Province, Thailand's largest province of the covers a total area of 20,312 square kilometres, with
Mukdahan Province and the Lao People's democratic Republic to the north, the Banthat
Mountain Range along the border of democratic Kampuchea to the south, the Mekhong
and Lao People's Democratic Republic to the east and Yasothon and Si Sa Ket
Provinces to the west. Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for
hundreds of years. It is where the traditional and colorful Candle Precession is held.
Ubon Ratchathani is 629 kilometers from Bangkok.
Attractions & Places of Interest
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Wat Thung Si Muang
Is renowned for its traditional wooden Ho Trai scripture repository,
with an intricately carved gable, in the middle of a pond. The monastic hall
of Wat Thung Si Muang houses beautiful mural paintings depicting
episodes from Buddhist literature and scenes of local everyday life.
Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
Once the province's City Hall, puts on exhibition the province's
history, geological features of the Northeast, discovered artifacts, and
local handiworks like basketry, brass, traditional hand-woven fabric, and
local musical instruments. The museum is open daily except for Mondays
and Tuesdays.
Wat Nong Bua
Located on the suburb of town on the way to Amnat Charoen
province. It is the only buddhist monastery in the country with a
Buddhagaya-style stupa, and has an extensive structure. Within the Stupa
are several important Buddha images.
Wat Maha Wanaram
The ancient and principal temple of Ubon, houses the sacred Phra
Chao Yai Indrea Plang image, highly venerated by both the people of Ubon
and neighboring provinces.
Wat Supattanaram
The first Buddhist monastery of the Dharmanyuthi sect in
Northeastern Thailand, ist situated on the bank of the Mun River not too
far from town center. Built in 1853 with an initial royal donation by King
Rama IV, it has as its principal image the Phra Sapphanyu Chao, which is
greatly revered by both local people and visitors alike.
Ban Kan Luang Archaeological Site
Five kilometers away from town along Highway 212 and 2050, the
site was excavated by the Fine Arts Department in 1992. Discoveries
include artifact, implements, ornaments, beads, pottery, and iron axes. It is
believed that this settlement dates back at least 2,000 years.
Wat Pa Nanachat
Some 15 kilometers from the on Ubon - Si Sa Ket route, the Wat is
renowned for its meditation affairs with a large number of foreign monks
practising there.
Kaeng Saphu
South of Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan market, 45 kilometers from Ubon.
Splashing currents during dry season make a beautiful scene over
rocks and outcrops, although they are completely immersed during the
high-tide season.
Candle Festival
Held annually at the beginning of Buddhist Lent in July at Thung Si
Muang. The festival's planned activites include the competition of the
candle "tree" which is divided into moulded and carved categories. All
candle "trees" will be brightened up by the lights from many diverse
entertainments organized to celebrate them.
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Khong Chiam
Is a district overlooking the Mekhong River and is located 80
kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani. A hired boat is available here to go to
Kaeng Tana Cataract and to go sightseeing at Mae Nam Song Si or the
bicolour river where the Mekhong and Mun Rivers meet.
Kaeng Tana National Park
Is located in Amphoe Khong Chiam, 13 kilometers off Highway No.
217 opposite the entrance of the side-road to Sirindhorn Dam. There is
accomodation for tourists. Attractions in the park include:
- Kaeng Tana
is the largest rapids of the Mun River. The cataract
itself is a big
stone platform lying across the Mun River, causing the water which flows through
Kaeng Tana to take the form of beautiful waterfalls.
- Nam Tok Tat Ton
is created from Tat Ton brook flowing past a
stone platform and plunging onto the plain froming a basin large enough to
swim in. The area is surrounded by a forest and flowering shrubs.
Pha Taem National Park
Is located 14 kilometers from Amphoe Khong Chiam. Attractions in
the park include:
- Sao Chaling
11 kilometers from Amphoe Khong Chiam on the
Highway 2112, the place is scattered with natural mushroom-like piles of
stone slabs with a large amount of shells stuck in their texture. The area is
believed by geologists to be a long dried sea.
- Pha Taem and Pha Mon
located 3 kilometers beyond Sao Chaliang,
the Pha Taem and Pha Mon are two steep cliffs overlooking Mekong river
with a clear view of Laos on the other side. On the cliffs' surface, there are
prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago reflecting
ancient ways of life of the people once lived in the area, such as Buk
fishing (Buk is a species of large scaleless fish found in the Mekong river),
and rice farming. Figures of people, animals, hands and geometric designs
were also depicted.
Phu Lon Buddhist Center
is in Tambon Song Yang, about 20 kilometers from Amphoe Muang
Mai. It is a small hill with trees and rocks. There is a cave built by Phra
Achan Man Phurithattathera; it is very tranquil and suitable for relaxation
and meditation.
Sirindhorn Dam
One of the major multi-pupose dams in the Northeast is around
seventy kilometers from town in Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan.
It is capable of producing 36,000 kilowatts or an annual 13.5 million units of electricity.
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