Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani

About Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani sits in Thailand's far east, where the Mun River meets the Mekong and Laos feels close enough to touch. This is Isaan country—genuine, unhurried, and refreshingly off most tourist radars. The city's famous for its July Candle Festival, when enormous wax sculptures parade through streets in a spectacle that's both devotional and wildly artistic. But honestly, Ubon's appeal goes deeper than one annual event. You'll find temples with Laotian influences, morning markets where vendors speak a dialect closer to Lao than Bangkok Thai, and a food scene that leans heavily into fermented fish, sticky rice, and chili pastes that'll make your eyes water. The surrounding countryside hides rock formations that look almost prehistoric and riverside villages where life moves to a different rhythm. It's not polished or particularly easy—English is scarce, things close early—but that's sort of the point. Ubon gives you northeastern Thailand without the filter.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a motorbike (150-250 baht daily) for freedom, though traffic is surprisingly manageable compared to Bangkok. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run fixed routes for 10-15 baht but require some Thai language skills. For day trips to Pha Taem or Sam Phan Bok, hiring a private car with driver (1,500-2,000 baht) makes the most sense.

Money: ATMs are plentiful in the city center, but bring cash for rural areas and markets—many vendors don't take cards. Expect to spend 800-1,200 baht daily for comfortable mid-range travel. Currency exchange rates are better at banks than hotels. Keep small bills handy; breaking a 1,000-baht note at a noodle stall creates awkwardness.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temples—shoulders and knees covered, shoes off before entering. The Candle Festival is religious first, spectacle second; be respectful during processions. Northeastern Thais are genuinely warm but less accustomed to tourists than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, so a few Thai phrases go an unusually long way here.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe—look for high turnover and cooked-to-order dishes. Isaan cuisine features fermented and raw items (like koi pla) that can upset unaccustomed stomachs; start cautiously. Drink bottled water, though ice is typically fine in established restaurants. The night market on Kheuan Thani Road offers the best variety for adventurous eaters.

When to Visit

November through February is peak season, when temperatures hover around 20-28°C and humidity drops to bearable levels—you'll actually want to bring a light jacket for evenings. Accommodation prices jump about 30-40% during this window, especially around December holidays. March to May turns brutally hot (35-40°C), with April being particularly unforgiving, though you'll find hotel rates down 25% and fewer crowds at attractions. The monsoon runs June through October, bringing 150-250mm monthly rainfall, but it's not the constant deluge you might expect—more like afternoon downpours that clear up. July is the exception: despite being rainy season, the Candle Festival (usually around Asala Bucha day in mid-July) draws massive crowds and hotels book solid months ahead. For budget travelers who don't mind heat, May and September offer the best value—40-50% cheaper than peak season and genuinely quiet. October's actually lovely once the rains taper off, with countryside still green and temperatures dropping. Worth noting that Ubon's climate tends to be slightly drier than the rest of Isaan, so shoulder seasons are more forgiving here than you might expect.