Ubon Ratchathani Attractions
Amphoe Muang
Thung Si Muang
This is a wide open ground in the middle of the city very much like Sanam Luang in Bangkok. It was formerly reserved as a place for the governor (Chao Muang) to perform a rice growing ceremony. Later, King Rama V abolished to the ceremony to keep it as a recreation and festival celebration area for the townspeople. A city pillar shrine is located to the south of the field.
Thung Si Muang Temple
The temple is on Luang Road in the municipal area. Built during the reign of King Rama III, it has a beautiful ordination hall in the northeastern architectural style with some influence from Bangkok. Its scripture hall, showing the most beautiful and perfect northeastern architectural style, is located in the middle of a pond. Mural paintings in this temple show the civilization and cultures of the people of Ubon Ratchathani over 200 year ago.
Wat Buraparam
in Amphoe Muang, was once the residence of many famous monks in the field of meditation such as Achan Sithachayaseno, Achan Man Purittatathera, Achan Li Thammatharo, Achan Saokantasilo, and Achan Sing Kantayakamo. At present, their statues, carved from stones from various rivers, are kept here for the people to pay respect to.
Wat Supattanaramworawihan
a royal temple and the temple of the Dharmayuthi Sect in the Northeast, was built in 1853 by Phra Prom Ratchawongsa (Phra Upart Ku Thong), who was Governor of Ubon Ratchathani during the reign of King Rama IV of the Chakri Dynasty. The temple is on the bank of the Mun River, surrounded by beautiful and tranquil scenery. Two life-like lions stand in front of the Tha-Chinese-European styled ordination hall which houses the principal serene Buddha image of the temple.
Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Thong)
is a royal temple on Uparat Road beside the city Hall. The ordination hall is in the same style as the Marbel Temple in Bangkok. The Topaz Buddha image, the town’s sacred image brought from Si Sattanakanahut, Laos, is kept here.
Wat Ban Na Muang
in Ban Na Muang has a very beautiful ordination hall built of ceramics in the shape of the Suphannahong Royal Barge. Achan Bun Mi, the abbot, is very much respected by the local people and those of the nearby provinces.
Wat Maha Wanaram
located on Sappasit Road, is an ancient temple of the city. Its former name was Wat Luang Mani Choti Sisawat; later on, the name was changed to Wat Pa Yai and then to its present name. The holy Buddha image much revered by the people of Ubon Ratchathani and nearby provinces is "Phra Chao Yai Indra Plang". There is also a stone engraved tablet interred behind the pedestal of the Buddha image.
Wat Tai Beach
is a sandy islet in the middle of the Mun River, located at the end of the town near The Provincial Electricity Authority of Ubon Ratchathani. During the dry season, the islet is covered with shady green tree. It is used as a recreational area for the people especially in the evenings when people come for picnics and swimming.
Wat Chaeng
is on Sappasit Road in the municipal area. Its well-preserved ordination hall, in perfect northeastern style, is one of the oldest ordination halls in the province.
Wat Nong Bua
is on the outskirts of Ubon Ratchathani on Highway 212 Ubon-Amnat Charoen. At the third kilometer of the highway, there is an 800 meter side road leading to the temple. It is the only temple in this province that has a rectangular chedi built in an imitation of Chedi Buddhakhaya.
Khu Kua Beach
a large sandy beach about 12 kilometers from the city, is located on the bank of the Mun River. There are many food stalls along the beach to provide services to tourists.
Ban Pa Ao
is situated at Tambon Nong Khon, 18 kilometers from the city on Highway 23. At kilometer marker 273, turn right and travel along a laterite track for another 3 kilometers. It is one of the oldest villages in Ubon Ratchathani. According to history, the villagers migrated from Vientiane, Laos during the reign of King Siri Bun San. They gradually moved from Nong-Bua Lamphu, Nakhon Khuan Khan Kap Kaco, Bua Ban, ect. until they reached Ban Pa Ao. Therefore, the village is over 200 years old and has a special identity of its own which has been handed down from its ancestors; the craft of making bronze ware and weaving beautiful silk.
Ban Kan Luang
Archaeological Site is situated in Wat Ban Kan Luang, 3 kilometers from the town along Highway 212 Turn right onto Highway 2050 for 2 kilometers the site was excavated by the Fine Arts Department in 1992. Discoveries include artifacts, implements, ornaments, beads, pottery and iron axes. It is believed that this settlement dates back at least 2,000 years.
The National Museum
at Ubon Ratchathani is on Khuan Thani Road. It is a one-storey Panya style building built in 1918. It was once used as the City Hall. Later, it was offered to the Department of Fine Arts to be used as the National Museum of the city. It is known as the museum with the best arrangement and display of artifacts from all districts in the province. Inside, there are displays of prehistoric events, history, and cultures of the natives of Ubon Ratchathani. The Museum is open every day from 09:00-16:00 hrs., except Mondays, Tuesdays, and holidays.
Amphoe Warin Chamrap
Wat Nong Pa Phong
is a meditation center. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. It is in Amphoe Warm Chamrap on Highway 2178 about 6 kilometers from the city. The ordination hall is an all white building of applied Thai style architecture. Inside is a wax image of Phra Achan Luang Pu Cha, a famous meditation monk who founded the temple and is much revered by everyone.
Wat Pa Nanachat
is also a meditation center like Wat Nong Pa Phong. Many foreigners have been ordained here and reside at this temple. It is in Tambon Bung Wai, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, about 12 kilometers from the city. Travel along Highway 24, turn left to Amphoe Kanthararom, Si Sa Ket Province (Highway 226). There will be a sign to point the way to the temple, which is about 1 kilometer off the dirt road.
Ban Tha Khong Lek
is on Highway 226 (Ubon-Si Sa Ket Route) about 3 kilometers from the district center (next to Warin Chamrap School). This village make clay pots. The clay, taken from the Mun River, is thoroughly mixed with chaff and other kinds of material. The whole process in interestingly done by hand.
Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan (Highway 217)
Wat Phu Khao Kaeo
is on the slope of a hill in Phibun Mangsahan along Highway 217. It is 43 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani. Inside the temple grounds is a beautiful ordination hall built entirely from ceramics. Inside the hall are replicas of all the Buddha relics found in Thailand.
Kaeng Saphue
is the most beautiful cataract in Ubon Ratchathani. The word "Saphue" means "a serpent". It is in the Mun River near the district office of Phibun Mangsahan, about 45 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani city center, on the left-hand side of Highway 217. This beautiful cataract of natural rocks can be seen for half the year during the dry season. During the rainy season. It is covered with water. Their Majesties the King and Queen have twice visited this place. There is a summer pavilion for visitors to rest and admire the scenery.
Amphoe Sirindhom
The Sirindhom Dam
is another important multi-purpose dam in the Northeast. It blocks Lam Dom Noi in Phibun Mangsahan District (about 70 kilometers from the city center) on Highway 217. Turn right at Kilometer 71 for about 500 meters. The area is a plain with a thicket on the hills surrounding the reservoir. Guest houses are available for visitors. More information may be obtained from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Bang Kmai, Nonthaburi, Tel. 436-3271-2.
Bo Nam bun (Bun Spring)
is on Highway 217 about 700 meters from Sirindhom Dam. It is similar to a hot spring in terms of its appearance, but the water from this spring is of normal temperature and the water comes up from the ground. It was discovered by a monk who was on a pilgrimage, and so a religious center, called Wat Nam Bun, was established.
Chong Mek Bonier
the boundary between Thailand and Laos marks the end of Highway 217, which is 89 kilometers long. This highway will be connected to a 38 kilometer road in Laos leading to Pak Sae, which is a part of the Asian Highway.
Amphoe Si Muang Mai
Phu Lon Buddhist Centre
is in Tambon Song Yang, about 20 kilometers from Amphoe Si Muang Mai. It is a small hill with trees and rocks. There is a cave built by Phra Achan Man Phuritatthathera; it is very tranquil and suitable for relaxation and meditation.
Amphoe Buntharik
Huai Sai Yai Waterfall (Kaeng I Khieo)
is a very beautiful, newly-discovered waterfall. It is bout 19 kilometers from the district center.
Amphoe Na Chaluai
Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park
is about 4 kilometers from the district center. It has many shady trees and many kinds of flowers. There is also a waterfall and pool for swimming, as well as a cave through which one can walk. At night, one can go out to watch wildlife such as tigers and deer. Accommodation is available.
HuaiLuang Waterfall (Tham Bak Teo Waterfall)
is in Ban Kaeng Ruang about 20 kilometers from the district center. The water plunges from a very steep cliff onto the stone platform causing a thunderous sound that harmonizes with that from the trees and leaves, like the music from the Pong Lang, a local musical instrument.
Amphoe Thung Si Udom
Prasat Ban Ben
is located at Ban Nong Om, Tambon Nong Om, King Amphoe Thung Si Udom, about 63 kilometers from the town. It is a small Khmer sanctuary, which comprises of three brick stupas on laterite bases built separately. During the excavation by the Fine Arts Department, two pieces of lintel depicting the nine gods of directions and the God India on his Erawan carrier were found. According to its architectural design and the sculptures shown, this structure is assumed to have been established some time during the end of the 15th Buddhist century and the beginning of the l6th Buddhist century.
Amphoe Khong Chiam (Highway 2222)
Kaeng Tana National Park
Kaeng Tana National Park can be reached by two ways. One is by Highway 2222. Along this route you get a beautiful sight of Kaeng Tana because more rocks can be seen on this side. The other way is the route to the National Park Office along Highway 217 (Phibun-Chong Mek route) and then turn left to Highway 2173 for another 13 kilometers. The total area of Kaeng Tana National Park is 50,000 rai. It was proclaimed a national park on 13 July 1982.
Attractions in the park include:
Kaeng Tana is the biggest cataract in the middle of the Mun River. The cataract itself is a big stone platform lying across the Mun River, causing the water which flows through Kaeng Tana to take the form of beautiful waterfalls.
Don Tana is a sand bar of 450 meters in width and 700 meters in length that emerges and splits the Mun River into two branches. To the north, lies a sandy beach, which is an ideal place for recreation. Generally viewed covering the whole area is dry evergreen forest. There are big trees providing shade, and growing naturally among them are some teak trees. Now, visitor can reach Don Tana by walking across a suspension bridge.
Kaeng Khanwhe is a cataract which is approximately 1 kilometer long and 300 meters wide. there is a sandy beach which has large and small stones scattered sink holes and jagged rocks prevail. The large amount c water in December running fiercely against the rocks creates a picturesque scene.
Tat Ton Waterfall is on Highway 2173, which is about 6 kilometer off Highway 217. This beautiful waterfall is created from Tat Ton Brook flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto the pain forming a basil large enough to swim in. The water is cool and clear. The area is surrounded by forest and flowering shrubs.
There is accommodation for tourists at the park, and prior reservation is needed by contacting Tel. 5790529,5794842.
Heo Sin Chai Cave is on Highway 2222, about 7 kilometers before reaching Amphoe Khong Chiam, turn left for about 2 kilometers. It is on the same route as Kaeng Tana. The cave is a Buddhist center with a beautiful reclining Buddha image. This center is famous for its strict discipline. It is hill around the temple with many big rocks, trees, and beautiful flowers. Besides there is also a waterfall cascading down the cliff to the area in front of the reclining Buddha image making the place very cool and beautiful.
Wat Tham Khu Ha Sawan is on Highway 222 about 6 kilometer before reaching Khong Chiam District. The temple was built in 1978 by Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula Mani. It was his residence and place o meditation while he was still alive. Despite the fact that he passed away many years ago, his body remains in perfect condition, so his disciples keep it in glass coffin to worship it. There are scenic spots for tourists to admire the beauty of the Mae Khong River and the Laotian border.
The Bi-coloured River or the Mun River’s alluvium is the place where two rivers join: the Brown Mae Khong and the Blue Mun River. It is located in Khong Chiam District about 84 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathan city center.
Pakmun Dam is constructed from stone reinforced with clay soi across the Mun River at Ban Huawhe in Amphoe Khong Chiam. With a width of 17 meters and a length of 300 meters, the dam facilitates agriculture and generates electricity. It is located approximately 75 kilometers from town, or about 6 kilometers far from the area where the Mekong River meets the Mun River. It is possible to travel along the top of the dam wall as a short cut from Amphoe Khong Chiam to Amphoe Sirinthon without driving back to Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan. In addition, cruising along the beautiful Mun River is possible from the end of the dam to the so-called bicoloured river, where the Mun River joins with the Mekong River.
Pha Taem National Park
Pha Taem National Park covers a total area of 140 square kilometers in Khong Chiam, Amphoe Si Muang Mai, and Amphoe Pho Sai. It was announced officially as a national park on 31 December, 1991. Plateaus and hills dominate the park’s landscape. There are sheer cliffs which are a result from earthquakes. Most trees are of the deciduous dipterocarp forest. Irregular shaped sandstone is found scattered in the area. Beautiful flowering plants grow among the rocky ground. Traveling can be made from Amphoe Khong Chiam along Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turning right for another 5 kilometers, the total distance is 18 kilometers.
Places of interest within the park are:
Sao Chaliang
is on Highway 2112, about 11 kilometers from the office on the route to Pha Taem. Sao Chaliang is a natural formation of rocks sitting one upon another forming a mushroom-like shape. Fossils of sea shells, pebbles, and sand grains can be seen in big stone slabs believe that about a million years ago this area must have been a sea bed.
Pha Taem and Pha Mon
are on Highway 2112 about 98 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani, about 3 kilometers further from Sao Chaliang in Tambon Nong Phua Noi. Pha Taem and Pha Mon are two steep cliffs overlooking the Mekong river with a clear view of Laos on the other side. On the cliffs’ surface, there are prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago reflecting the ancient way of life of the people who once lived in the area, such as Buk fishing (Buk is a species of large scaleless fish found in the Mekong river), and rice farming. Figures of people, animals, hands, and geometric designs were also depicted.
Soi Sawan Waterfall
on Highway 2112, is 30 kilometers from Khong Chiam District. It is a big waterfall cascading from two sides of steep cliffs about 20 meters high. It resembles a necklace. The water is plentiful all year round. The area is surrounded with trees and various kinds of flowers.
Thung Na Muang Waterfall
is on Highway 2112 about 12 kilometers from Soi Sawan Waterfall. It is a beautiful medium - sized fall and is near the road. The water cascades down the rocks; the highest level is about 25 meters. The area is full of blossoming plants.
Saengchan Waterfall (Ru Waterfall)
is only 1 kilometer from Thung Na Muang Waterfall on Highway 2112. It is a very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic of its own that is the water will fall down through a rock pipe looking like the full moon shining onto the world. Around the area, large and small rocks are scattered together with many kinds of trees. Below is a cave very suitable for camping.
