Ubon Ratchathani Attractions
Ubon Ratchathani
The "Royal Town of the Lotus Blossom" lies on the Menam Mun in north-east Thailand, 75 km (47 mi.) from the border with Laos. It only really began to develop during the last decade when the various programs by the government in Bangkok to promote this poorest region of Thailand began to show the first signs of success. The airport has been expanded and is now one of Thailand's international airports. In the town itself there is little of interest apart from the annual Phansa festival which is held at the beginning of the Buddhist fasting period (end of July). The important temple, Wat Khao Phra Wiharn, on the border Thailand and Cambodia (see Si Saket) can be reached from here.
By car: from Bangkok highways 1/2/24 (630 km (391 mi.)).
By bus: from Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (672 km (417 mi.), about 10 hours).
By rail: from Bangkok-Hualampong (575 km (357 mi.), 10-12 hours).
By air: from Bangkok (11/2 hours).
The "Royal Town of the Lotus Blossom" lies on the Menam Mun in north-east Thailand, 75 km (47 mi.) from the border with Laos. It only really began to develop during the last decade when the various programs by the government in Bangkok to promote this poorest region of Thailand began to show the first signs of success. The airport has been expanded and is now one of Thailand's international airports. In the town itself there is little of interest apart from the annual Phansa festival which is held at the beginning of the Buddhist fasting period (end of July). The important temple, Wat Khao Phra Wiharn, on the border Thailand and Cambodia (see Si Saket) can be reached from here.
By car: from Bangkok highways 1/2/24 (630 km (391 mi.)).
By bus: from Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (672 km (417 mi.), about 10 hours).
By rail: from Bangkok-Hualampong (575 km (357 mi.), 10-12 hours).
By air: from Bangkok (11/2 hours).
Wat Phra That Nongbua
A temple of interest is the Wat Phra That Nongbua near the Chayankun Road, its two stupas are modeled on those of the Indian temple of Bodhgaya. The central stupa is the tallest building in the town and is situated within an attractive park. On its base are stone reliefs carved in 1977 to commemorate the celebration of 2500 years of Buddhism.
Temples
The town's magnificent temple sites were almost exclusively built in recent times and are of little historical value. However, the Wat Si Ubonat Thalam with a beautiful wiharn in extensive grounds is worth seeing, as is the Wat Supattanaramworwihan, built by King Rama IV, which combines Khmer, Thai and European elements in three different styles of architecture.
Ubon Ratchathani Surroundings
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Pa Tham
A prehistoric site, Pa Tham houses 4000 year old paintings that have been well preserved. Pa Tham offers great views over the Mekong river.
Sao Chaliang
Past the entrance to the Kang Tana national park (Highway 217 to Phibun, 2222 to Khong Chiam, then north on 2134 and 212) just before Pa Tham is the natural monument Sao Chaliang. Weather erosion has formed an imposing group of rocks which the locals believe is home to both good and evil spirits.
Lam Dom Noi
Lam Dom Noi dam is worth a detour because of its delightful setting. It was completed in 1971 and is also called the Sirindhorn dam after the second daughter of the Thai royal family. It is situated near the Laos border and access is via Highway 217 (from Ubon Ratchathani about 85 km (53 mi.)).
Wat Phokhaokaeo
Some very interesting sights of the region of Ubon Ratchathani are to be found to the east of the town (Highway 217). After 43 km (27 mi.) the road comes to the fine Wat Phokhaokaeo with buildings made from red clay bricks. From the wiharn (artistically carved doors and shutters) with a square foundation there are good views of the countryside.
