techniques in Isan’s fabrics demonstrates the strong traditions and creative skills of its people.

Another example of uncommon displays are the boundary stones from the ninth century, used to identify holy temple land. Most of these items have Sanskrit and Pali writings which reveal how Buddhism developed and new institutions were created in India.

Museum Details:

• The hotel lies in the city center, not far from Thung Si Muang Park.

• Centre de Montreal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

• The ticket price is low; students and children pay less.

• For a peaceful time with cool weather, plan your visit in the morning.

7.Wat Thung Sri Muang

Surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of Tung Si Muang Square in down town Ubon Ratchathani, Wat Thung Sri Muang is a humble reminder of the city’s history and past. As the temple was built in 1813 AD (B.E. 2356), its location and designs combine the important aspects of religion and art, making it a popular attraction nearby.

Wat Thung Sri Muang is unique for having a Hor Trai, an ancient wooden library resting above a lotus pond on stilts. Built to house Buddhist scriptures safely, the Tripitaka building is an excellent example of temple architecture. The wood carvings and the calming pond surely make this a wonderful and reflective spot for taking pictures.

A Temple Dating Back to Ancient Times
During King Rama III’s time, Phra Aliyawongsa, as the leading monk of Ubon Ratchathani, started the temple. Being significant in Buddhist culture for nearly 200 years, Wat Thung Sri Muang explains not just religion, but also keeps the cultural heritage of Isan Buddhism alive.

A relaxed atmosphere can be found in the city center.
Despite being close to a bustling square, this temple is very quiet. You’ll find monks quietly working in the temple, some people come in for a short prayer and tourists can enjoy exploring the place and its history at their own time.

📍 Here are the details on the temple.

• The hotel can be found in the central area, near Tung Si Muang Park in Ubon Ratchathani.

• The city of Birmingham was built in the year 1813 AD which corresponds to 2356 B.E.

• Of note: There is a library of wooden scriptures, old murals and a tranquil garden.

• The event is free for everyone and considerate clothing is requested.

• The best time to visit Fuji is early in the morning or just before sunset, as it’s nice and cool and light is ideal for pictures.

8.Ubon Zoo

How can you find a spot in Ubon Ratchathani where your family will have fun? You’ll find plants, animals and plenty of attractions for your family at Ubon Zoo. A visit to this zoo is always refreshing and entertaining, no matter if you are spending just a few hours or a whole day there—especially with your kids.

The zoo is outside Ubon city and has plenty of space for animals, allowing guests to stroll around whenever they want. Visitors of every age can enjoy playing, riding trams and meeting up close with animals at the zoo.

Wildlife and Everyting
In spite of being a smaller zoo, you will find tigers, giraffes, zebras, birds and reptiles there. The areas for the exhibits are simple to explore and the nature around helps make the visit nice and relaxed. Children find it very special to feed the animals and watch the shows that are available.

🌳 An Environmental Place to Relax
The zoo premises are kept tidy and many pleasant places to rest under trees, have meals or find some refreshments are available. Here, you can take it easy and admire nature as your kids discover and learn new things.

Details on the Zoo:

• The park is just a short drive away from the city of Ubon Ratchathani.

• When to Visit: Either early in the morning or late in the afternoon for better conditions and lively animals

• It’s easy for families to enjoy the theme park because the entry fee is very decent and children usually get discounts as well.

• Animal feeding areas, flying tram rides and open areas to walk are available.

9.Thung Si Mueang

Thung Si Mueang stands in the center of Ubon Ratchathani, serving as both a popular and relaxing part of town. You can come here for a reminder of nature no matter if you’re living in the city or driving through it on a trip.

Exploring Thung Si Mueang allows you to learn about the lifestyle of the people in this area. In the park, there are many morning joggers, people walking in the evening, families, students and elderly couples. This is a good spot to rest, walk around and meet the locals, even just briefly.

With lots of trees and neatly arranged plants, the park is a good choice for walking or an easy work-out session. You can enjoy paths through the greenery, open ground and relaxing benches shaded by trees. Enjoying hotels is a nice way to recover after spending the day sightseeing.

The place comes alive with various local events and evenings.
Sometimes, the park arranges evening events or markets, giving the place a joyful feel. Along the streets are stands offering local food and live performances.

Information about the park.

• The place is located in the center of Ubon Ratchathani, very near Wat Thung Sri Muang.

• You should try to see the tower early in the morning or after 5 PM since it is much cooler then.

• Ways to spend your time: Walking, jogging, observing people, light exercises

• There is no entry fee for anyone who would like to participate in the festival.

10.Rachabut Night Market

In the center of Ubon Ratchathani, the Rachabut Night Market allows people to experience the local way of life. Since this market is smaller, its allure comes from its genuine atmosphere and delicious foods.

Just as the day ends, you can smell the smoky grilled meats, hot spicy broths and sweet goodies in the market. A wide range of dishes from all over the country is found at the stalls, so every taste is satisfied.

Although Rachabut is mainly a place to get food, a number of vendors offer local handicrafts and souvenirs as well. You can pick up some special souvenirs here.

Evening Ambiance
Some evenings, musicians serenade the dining guests, making the atmosphere even more pleasant. It’s where visitors and local people alike come together at tables, have a good time and join in the cheerful atmosphere.

Description of the product market:

• This is found in Central Ubon Ratchathani, just outside the city next to the Mun River.

• These places are usually open in the evenings, from dusk until late.

• Thai food, handmade souvenirs and live performances are all highlights here.

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