A Mekong-side city in Thailand's far east — Pha Taem, Sam Phan Bok, and the Candle Festival
Ubon Ratchathani is a large province in lower Isan that sits on the Mekong at Thailand's far eastern edge — the spot where the sun rises first in the country, up at Pha Chanadai. Mention Ubon and most people picture Pha Taem, the cliff face covered in ancient rock paintings above
Start with stays →Isan food — Som tam, larb, koi, grilled chicken, and bambo
Pha Taem National Park — A cliff above the Mekong with prehistoric rock
Pha Taem National Park — A cliff above the Mekong with prehistoric
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The best of Ubon Ratchathani — don't miss these on a first trip
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6.5Highlights and sights around Ubon Ratchathani — nature, city and culture
A cliff above the Mekong with prehistoric rock paintings thousands of years old, plus wide-open views across the river to Laos.
Rocky rapids in the middle of the Mekong that emerge in the dry season, revealing thousands of eroded basins often called the Grand Canyon of the Mekong. Easy to spend the whole day walking and shooting photos.
The city's signature event in mid-July, when intricately carved wax candles from different temples are paraded around town. People come from all over the country to see it.
The first spot in Thailand to see the sunrise, within the Pha Taem area. Get up before dawn and wait for the first light over the Mekong.
An old temple in the city center with a beautiful scripture hall standing over water, next to Thung Si Muang Park — the ground used for the Candle Festival and a favorite spot for locals to relax.
A hillside temple in Sirindhorn district with a wishing tree that glows green behind the ordination hall after dark. People flock here to see it.
Ubon Ratchathani's signature food — real local spots, rounded up and ranked
Som tam, larb, koi, grilled chicken, and bamboo-shoot soup — bold flavors you'll find all over town, and the everyday staples for locals here.
Ubon has had a Vietnamese-descended community for generations, so pho, nem nuang (grilled pork rolls), fresh spring rolls, and khao piak noodles turn up at many spots in town.
Well-known souvenirs with a Vietnamese influence. Moo yor is a firm pork sausage eaten with sticky rice, and people buy it by the bundle to take home.
Vietnamese-style kuay jab noodles in a clear broth, topped with pork and fried garlic. A breakfast dish locals in Ubon eat regularly.
House-made khanom jeen noodles topped with a rich curry sauce, eaten with a big pile of local vegetables. Easy to find at the morning markets.
Grilled sticky rice brushed with egg, a morning snack. A local staple that's easy to grab at roadside stalls and markets.
The city center has plenty of new cafes, plus a night market that gathers Isan street food for an evening of grazing.
Ready-made plans — from a day trip to 2–3 days, plus routes to neighbouring provinces
Best time to go, getting around, and what to know before visiting Ubon Ratchathani
November–February for cool, easy weather. Sam Phan Bok is at its best in the dry season, roughly January–May, and the Candle Festival falls in mid-July.
A cliff above the Mekong with prehistoric rock paintings thousan
Rocky rapids in the middle of the Mekong that emerge in the dry
The city's signature event in mid-July, when intricately carved
The first spot in Thailand to see the sunrise, within the Pha Ta
An old temple in the city center with a beautiful scripture hall
A hillside temple in Sirindhorn district with a wishing tree tha
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🚀Home of the rocket festival, Phra That Kong Khao Noi, and the Ban Singha Tha old town
Explore Yasothon →Ubon Ratchathani is a large province in lower Isan that sits on the Mekong at Thailand's far eastern edge — the spot where the sun rises first in the country, up at Pha Chanadai. Mention Ubon and most people picture Pha Taem, the cliff face covered in ancient rock paintings above the river; Sam Phan Bok, the rocky rapids in the middle of the Mekong that surface in the dry season; and the Candle Festival every July, when temples carve wax into intricate floats. In town there are old temples, markets, and food with a clear Vietnamese influence. If you like a trip that mixes Mekong-side nature with local culture, Ubon keeps you busy for several days without getting dull.
Best time: November–February for cool, easy weather. Sam Phan Bok is at its best in the dry season, roughly January–May, and the Candle Festival falls in mid-July.
Stays, sights, food and routes — all gathered for you
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