10 Best Things to Do
in Ubon Ratchathani

Pha Taem is a steep sandstone cliff along the Mekong River in Khong Chiam district, at the very eastern tip of both Ubon Ratchathani province and Thailand itself. What makes this place famous is that it's the first patch of land in Siam to catch the sunrise each day. Many travelers plan an overnight stay nearby or set off from town at three or four in the morning just to stand on the rock ledge before dawn, waiting to watch the sun slowly rise over the ridgeline on the Laotian side, above the wide sweep of the Mekong below. New Year's is especially crowded, since catching the year's first light here is considered special, but on an ordinary weekday morning the atmosphere is calm and quiet, with plenty of room to find a good spot for photos.

The other highlight of Pha Taem is its prehistoric rock art, roughly 3,000–4,000 years old, painted along a stretch of cliff wall several hundred meters long — over 300 images in total, including human figures, handprints, animals, and Mekong giant catfish, offering a glimpse into the lives of the ancient people who once lived along this river. The nature trail runs along the cliff edge, letting you view the paintings group by group as you walk. You can choose a shorter route of about 1.5 kilometers or the full 4-kilometer trail, passing several scenic viewpoints over the Mekong along the way, as well as a cluster of mushroom-shaped rock pillars carved by wind and water erosion. It all adds up to a morning that combines views, history, and a light forest walk.

To be upfront about what you should know before going: Pha Taem is quite far from Ubon town, roughly 90 to 100 kilometers, with no convenient public transport, so most visitors drive themselves or hire a car with a driver. If you want to catch the sunrise, you'll need to set off in the middle of the night, so it's worth booking accommodation in Khong Chiam in advance. Parts of the cliffside trail are rocky and don't have railings the whole way, so wear shoes with good grip and be especially careful near the edge, particularly in the dark or on wet ground. The rainy season brings slippery rocks and fog that can block the sunrise, so the best time to visit is from late rainy season through winter, roughly November to February, when the air is cool and the sky is clear. There are almost no shops on the cliff top, so bring your own drinking water, a warm or windproof jacket, and a flashlight for the pre-dawn hours.

Sam Phan Bok is a massive rock formation in the middle of the Mekong River in Pho Sai district, Ubon Ratchathani, often called the Grand Canyon of Thailand. Its main feature is a wide expanse of rock riddled with thousands of round holes and basins scattered across the surface, formed over millions of years as the Mekong's swirling currents carried sand and gravel that slowly ground deep hollows into the sandstone. The name Sam Phan Bok comes from a local dialect meaning "three thousand holes," referring to the countless basins found here — so many they're almost impossible to count. Some are as small as a palm, while others are deep and wide enough to be called potholes. Many have been named after the shapes they resemble, such as the dog's-head rock, a heart-shaped basin, and a spot popular for photos that looks like a Mickey Mouse silhouette, making the whole area feel like a maze of rock shapes to explore.

Something to know before planning your visit: Sam Phan Bok can only be visited in the dry season. The best time is roughly January through May, when the Mekong's water level drops enough for the rock field to emerge fully and be walked across. Once the rainy season arrives, the whole rock formation floods over and disappears back beneath the wide river. There's no entrance fee — you can walk straight down from the parking area, or take a local shared truck or skylab closer to save your energy. Another popular option is a boat ride along the riverside rapids from Had Sung Beach or nearby points, cruising past rock pillars and oddly shaped formations on the way to Sam Phan Bok, revealing angles you can't reach on foot and taking in the scenery on both the Thai and Lao sides.

Another charm reviews mention often is sunset. The evening light hits the rock field and the pools of water collecting in the basins, creating a scene many say feels like another world entirely, so it's worth coming in the late afternoon to early evening to avoid the midday heat and catch the best light. Wear shoes with good grip, since some parts of the rocky surface are uneven and can be slippery, and bring drinking water and a hat, as there's little shade and few shops out on the rock field. The roughly two-hour-plus drive from Ubon town might seem far, but most visitors agree it's worth the trip, especially for those who love nature that hasn't become overcrowded — and foreign tourists still haven't discovered it in large numbers.

Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, popularly known as "the glowing temple," sits on the Phu Prao hill in Sirindhorn district, about 80 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani town, near the Chong Mek border crossing with Laos. What put this temple on the map is the large Bodhi tree mural on the back wall of the ubosot, made from mosaic tiles coated with a fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark material. By day it looks like an ordinary silver-toned tree pattern, but once night falls completely, the tree and the stars around it slowly begin to glow blue-green — a sight that draws people to drive long distances just to photograph it. The piece was designed by craftsman Kunakorn Parinyapunno, who personally laid each mosaic tile by hand.

The temple's appeal isn't limited to the glowing tree. Since it sits on high ground, walking up gives you sweeping views of Sirindhorn Lake and the mountain range on the Laotian side. Late afternoon, just before sunset, is the most popular time to visit, since you can catch both the sunset over the mountains and then wait until dark to see the tree glow, all in one visit. The temple is free to enter and stays open until around 8pm, but the glow is most visible on moonless nights or when the sky is clear of clouds — the light from the tree becomes more vivid once it's fully dark and your eyes adjust. Visitors who come during a full moon or before it's dark enough sometimes find the glow fainter than what they see in postcards.

As for getting there, keep in mind that the temple is quite far from town, and the final stretch of road climbs uphill. Without a private vehicle, you'll likely need to rent a car or charter a taxi both ways, and since the main draw is after dark, the return trip means driving at night on rural roads — plan your driver and timing carefully. On long weekends and holidays, crowds pick up, and the parking area and the photo spot behind the ubosot can get quite packed, sometimes requiring a wait to get a shot of the glowing tree without other people in frame. It's also a sacred site, so dress modestly, keep your voice down, and avoid using flash or other lights that might disturb others setting up long-exposure shots.

Sao Chaliang and Pha Chana Dai are two highlights of Pha Taem National Park in Khong Chiam district, at Thailand's easternmost border along the Mekong River. Sao Chaliang is a cluster of natural rock pillars, shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years into giant mushroom-like formations, wider at the top than at the base, standing in rows across an open rock field for close-up viewing and photos. It's close to the park entrance, an easy stroll with no strenuous climbing required. Just past Sao Chaliang is the Pha Taem cliff itself, home to prehistoric rock paintings thousands of years old, left behind by ancient peoples — giving this single spot both natural beauty and historical value.

Pha Chana Dai, meanwhile, is a viewpoint on a high cliff facing east, looking out across the Mekong to the Laotian side, and is one of the first places in Thailand to see the sunrise each day. Early-rising travelers often make a point of driving up before dawn to sit and wait for the sun to appear over the ridgeline on the Laotian side, above the river. The atmosphere is cool and quiet. Getting to Pha Chana Dai means driving further in from the Sao Chaliang area along a forest road, then walking a short distance along a viewing trail. Along the way there are several smaller viewpoints and rock outcrops where you can stop to rest and take photos — ideal for travelers wanting a natural getaway that isn't as crowded as more popular attractions.

A few honest things to know before you go: first, the distance from Ubon town is considerable, around 90 to 100 kilometers — without a private vehicle, it's worth renting a car or booking a chartered tour, since public transport doesn't reach here easily and the various spots within the park are spread apart. Second, the hot season brings intense heat with little shade across the rock field, so bring a hat, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen. Third, if you want to catch the sunrise at Pha Chana Dai, you'll need to leave your accommodation late at night or stay somewhere near the park, since it takes a fair amount of time to drive to the viewpoint. Fourth, parts of the cliffside trail don't have railings the whole way, so be extra careful, especially with young children or after rain when the rocks get slippery. And don't forget that the entrance fee for foreigners is several times higher than for Thai visitors, so bring cash to pay at the gate.

Saeng Chan Waterfall, known locally as the "waterfall through the rock hole," is located in Ban Thung Na Mueang, Na Pho Klang subdistrict, Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani, within the forested area of Pha Taem National Park. What sets this waterfall apart from most is that the water doesn't fall straight down a cliff face — instead, it flows through a gap or hole in the rock slab above before dropping down as a single stream. When light passes through the water flowing through the hole, it creates a shimmering effect that resembles moonlight, which is how the waterfall got its name ("Saeng Chan" means moonlight). The most beautiful time to visit is from the rainy season into early winter, roughly July through November, when there's enough water to clearly see the stream flowing through the hole. In the dry season, water levels drop or nearly dry up entirely, so you may not see the waterfall as hoped.

The walking trail to the waterfall isn't long or steep — about a 5-10 minute walk from the parking area to reach the falls, making it an easy visit for families and those who aren't experienced hikers. Many visitors combine a trip to Saeng Chan Waterfall with other spots in the Khong Chiam-Pha Taem area on the same day, such as Sao Chaliang at Pha Taem, the prehistoric rock paintings on the cliff, and the Two-Colour River in Khong Chiam town, since they're all along the same route. One thing worth knowing: nearby, about 2 kilometers away, is Thung Na Mueang Waterfall, which some people also call the "waterfall through the rock hole," leading to confusion. Check the exact coordinates and ask for directions clearly before heading out to make sure you're going to the right one.

To be honest about what to expect: this waterfall depends heavily on seasonal water levels. If you visit outside the rainy season, you may find the stream thin or almost non-existent, missing out on the signature "water through a hole" feature that's the main draw. The route from Ubon town to Khong Chiam is fairly long, and part of it runs through district roads, so leave enough travel time and fill up on fuel beforehand. There's no direct public transport to this spot — most visitors drive themselves or hire a car with a driver. During the rainy season, rocks around the waterfall get slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and walk carefully. Facilities here are limited — shops and restrooms aren't as plentiful as at bigger attractions — so bring your own drinking water and food, and carry your trash back out to help keep the forest clean.

Khemarat is an old town on the banks of the Mekong River at the northernmost point of Ubon Ratchathani province, originally named Khemarat Thani. It was once a bustling riverside trading port, which is why it left behind a legacy of old wooden houses and historic commercial buildings lining the streets of the town center, some nearly two hundred years old. Every Saturday evening, the local community and municipality close off the cultural street to create a walking market, starting around 5pm and running until night. The Hak Na Khemarat group started this event back in 2013 to breathe life back into the old town district, recreating a nostalgic atmosphere. Along both sides of the street are stalls selling local Isan food, old-fashioned sweets, handwoven cotton, traditional clothing, souvenirs, and cafés set in old wooden houses to relax in, all punctuated by a stage where locals put on traditional folk dance performances themselves.

The charm of this place lies in being a small town that hasn't yet been swallowed up by tourism. Most walkers are locals along with slow-travel tourists who've made a point of dropping by — it's not crowded or chaotic like walking streets in bigger cities. You can wander leisurely, taking photos in front of the old wooden houses and antique archways. Food here is priced like a community market, filling you up for just a few tens of baht. Walking to the end of the street brings you to the banks of the Mekong, looking across to the Laotian side, with sunset being the most beautiful time for light. Many visitors like to arrive before dark to catch the riverside view, then loop back to the market once the lights come on. The atmosphere is warm, like an old town that's still genuinely lived in, not just a set piece for photos.

To be upfront about what you should know before going: the walking street operates only on Saturday evenings — visiting on any other day means finding the town quiet, with most shops closed, so plan your day carefully. Khemarat is quite far from Ubon town, requiring about an hour and a half to two hours of driving, mostly along rural roads, so set off early in the day and leave time for the night-time return trip. Accommodation within the district is limited, mostly small guesthouses or homestays, which can fill up quickly during festivals or long holidays, so book ahead. Some food stalls sell out quickly, so arrive early if you want to try the signature dishes before the crowds. Bring cash too, since many community vendors don't yet accept app or card payments.

Kaeng Tana is a small national park in Khong Chiam district, at the point where the Mun River flows into the Mekong before heading out toward Laos. Its main feature is "Kaeng Tana" itself, a rock formation in the middle of the river split by Don Tana Island, which divides the water into two channels flowing through rocky rapids. During the dry season, roughly November through April, water levels drop and the rocks emerge as a wide, open field, perfect for walking and photos. Another highlight is a long suspension bridge across the Mun River that you can walk across to the other side — as you cross, you can see the rapids and the current flowing beneath your feet, a photo spot many visitors mention. There's also a small Tat Ton waterfall, a short nature trail, and a viewpoint looking across to Pha Taem on the opposite bank, all within the same trip.

This spot suits travelers who want peaceful nature without having to compete for photo spots, since it draws fewer crowds than the more famous parks up north or down south. Most visitors drive here themselves from Ubon town, about an hour and a half away, or include it as part of a route through Khong Chiam-Pha Taem-Sam Phan Bok. Park entry fees are split between Thai and foreign rates, with a small extra charge for vehicles. Inside, there's a camping ground and park lodges for those who want to wake up to the morning air by the river. There are some restaurants and shops, though not many, so bring your own drinking water and food, especially if traveling as a family or large group.

To be upfront about what to expect: during the rainy season, roughly June through October, the Mun River rises high enough to completely submerge the rock rapids, so you won't see the formation many people come specifically to view. Isan afternoons get very hot, with no shade over the rock field, so plan to visit in the morning or late afternoon and bring a hat, sunglasses, and shoes suited to walking on slippery rock, since some areas get wet and mossy. The suspension bridge sways a little when several people cross at once, so those afraid of heights should prepare themselves. Restrooms and facilities here are limited and not as well-maintained as at larger parks. Swimming in the rapids isn't recommended, as the current is strong and there have been past drowning incidents — stay on the bank and follow posted warnings from park staff strictly.

The Two-Colour River at Khong Chiam is the spot where the Mun River flows into the Mekong, creating a striking image of two differently colored streams meeting at the river mouth. The Mun side tends to run a bluish-green, while the Mekong is thicker and murkier, running a reddish-brown from the sediment it carries. The color line is at its clearest during the dry season, roughly March through May, when the water is calmer and carries less sediment, making the divide sharper than in the rainy season, when floodwaters blend the two into a single color. The main viewpoint is right on the edge of Khong Chiam town — just walk from the parking area to see it, no entrance fee required, with a pavilion where you can sit and take in the river at a relaxed pace.

The best way to see the two-colour effect up close is to take a longtail boat, which you'll find waiting for passengers along the riverbank. The boat cruises right along the dividing line between the two currents, giving you a full view of the color contrast, then loops around to take in views of both banks, with Laos on the other side. Boat rental is priced per boat and seats several people, so ask about the price and confirm the route before boarding. During the dry season, when water levels drop, the Mekong reveals a wide sandy bank you can walk down to for photos. Some stretches have riverside restaurants and rafts where you can sit and eat river fish while taking in the view. The surrounding Khong Chiam area also connects to other attractions, like Pha Taem National Park with its prehistoric rock paintings and the first sunrise viewpoint in Thailand, so you can combine everything into a single trip.

A few honest things to keep in mind before you go: how clearly you see the two colors depends heavily on the season and water levels. Visiting during the rainy season or high-water periods may mean the dividing line isn't as sharp as hoped, since both currents turn murky. Go in the morning when the sun isn't too strong yet and the water is calm — the light helps bring out the color contrast more easily. For the longtail boat, always agree on the price and timing before setting off, since there's no fixed price list and some boats may charge more for a longer loop. Wear the life jacket provided on the boat, and be careful getting on and off since the riverbank can be slippery. Khong Chiam town itself is fairly far from Ubon town, along rural roads that are easy to drive but require extra travel time, so fill up on fuel in advance — shops and gas stations along the way are spaced out and less frequent than in the city.

Thung Si Mueang is a public park in the heart of Ubon Ratchathani where locals go to walk, exercise, and hold annual events. Around the park stand model candle-festival pillars and a gateway that has become a symbol of the city. During the Candle Festival in July, this space transforms into a display ground for the huge carved candle floats that draw the whole city together. On an ordinary day, it's just as pleasant for a relaxed stroll under the shade of the trees. A short walk from the corner of the park brings you to Wat Thung Si Mueang, home to its standout feature: a scripture hall built entirely of wood, standing in the middle of a pond to keep termites and ants away — a piece of craftsmanship blending Thai, Lao, and Burmese influences, considered one of the oldest and best-preserved water-set scripture halls in Isan. The temple also has an old ordination hall and mural paintings worth a quiet look.

The charm of walking this area lies in how compact it is — Thung Si Mueang Park, Wat Thung Si Mueang, and old local food shops are all within easy walking distance of each other, no need to drive around looking for parking multiple times. Walking out from the temple along the old-town streets, you'll find shops selling Ubon-style kuay jub, a distinctly Isan take on the noodle soup that looks quite different from the thick, dark broth typical of Bangkok-style kuay jub. The noodles here are round and chewy, made from rice flour, in a clear broth infused with black pepper and fried garlic, topped with minced pork, pork belly, and tender stewed offal, with some shops adding crispy pork rinds for crunch against the hot broth — served with coriander, spring onion, and chili flakes to taste. Many of these shops have been open for decades and have become spots locals bring their guests to, with prices still affordable at just a few tens of baht a bowl.

The best time to walk this area comfortably is early morning before the sun gets strong, or in the evening once the air cools down — Isan afternoons get very hot, so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. Many of the famous kuay jub shops are morning establishments, opening at dawn and often selling out before noon, so if you're set on visiting a well-known shop, go before midday to avoid missing out. Dress modestly for the temple — no tank tops or shorts above the knee — since Wat Thung Si Mueang is still an active temple with resident monks and worshippers making merit. Take your time walking this area, soak in the old-town atmosphere, photograph the scripture hall, then finish with a hot bowl of kuay jub for a genuine taste of everyday life in Ubon.

Ubon Ratchathani is famous for its Candle Festival, held continuously every year during Buddhist Lent around July. The highlight is a series of enormous candle floats, carved and stamped with intricate patterns by local craftsmen depicting Buddhist stories, then mounted on parade vehicles that circle the streets around Thung Si Mueang in the city center. There are both carved and stamped-pattern categories, allowing visitors to compare craftsmanship. Daytime viewing shows off the fine details of the candle patterns clearly, while some years also feature evening displays with lighting. This is an annual event that Ubon locals take great pride in, drawing visitors from across the country, so it's worth planning accommodation and travel well in advance, as hotels in town tend to fill up quickly.

Paired with the seasonal candle festival is a spot you can visit year-round: Wat Phra That Nong Bua, to the north of town. Its most talked-about feature is the white Sri Maha Bodhi pagoda, modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, giving it a distinctly different shape from typical Thai pagodas. Around the pagoda are stucco patterns and decorative archways to walk around and admire, and inside are enshrined Buddha relics, revered by locals. The temple grounds are spacious, comfortable for photos, and free to enter, with donations at your discretion. If you're visiting during the candle festival, it pairs well with a visit to the temple in the same trip, since they're in the same town and not far to drive between.

To be upfront about what to expect: the Candle Festival can only be seen during Buddhist Lent, and on the main parade day, crowds get very heavy, the sun is intense, and parking is difficult — arrive early, bring a hat and water, and leave time to find a good spot to watch the parade. Some prime grandstand seats require a reservation or ticket, so check that year's event layout in advance. As for Wat Phra That Nong Bua, it's a sacred site, so dress modestly, remove your shoes in designated areas, and keep your voice down since worshippers come to pray and make merit. The white pagoda reflects fairly harsh sunlight at midday, so photos come out better in the softer light of morning or evening. Neither site charges direct admission, but if you'd rather not drive yourself, booking a half-day city tour that includes transport makes it easier to hit several spots conveniently.