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Region: Northeast Thailand> Province: Ubon Ratchathani>Location: Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani sights and attractions

Ubon Ratchathani National Museum - Certainly worth a look

Khuan Thani Rd
http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/ubon/history.html


Description
This excellent museum is housed in the former governor's office which was built in 1873. The museum was also the first provincial museum in the northeast. The museum is a great place to visit before travelling further into Isan as it covers the scientific and cultural aspects of the region. Most of the exhibits are labelled bilingually so it is easy to find out what you are actually looking at.

Opening Hours: 09.00-12:00 & 13.00-16:00, Wed- Sun

Wat Thung Si Muang - Example of early termite proofing

Luang Rd

Description
This wat was built during the reign of Rama III and is considered to demonstrate a blend of Lao and Rattanakosin architecture. The highlight of the wat is the interesting teak library that sits at the centre of small pond on angled stilts. The crafting of the wood is still in good condition and is particularly photogenic in the early morning. Also of interest at this wat is the old bot which notable for the guardians -- nagas sit astride crocodiles resting face to face with inward-looking temple guardians. The library is set in the pond to protect the palm leave scrolls within from termites and other paper-munching critters.


Opening Hours: Daylight hours every day

Wat Chaeng - Known for the wooden gables

Saphasit Rd

Description
The main attraction here is not the large building in the front of the compound, but rather the smaller wooden and concrete bot towards the rear. Known for its elegantly carved wooden gables, Wat Chaeng also has some rather unusual guardians in the form of large fanged concrete crocodiles. Worth a peek if you are in the area.

Wat Supattanaram - Expressway religious fusion

Somdet Rd

Description
This wat sits near the bank of the Moon River at the western end of town. Built on the orders of King Rama IV in order to provide a temple for royal ceremonies and up until 1932 the wat was used for royal oath taking ceremonies. The bot was built in 1920 and shows an interesting mix of three distinct styles, with a Khmer influenced base, a German midsection and a Thai roof. Designed by a highway engineer, it seems they couldn't quite stop themselves from using loads of concrete. Note the grinning temple lions at the entrance, poised to pounce and the dragons instead of spirits on the eaves. Although the wat claims the largest wooden bell in Thailand it's not possible to ring it.

Wat Pa Yai - Ubon's most important wat

Saphasit Rd

Description
This wat, built in 1807 is today regarded as the principal wat in Ubon. It contains the Phra Chao Yai Indra Plang, a highly revered Buddha image. When inside the principal building, take a look at the gruesome accident autopsy photos on the back wall. The wat's grounds are a popular area for mystics and seers to ply their trade, though you'd struggle to find one with enough English to tell you your future.

Wat Nong Bua - Cheaper than a flight to India

Thamvitti Rd, 3km north of town

Description
Located to the north of the centre of town, on the road to Amnat Charoen, this sizeable wat was modelled on Budhakhaya Chedi in India and has important Buddha relics within. It is definitely worth a trip to see a wat which dares to be different and a songtheaw out to it is cheaper than an air fare to India. To get there, head north on Chayangkum Rd for a few kilometres until you see the signposted turn-off on your left.

Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Thong) - Largest chunk of topaz in Thailand

Uparat Rd

Description
Located on Uparat Rd, the bot of this wat was modelled on Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok. The Buddha image is made of topaz and is believed to be the largest single piece of topaz in Thailand. The Buddha was brought to Thailand from Vientiane in Laos at the same time as the Emerald Buddha. During an annual festival the image is carted around town -- this may be the only time to see it as the bot is often locked.

Wat Nong Pa Pong - Great forest wat

Warin Chamrap District

Description
Located 12km south of Ubon in Warin Chamrap District, this peaceful forest wat was one of a selection in Ubon Ratchathani province founded by Ajarn Chaa. The grounds contain a small museum dedicated to him, and a large chedi contains his ashes. Although the wat buildings themselves are not particularly interesting, the densely wooded setting is quite remarkable and a very popular place for meditating farangs. To get there catch a number 3 songtheaw which will either terminate just before the turn-off or else continue on past it. From the turn-off you will need to walk or hitch to the temple entrance.

Wat Pah Nanachat - Popular meditating farang hideout

Enroute to Si Saket
http://www.watpahnanachat.org/


Description
This is another wat which is very popular with Westerners wanting to study meditation. The wat grounds are extremely peaceful and relaxing just to wander around in. Both men and women are welcome, but men will be expected to shave their heads after three days and the sexes are strictly segregated. The wat is vaguely signposted off the road to Si Saket, so the easiest way to get there is to hop on a Si Saket bus and hop off at the village of Ban Bung Wai or when you see the signs -- the wat compound can be seen about one hundred metres back from the right hand side of the road, look for the white walls housing an inordinate number of trees.