Buddhist Temple
Wat Ban Na MeuangThis 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…
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
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ubon Ratchathani.
Buddhist Temple
Wat Pa NanachatEnglish 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…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Phra That Nong BuaThis spectacular, gleaming gold-and-white chedi is sure to dazzle. It loosely resembles the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya, India (where the Buddha reached…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Thung Si MeuangBuilt 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…
Museum
Ubon Ratchathani National MuseumOccupying 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…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Si PraduThis temple's lovely, modern bòht has a soaring wing-shaped design that creates a striking scene inside. The delightful murals cover many subjects…
Statue
Candle Parade StatueThis 22m-tall statue at the centre of Thung Si Meuang park shows a Candle Parade float come to life with many accompanying deities.
Museum
Wat Sri Ubon Rattanaram MuseumThe 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…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Nong Pa PhongPeaceful 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…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Sri Ubon RattanaramThe bòht at this important temple was built to resemble Bangkok's Wat Benchamabophit, but it's the 7cm-tall topaz Buddha inside that most Thais come to…
Village
Ban Nong Bok Pottery VillageOne of the main places in Thailand for making clay mortars – essential equipment in any Isan kitchen – lies on the eastern fringes of Ubon. While the…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Na KwayWalk behind this temple's typical modern bòht and you'll find its petite, century-old precursor. The murals of the Buddha's life story bear resemblance to…
Park
Thung Si MeuangThe centrepiece of this city-centre park is a huge concrete Candle Parade statue. The humble brick obelisk in the northeast corner of Thung Si Meuang park…
Buddhist Temple
Wat TaiThe myriad sculptures covering the grounds of Wat Tai comprise a fairly complete 'who's who' of Thai deities and make it a fun place to visit.
Buddhist Temple
Wat JaengFounded around the same time as the city, Wat Jaeng has an adorable Lan Xang–style bòht (built in 1887) with large naga eave brackets on the sides,…
Buddhist Temple
Wat SupattanaramCalled Wat Supat for short, the unique bóht at this riverside temple, built between 1920 and 1936, features a Thai roof, European arches, a Khmer base and…
Beach
Hat Wat TaiLocals flock to this island beach in Mae Nam Mun during the hot, dry months from February to May when the sand rises out of the receding river. A cool…
Buddhist Temple
Wat Maha WanaramAlso known as Wat Pa Yai, the 'Large Forest Temple' (from long ago when Ubon was just a small town and this area lay beyond the city limits), this is one…
Buddhist Temple
Wat KlangThis old riverside temple, founded in 1793 around the same time as the establishment of the city, has a pair of noteworthy buildings. Most eye-catching is…
Monument
Monument of MeritThis humble brick obelisk in the northeast corner of Thung Si Meuang park was erected by former WWII allied-forces POWs in gratitude for the secret…