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Wat Ban Na Meuang
This temple, also known as Wat Sa Prasan Suk, stands out from other temples in many ways. Most famously, the bòht sits on a boat: a ceramic-encrusted…
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Ubon Ratchathani
Few cities in Isan reward aimless wandering as richly as Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี). Survive the usual knot of choked access roads, and the 'Royal City of the Lotus' will reveal an altogether more attractive face. Racked up against Mae Nam Mun, Thailand's second-longest river, the historic heart of the city, south of Th Kheuan Thani, has a sluggish character rarely found in the region's big conurbations. And throughout the city there are many interesting temples beckoning culture-loving travelers.
Ubon grew prosperous as a US airbase during the Vietnam War and is now a financial, educational and agricultural market centre. It's not a busy tourist destination, but the nearby Thai–Lao border crossing at Chong Mek generates a small but steady stream of travelers who by and large enjoy their visit.
Explore Ubon Ratchathani
- WWat Ban Na Meuang
This temple, also known as Wat Sa Prasan Suk, stands out from other temples in many ways. Most famously, the bòht sits on a boat: a ceramic-encrusted…
- WWat Pa Nanachat
English is the primary language of Wat Pa Nanachat, a Western-oriented temple opened in 1975 by Ajahn Chah specifically for non-Thais. There's nothing…
- WWat Phra That Nong Bua
This spectacular, gleaming gold-and-white chedi is sure to dazzle. It loosely resembles the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya, India (where the Buddha reached…
- WWat Thung Si Meuang
Built during the reign of Rama III (1824–51), Wat Thung Si Meuang has a classic hŏr đrai (Tripitaka hall) in excellent shape. Like many hŏr đrai, it rests…
- UUbon Ratchathani National Museum
Occupying the former city hall (built in 1918), this is a very informative museum with plenty on show, from Dvaravati-era Buddhas and 2000-year-old Dong…
- WWat Si Pradu
This temple's lovely, modern bòht has a soaring wing-shaped design that creates a striking scene inside. The delightful murals cover many subjects…
- CCandle Parade Statue
This 22m-tall statue at the centre of Thung Si Meuang park shows a Candle Parade float come to life with many accompanying deities.
- WWat Sri Ubon Rattanaram Museum
The temple has turned a beautiful old wooden săh·lah (hall) into a museum of religious items. The highlight is the collection of 18th-century đoô prá…
- WWat Nong Pa Phong
Peaceful Wat Nong Pa Phong, founded by the venerable Ajahn Chah, who was born here, is known across Thailand for its quiet discipline and the complete…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ubon Ratchathani.
See
Wat Ban Na Meuang
This temple, also known as Wat Sa Prasan Suk, stands out from other temples in many ways. Most famously, the bòht sits on a boat: a ceramic-encrusted…
See
Wat Pa Nanachat
English is the primary language of Wat Pa Nanachat, a Western-oriented temple opened in 1975 by Ajahn Chah specifically for non-Thais. There's nothing…
See
Wat Phra That Nong Bua
This spectacular, gleaming gold-and-white chedi is sure to dazzle. It loosely resembles the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya, India (where the Buddha reached…
See
Wat Thung Si Meuang
Built during the reign of Rama III (1824–51), Wat Thung Si Meuang has a classic hŏr đrai (Tripitaka hall) in excellent shape. Like many hŏr đrai, it rests…
See
Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
Occupying the former city hall (built in 1918), this is a very informative museum with plenty on show, from Dvaravati-era Buddhas and 2000-year-old Dong…
See
Wat Si Pradu
This temple's lovely, modern bòht has a soaring wing-shaped design that creates a striking scene inside. The delightful murals cover many subjects…
See
Candle Parade Statue
This 22m-tall statue at the centre of Thung Si Meuang park shows a Candle Parade float come to life with many accompanying deities.
See
Wat Sri Ubon Rattanaram Museum
The temple has turned a beautiful old wooden săh·lah (hall) into a museum of religious items. The highlight is the collection of 18th-century đoô prá…
See
Wat Nong Pa Phong
Peaceful Wat Nong Pa Phong, founded by the venerable Ajahn Chah, who was born here, is known across Thailand for its quiet discipline and the complete…
Guidebooks
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