Towards the western side of the same-named province lies the capital, Ubon Ratchathani (Royal City of the Lotus). Once a centre for Dvaravati and Khmer cultures, today this bustling city is the trading and communications hub of eastern Isan. To the casual visitor, it may appear to be nothing more than a scaled down version of Bangkok -- traffic included -- but get off the main drag, away from the fast food joints and mobile-phone stores and you'll find old style Isan.

Ubon Ratchathani has a well regarded reputation as a religious teaching centre and this is reflected in a number of highly revered forest wats which specialise in meditation and are dotted through the province. Aside from these there are a handful of typical (and not-so-typical) Thai wats in the centre of Ubon Ratchathani that are easily visited along with a well-presented museum. Between the various sights, be sure to sample some of Ubon's excellent food and drinks, with a great selection of tasty restaurants and bars to indulge your taste buds and senses. The reasonable range of attractions dotted around the province also make Ubon Ratchathani an excellent base for exploring the hinterland.

Ubon is actually a twin city, with the smaller town of Warim Chamrap a couple of kilometres to the south of the Moon River while Ubon Ratchathani is immediately to the north of the river. The city's only guesthouse, the River Moon Guesthouse, is in Warin Chamrap.