'''Ubon Ratchathani''' (???????????) is the provincial capital of Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Located on the bank of the Mun River, Ubon Ratchathani is a large city whose history dates back to two centuries ago. Legend says Thao Kham Phong, Thao Thit Phrom and Thao Kam, descendants of Phra Wo and Phra Ta, escaped from King Siribunsan of Vientiane into the Siamese Kingdom during the reign of King Taksin the Great. They later built a new city at Dong U Phueng, close to the Mun River. In 1780, King Taksin the Great named the city _gUbon Ratchathani_h and appointed Thao Kham Phong to be _gPhra Pathum Wongsa_h as the first ruler. The city was governed by four rulers until 1882 when it was led by a governor.
Ubon Ratchathani is in the lower region of Northeastern Thailand, 629 km from Bangkok. The province features plateaux and mountain ranges with the Mun River running through the middle. Sandstone cliffs by the Mekong River serve as a natural border between Thailand and Lao PDR.
The province comprises 25 amphoe:- Buntharik; Det Udom; Don Mot Daeng; Khemarat; Khong Chiam; Khueang Nai; Kut Khaopun; Lao Suea Kok; Muang Sam Sip; Mueang Ubon Ratchathani; Na Chaluai; Na Tan; Na Yia; Nam Khun; Nam Yuen; Phibun Mangsahan; Pho Sai; Samrong; Sawang Wirawong; Si Mueang Mai; Sirindhorn; Tan Sum; Thung Si Udom; Trakan Phuet Phon; Warin Chamrap.
'''''Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Amphoes'''''
Motorists can head north via Highway 1 to Saraburi and turn right into Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road), and use Highway 24 (Chok Chai - Det Udom) to Ubon Ratchathani. Another route is Highway 226 from Nakhon Ratchasima, via Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, to Ubon Ratchathani.
Ordinary buses and air-conditioned coaches leave the Northeastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok (Mo Chit 2) daily. For more information, call Tel. 0 2936 2852-66. In Ubon Ratchathani, call Tel. 0 4524 1831, or visit www.transport.co.th. Private-owned bus service providers include Cherdchai Tour (Tel. 0 2936 0611), Mongkol Tour (Tel. 0 2936 3638-9), Nakhon Chai Air (Tel. 0 2936 3900), and Siri Ratanaphol (Tel. 0 2936 0278).
Express and rapid trains regularly leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) and Bang Sue Station. Moreover, there are ordinary train services from Nakhon Ratchasima, and Surin as well. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand at Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444 or visit www.railway.co.th.
Thai Airways International flies daily flights between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani. For more information, call Tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or call the THAI office in Ubon Ratchathani at Tel. 0 4531 3340-3, or visit www.thaiairways.com. Thai Air Asia also has service between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani. Call Tel. 0 2515 9999 or visit www.airasia.com for further information.
'''Thung Si Mueang (????????????)''' A field in the heart of the city, in front of the city hall, is a beautifully landscaped public park. Formerly the ruler_fs rice paddy fields; it was turned into a public park and venue for festivals during the reign of King Rama V. The field has four gates; namely, Ubon Det Pracharak, Ubon Sak Prachaban, Ubon Kan Prachanit, and Ubon Kit Prachakon. It houses an imitation of a carved candle sculpture, health park, and playground. The park is open from 5.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Moreover, its attractions include:
Another important building in the temple is the Ho Trai - the Hall of Tipitaka scriptures. The wooden hall was built in the pond to protect the Tipitaka from insects.The four-room hall houses wooden scripture cabinets which are beautiful lacquer work decorated with gold leaf. It has blending art styles; namely, Thai-style partitioned wooden walls with carving of zodiac animals and floral motifs at the bottom, Burmese-style tiered roof with traditional Thai roof decorations, and Laotian sculpture on the gables. Such decoration makes it a very beautiful hall.
'''Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram or Wat Si Thong (?????????????????? ???? ?????????)''' Located south of the city hall, on Uparat Road, the temple was built since 1855. The Ubosot, built in an imitation of Wat Benchamabophit_fs Ubosot in Bangkok, houses a sacred Buddha image known as _gPhra Kaeo Butsarakham_h. The Buddha image, in the attitude of subduing Mara, is carved from topaz into the Chiang Saen style.
Legend says Phra Woraratchaphakdi and descendants of Phra Ta; namely, Thao Kham Phong, Thao Thit Phrom and Thao Kam who founded the city, brought the Buddha image from Vientiane. The image was first kept at Ban Don Mot Daeng and then moved to Wat Si Ubon later.
When Siam remained ruled by an absolute monarchy, the Buddha image was used to preside over the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. Now, the Buddha image is considered a sacred icon of Ubon Ratchathani. Each year, in the Songkran Festival, people will parade the Buddha image around for the people to pay respect and bathe. The temple is open from 4.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
'''National Museum, Ubon Ratchathani (????????????????????? ???????????)''' Located at the intersection between Khuean Thani Road and Uparat Road, the single-storey hip roof building built since 1918 once served as the city hall before it was handed to the Fine Arts Department. The museum features local exhibitions; namely, geography, history of the city_fs establishment, archaeological finds art objects, local handicrafts, folk games, and belongings of former rulers. The museum is open daily, except on Monday, Tuesday, and national holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission is 10 baht for adults and 5 baht for children. For more information, call Tel. 0 4525 1015, 0 4525 5071.
'''The Golden Jubilee Art and Cultural Centre (????????????????????????????)''' The 7-storey building in contemporary Isan architecture was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of His Majesty_fs Accession to the Throne. H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony on 11 December, 2001. It also houses the Ubon Nithat Cultural Hall which serves as a local learning and folk wisdom centre. There is also a convention centre, theatre and many facilities. For more information, call Tel. 0 4535 2031, 0 4526 2901-2.
'''Wat Chaeng (???????)''' The temple is located on Sapphasit Road. According to legend, the temple was built by Prince Nu Kham in 1888, in the reign of King Rama V. The Ubosot, which was completed 24 years later, is famed for its beautiful architecture and rare woodcarving. Being 6 metres wide, 15 metres long and 10 metres high, the low-rise Ubosot formerly had a wooden roof which was later replaced by tiles. It is decorated with crocodile stucco at the front staircase and wooden gable carved in a lotus pattern. Its gable_fs edges, or Hang Hong, are special with a delicate pattern of Naga. As a precious historical site, the Ubosot is well preserved in its original condition. It has won a Certificate of Honour from H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in the _eArchitect 87_f Exhibition.
'''Wat Maha Wanaram (????????????)''' Located on Sapphasit Road, the temple is also called Wat Pa Yai. Built simultaneously with the establishment of Ubon Ratchathani, it was firstly only a _eSamnak Song_f ? monastic residence - for Vipassana monks. In the era of the second ruler, Thao Thit Phrom, it was upgraded to be a temple and considered the signature temple of the second ruler.
The temple was renamed Wat Pa Luang Manichot, but the villagers called it Wat Nong Traphang, after the nearby pond. It was renamed again into Wat Maha Wanaram until now.
According to a stone inscription found behind the principal Buddha statue, Phrachao Yai In Paeng, it was built in 1807. Phra Maha Ratchakhru Si Satthatham Wongsa was the first abbot. The stucco Buddha statue, in the attitude of subduing Mara, was built in the Laotian style. A celebration is held annually on every full moon day of April to honour the Buddha image.
'''Wat Burapharam (???????????)''' Located on Burapha Nai Road, the temple once served as a residence for famous meditation monks; namely, Achan Si Thachayaseno, Achan Man Phurithatto, Achan Li Thammatharo, Achan Sao Kantasilo, and Achan Sing Khantayakhamo. Today, the temple houses life-like stone figures of these monks.
'''Wat Supattanaram Worawihan (????????????????????)''' Located on Somdet Road, this is the first Dhammayutika temple of the province. The temple was built in 1850 and completed in 1853. King Rama IV named this temple _gSupattanaram_h which means good location. The temple has a special Ubosot designed by a royal highway engineer Luang Sathit Nimankan (Chuan Supiyaphan). The Ubosot - 20 metres wide, 34 metres long and 22 metres high - has three different characters. It has a Thai-style roof, western style hall and Khmer-style basement. Phra Sapphanyuchao, the principal Buddha image in the subduing Mara attitude, is placed here.
'''Hat Wat Tai (?????????)''' The beach situated in the middle of the Mun River is in Amphoe Mueang Municipality. During the dry season, its white sandy beach is a favourite place for holiday-makers to enjoy the easy atmosphere and greenery. Floating restaurants are also available. It is best to visit the beach from January to May. Ban Kan Lueang Archaelogical Site (???????????????????????????) Situated in Wat Ban Kan Lueang, Tambon Makham Yai, it is an archaeological site which can be dated back to 2,800-2,500 years ago or the Iron Age. In 1996, the Fine Arts Department found a number of artefacts such as beads, pottery, bronze bells, iron axes and chaff.
'''Wat Sa Prasan Suk or Wat Ban Na Mueang (??????????????? ???? ??????????????)''' Located at Ban Na Mueang, the temple houses a special Ubosot in the shape of the Suphannahong Royal Barge decorated with mosaic. The abbot, Achan Bunmi, is widely honoured among the people of Ubon Ratchathani as well as those from nearby provinces.
''To get there'' from Highway 231, head for Amphoe Trakan Phuet Phon and turn right into Highway 2050 toward the airport. The temple is on the left.
'''Wat Phrathat Nong Bua (?????????????????''') Located on Thammawithi Road, the temple houses a Bodh Gaya-style pagoda. The only one in the region, the pagoda was built among lush timber forest to mark the 25th century of Buddhism in the year 1957. The square-base pagoda, 17 metres wide and 56 metres high, houses the Lord Buddha_fs relic inside. The pagoda has four doors; moreover, it is surrounded by another four small pagodas situated at the four corners of the boundary wall.
''To get there'' the temple is 3 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. Motorists can use Chayangkun Road bound for Amnat Charoen. The temple is 500 metres off the main road.
'''Hat Khu Duea (??????????)''' The beach by the Mun River is 12 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani via Highway 24. Lots of restaurants on the raft are available.
'''Ban Pa-ao (?????????)''' The ancient village is situated in Tambon Nong Khon, 18 km from downtown via Highway 23. It is 3 km off the highway at Km. 273. Since two centuries ago, the villagers actually immigrated from Vientiane during the reign of King Siri Bunsan and settled here. The village is famed for its brass work in an ancient style. A brass product centre and silk products are available.
'''Wat Nong Pa Phong (????????????)''' The temple is situated in a lush forest of Tambon Non Phueng. The tranquility allows monks to study and practice Vipassana meditation. In 1954, Luangpu Cha (Phra Phothiyan Thera) founded a Samnak Song ? monastic residence - before it was later upgraded to be a temple. Attractions in the temple include the Phra Phothiyan Thera Museum that displays the eight requisites and wax model of Luangpu Cha, as well as brassware and Buddha images. It is open between 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The location of the Si Phothiyan Pagoda is the cremating place of Luangpu Cha.
''To get there'' motorists can use Highway 231 bound for Det Udom, turn right at Km. 13 and keep going for another 2 km. For more information, call Tel. 0 4526 7563.
'''Wat Pa Nana Chat (??????????????)''' The temple is located in Ban Bung Wai, 14 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani via Highway 226. It shares the entrance with Wat Pa Mongkhon. Wat Pa Nana Chat is the 19th branch of Wat Nong Pa Phong. Numerous foreign monks study and practice Vipassana meditation here; most of them can speak Thai fluently and pray in Pali. Strict practices of the monks here make the temple quite honourable among Buddhists.
'''Wat Phukhao Kaeo (????????????)''' Situated on the hill by Highway 217, approximately 44 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani and 1 km from Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan, the temple has a very beautiful Ubosot which is delicately decorated with a tiered roof covered with terracotta tiles and supporting a golden spire in the middle. The gables are ornately adorned with traditional frame ornaments and stucco reliefs. Inside is the high-relief regarding important Phrathats ? relic-containing pagodas - of Thailand.
'''Kaeng Saphue (?????????)''' The rapids in the Mun River is a place to relax and enjoy the currents and wave sound. _eSaphue_f derives from the word _eSamphuet_f in Suai ethnic language which means large serpent.
February to May is the best period to visit, as tourists can witness the beautiful rocks that are not visible in the rainy season. Their Majesties the King and the Queen made a visit here twice. There are pavilions and stalls selling local products. The beautiful rapids are 45 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani, via Highway 217.
'''Sirindhorn Dam (?????????????)''' Called Khuean Dom Noi by the locals, the rockfill dam with a clay core was constructed across the Lam Dom Noi, a tributary of the Mun River. The hydroelectric dam is 42 metres high and 940 metres long. It also supports irrigation in the area. By the reservoir, Sirindhorn Park is a beautiful place with colourful garden, sculptures, fountains, and guesthouses. For more information, call Tel. 0 4536 6081-3 ext. 2708.
''To get there'' motorists can use Highway 217, turn right at Km. 71 and keep going for another 500 metres. The dam is 70 km from Amphoe Mueang
A foreigner will require a passport to enter Lao PDR. via Chong Mek. For more information, call the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office at Tel. 0 4525 5505, 0 4525 4218, Immigration Office at Tel. 0 4548 5107. A three day/two night package to Lao PDR. is available from tour operators in downtown Ubon Ratchathani.
'''Kaeng Tana National Park (??????????????????????)''' Covering an area of some 50,000 rai in Amphoe Sirindhorn and Khong Chiam, the park features plateaux and undulating hills with deciduous dipterocarp forest and grassland. Established on 13 July, 1981, the park_fs headquarters is located by Tana Rapids, the Mun River.
''To get there'' there are two routes to get there. Motorists can use Highway 217 and then 2173. Another route is Highway 2222, via Amphoe Khong Chiam and cross the Mun River for another 12 km. The park has many attractions; namely,
In the park, guesthouses for tourists are available. For more information, call the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or Kaeng Tana National Park at Tel. 0 4524 9802, 0 4244 2002.
''To get there'' the village is 26 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. Motorists can use Highway 23 and then 2412. The village is 5 km off the main road, on the left.
'''Wat Thung Si Wilai (??????????????)''' Located in Ban Chi Thuan, the temple houses Luangpho Wiset, the principal Buddha image carved from laterite seated beneath the Naga_fs hood. The sacred Buddha image from the Dvaravati period is 55 cm wide and 90 cm high and considered a sacred icon for the village. The temple is surrounded by several enclosures of Sima stones that mark the temple_fs consecrated boundary.
''To get there'' the temple shares its entrance with Wat Sinuan Saeng Sawang Arom.
'''Wat Tham Kuha Sawan (????????????????)''' Situated in Tambon Ban Dan, off Highway 2222, the temple was built since 1978 by Luangpu Khamkhaning Chulamani to be a place for meditation practice where he also resided. Today, Luangpu has passed away but his body, which is not rotten, is well kept in a glass coffin and considered a sacred item. The temple offers nice scenery of the Mekong River and Lao PDR.
'''Maenam Song Si (???????????)''' At the mouth of the Mun River, Ban Woen Buek, just a 5-minute drive from Amphoe Khong Chiam, is an amazing point. The Mun River runs into the Mekong, so we can see two rivers, in two different colours ? _eSong Si_f means two colours - blending together. The Mekong River will be reddish brown while the Mun River is rather blue. Tourists can see such the colour difference from Wat Khong Chiam and Ban Huai Mak. April is the best time to see this. A boat cruise service to explore the rivers, Kaeng Tana, Ban Woen Buek and Pha Taem, as well as shopping in Lao PDR. is available.
'''Pha Taem National Park (????????????????????)''' Established on 31 December, 1991, the park covers a total area of 140 sq km in Amphoe Khong Chiam, Amphoe Si Mueang Mai and Amphoe Pho Sai. The park_fs boundary is next to Lao PDR., with the Mekong River forming the border. The park features plateaux, undulating hills, and towering cliffs with strange sandstone formations scattered around. The park is covered mostly by deciduous dipterocarp forest and wild flowers can be found on the rock terrace.
''To get there'' Pha Taem National Park is 18 km. from Khong Chiam. From Amphoe Khong Chiam, motorists can use Highway 2134, then 2112. Turn right at Km. 8 and continue for another 5 km. to Pha Taem. Its attractions include:
Pha Taem National Park does not provide accommodation for tourists. Those who want to stay overnight are required to bring their own camping gear. A camping ground is available. For more information, mail to Pha Taem National Park at P.O. Box 5, Tambon Huai Phai, Amphoe Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani 34220 or call Tel. 0 4524 9780.
Amphoe Si Mueang Mai Phu Lon (??????) The mountain is in Tambon Song Yang, 20 km north of Amphoe Si Mueang Mai. It has a cave where the late famous monk Phra Achan Man Phurithatto practiced his Vipassana. The shady environment makes it a nice place to relax or practicing meditation.
'''Namtok Huai Sai Yai or Kaeng I Khiao (????????????????? ???? ???????????)''' The waterfall is in the Buntharik - Khao Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. Motorists can head north on Highway 2369 for 26 km to Ban Huai Sai, turn right at Km. 29, and keep going for another 6 km. The waterfall runs over the rock terrace among a shady environment. Tourists can enjoy the fall from September to December.
'''Phu Chong - Na Yoi National Park (???????????????????-?????)''' The park covers a total area of 686 sq km in Amphoe Buntharik, Amphoe Na Chaluai, and Amphoe Nam Yuen. Its boundary connects to Lao PDR. and Cambodia in the area called the Emerald Triangle. With a lush jungle of the Dongrek Range, the park was established on 1 June, 1987. The park_fs headquarters is located at Ban Kaeng Rueang, Amphoe Na Chaluai, 150 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. Its attractions include.
'''Namtok Huai Luang or Namtok Bak Teo (????????????? ???? ???????????)''' The waterfall is situated 3 km from the park_fs headquarters and accessible by car. Plunging for three steps from the elevation of 30 metres, the waterfall has a small pool with a white beach and turquoise colour water that allows tourists to enjoy from September to February. There is a trail leading to Namtok Chum Chim or Namtok Pra-on La-o downstream.
'''Namtok Kaeng Lamduan (??????????????)''' The fall is situated in the compound of the Ubon Ratchathani Wildlife Reservation Promotion and Development Station. The waterfall runs over a rock terrace and through the shady forest of Lamduan trees. Tourists can enjoy swimming and explore the nature trail that leads to caves and rapids. To get there, use Highway 2248 and turn right at Ban Nong Bon, 14 km from Amphoe Nam Yuen. The fall is 2.6 km away.
'''Prasat Ban Ben (???????????????)''' Located at Ban Nong Om, Tambon Nong Om, the Khmer sanctuary is a religious site comprising three brick Prangs on separated laterite bases. The Fine Arts Department excavated the site in 1990 and found lintels featuring 9 directional guardian angels and the God Indra on his Erawan heavenly elephant. According to its architectural plan and lintels, the ruins date back to the 10th Century A.D. To get there, Prasat Ban Ben is 63 km from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. Motorists can use Highway 2192 and turn into Highway 2214 before reaching Amphoe Thung Si Udom.
'''Flower Festival (????????????????????????)''' Held every February at Thung Kham Nam Saep Stadium, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, the festival features floral floats, decorative and flowering plant contests and fair.
'''Kaeng Saphue Songkran Festival (??????????????????????????????)''' Held every April in Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan, the festival comprises a beauty contest, fair, local sports, and local music contest.
'''Candle Festival (????????????????)''' The province_fs largest festival is held annually at Thung Si Mueang to mark the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. The celebration comprises carved candle contests and parades from different temples to form a procession. The procession starts from Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram to Thung Si Mueang, the venue for performances and showcase of the delicately carved candles.
'''Illuminated Boat Procession (???????????????????)''' Held every October to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent, boats from different temples will illuminate the river near the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge.
'''Traditional Boat Races (????????????????????????)''' Several boat racing tournaments are held annually in October after the end of the Buddhist Lent. The Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Municipality_fs tournament is held near the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge. Tambon Phibun Mangsahan Municipality_fs tournament is held near the Mun River Bridge, and Wat Pho Tak_fs tournament is held in front of the temple.
Ubon Ratchathani_fs local products include hand-woven cotton, Khit pillow, loincloth, silk, brassware, and basketry. These products are available at souvenir shops on Khuean Thani Road, or markets in the downtown area.
Mu Yo or preserved pork, Chinese sausage, Isan sausage, and Khem Mak Nat or black-eared catfish or iridescent shark-catfish in saline water with chopped pineapple, all are available in downtown. Various preserved and ready-to-eat food such as dried fish, dried frog_fs skin, and steamed bun with bamboo shoot stuff, are available at Kaeng Saphue, the main attraction of Phibun Mangsahan.
'''Recommended Tour Programmes'''
'''One-day Tour'''
''07.30 hrs.''
''12.00 hrs.''
''13.30 hrs.''
''17.00 hrs.''
''18.00 hrs.''
'''Two-day Tour'''
''Day 1'' : Visit Phu Chong - Na Yoi National Park in Amphoe Na Chaluai. Enjoy Namtok Huai Luang and a picnic lunch by the waterfall. Experience the nature at Kaeng Kalao and Kaeng Sam Phan Pi. Stay overnight in the park_fs guesthouse or tent.
''Day 2'' : Visit Phu Hin Dang to see a terrace of strange rocks. Enjoy the scenery of Lao PDR. and Cambodia from Phu Hin Dang Cliff. Have a picnic lunch and return to Bangkok.