Ubon Ratchathani

Things to see and do

Ubon Ratchathani National Museum

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 ... read more
Wat Thung Si Muang

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 ... read more
Wat Chaeng

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 ... read more
Wat Supattanaram

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 ... read more
Wat Pa Yai

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 ... read more
Wat Nong Bua

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 ... read more
Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Thong)

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 ... read more
Wat Nong Pa Pong

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 ... read more
Wat Pah Nanachat

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. ... read more