Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี) in Ubon Ratchathani Province — renowned for Sam Phan Bok ('Grand Canyon of the Mekong') & Pha Taem Prehistoric Cliff Art and authentic Isan (Northeast) & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast street food.
Why Visit Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี · Ubon Ratchathani)
Ubon Ratchathani is a major thai city & provincial capital in Isan (Northeast) & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast (located at 15.2287°N, 104.8564°E, elevation 125 m). Renowned for Sam Phan Bok ('Grand Canyon of the Mekong') & Pha Taem Prehistoric Cliff Art, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao (Glowing Tree of Life Mosaic Temple), Wat Phra That Nong Bua & Ubon Candle Festival, Ubon Ratchathani rewards travelers over 2–4 days with walkable historic squares, regional markets, and easy rail links via Ubon Ratchathani (Warin Chamrap) SRT Terminal (4 km).
Best Neighborhoods & Quarters in Ubon Ratchathani
Mun Riverfront & Thung Si Mueang
Vibrant local quarter, markets, and accommodation hub in Ubon Ratchathani (Ubon Ratchathani).
Khong Chiam & Pha Taem
Vibrant local quarter, markets, and accommodation hub in Ubon Ratchathani (Ubon Ratchathani).
Top Sights & Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani
- Sam Phan Bok ('Grand Canyon of the Mekong') & Pha Taem Prehistoric Cliff Art — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Ubon Ratchathani.
- Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao (Glowing Tree of Life Mosaic Temple) — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Ubon Ratchathani.
- Wat Phra That Nong Bua & Ubon Candle Festival — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Ubon Ratchathani.
Local Food & Where to Eat in Ubon Ratchathani
In Ubon Ratchathani (Isan (Northeast) & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast), everyday dining revolves around morning Talad Sod fresh markets, made-to-order Tam Sang wok stalls, and evening night markets serving authentic Isan Northeast & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast flavors. Expect made-to-order street dishes for ฿50–฿120 and sit-down regional mains for ฿120–฿280; say 'Phed Noi' for mild spice or 'Mai Sai Phong Churot' for no MSG.
Signature Local & Regional Dishes to Try
- Som Tum Thai & Som Tum Pla Ra (ส้มตำไทย / ส้มตำปลาร้า) (฿50–฿90): Hand-pounded green papaya salad with lime, palm sugar, cherry tomatoes, long beans, chilies, and roasted peanuts.
- Larb Moo & Nam Tok Kor Moo Yang (ลาบหมู / น้ำตกคอหมูย่าง) (฿80–฿150): Minced pork or charcoal-grilled pork neck tossed with toasted sticky-rice powder (Khao Khua), mint, shallots, and lime.
- Gai Yang Khao Niao — Charcoal Grilled Isan Chicken & Sticky Rice (ไก่ย่างข้าวเหนียว) (฿120–฿220): Lemongrass-and-garlic marinated chicken grilled between split bamboo sticks, served with tamarind Jaew dipping sauce and bamboo-steamed sticky rice.
- Khanom Mor Kaeng — Phetchaburi Royal Egg Custard (ขนมหม้อแกงเพชรบุรี) (฿60–฿100): Baked taro and lotus-seed coconut custard caramelized with Toddy palm sugar and crispy fried shallots.
Recommended Dining Quarters, Markets & Night Markets & Street Food Stalls in Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani Talad Sod (Morning Market) & Night Market
Local open-air stalls and shophouses in central Ubon Ratchathani serving made-to-order Isan Northeast & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast dishes (฿50–฿140).
Ubon Ratchathani Khao Gaeng (Curry-Over-Rice) & Noodle Shophouses
Family-run lunch and dinner kitchens offering wok-fried basil dishes, noodle soups, Cha Yen iced tea, and seasonal tropical fruit.
Food markets & dining streets: Hua Hin Night Market & Tamarind Market, JJ River Kwai Night Market (Kanchanaburi), Khon Kaen Ton Tann Night Market & Udon Thani UD Town Food Street · Regional drinks: Nam Tan Sod (Chilled Phetchaburi Toddy Palm Nectar ฿35–฿55), Iced Roselle Juice (Nam Krachiap) & Thai Iced Tea
Getting to Ubon Ratchathani & Local Transit
By Train & Coach: Ubon Ratchathani (Warin Chamrap) SRT Terminal (4 km). Check our SRT Sleeper Train vs. Domestic Flight Calculator (฿ THB) and Bangkok BTS, MRT & Chao Phraya Boat Calculator to compare rail and transit fares. By Air: Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP).
Closest Neighboring Towns to Ubon Ratchathani
Combine Ubon Ratchathani with these nearby Thai towns calculated by direct geographic distance:
- Ubonratchathani (8 km away)
- Warin Chamrap (12 km away)
- Lao Suea Kok (22 km away)
- Ko Don Mot Daeng (22 km away)
- Don Mot Daeng (24 km away)
More Cities & Towns in Isan (Northeast) & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast
Explore other destinations across Isan (Northeast) & Western River Kwai / Royal Coast:
Nakhon Ratchasima · Khon Kaen · Udon Thani · Pak Chong · Kanchanaburi · Nong Khai · Phetchaburi · Hua Hin · Cha-am · Chiang Khan · Khao Yai · Ubonratchathani