Destinations
Bangkok March 11, 2010 07:42 AM  83°
UBON RATCHATHANI | | A Cradle of Northeastern Civilization
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well-established community for hundreds of years, boasting a number of natural wonders, as well as cultural and historical attractions. A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong River and Laos and to the south by Cambodia. The province is home to one of the world’s oldest agrarian communities, the Candle Festival, and the prehistoric cave paintings at Pha Taem and Pha Kham.
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|  |  | 01 The impressive Pha Taem National Park
This park covers an area of 54 square miles, with the Mekong River forming the border between Thailand and Lao PDR. The park features plateaus, undulating hills, and towering cliffs with strange sandstone formations. It is covered mostly by deciduous dipterocarp forest, and wild flowers can be found on the rock terraces. Highlights of the park include numerous prehistoric cave paintings dating back 3,000-4,000 years and the Saeng Chan Waterfall.
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02 Find inner peace in the Wat Pa Nana Chat
Wat Pa Nana Chat is an international Buddhist monastery, established in 1975 by Acharn Chah to provide a traditional monastic training community for non-Thais. The Dhamma practice here is intended to be all embracing, rather than concentrated on a particular technique of meditation.
|  | |  | 03 World-renowned center for peace: Wat Nong Pa Phong
Founded by Luang Pho Cha Suphattho, a renowned Vipassana (Buddhist Insight Meditation) monk, Nong Papong temple is best known for its meditation practice. Some 200 temples around the world have adopted the meditation approach initiated by Luang Pho Cha. Ancient artifacts, such as bronzeware and woven cloths, are housed at Phra Potiyan Museum within the temple. Relics of the venerable Luang Pho Cha are enshrined in a pagoda situated within the temple grounds.
| | 04 The elaborate and colorful Candle Festival
Join the alms giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony, which takes place every July. Participate in the ceremony of welcoming His Majesty the King’s royal candle, processions, and the international candle-carving competition from various countries.
|  | |  | 05 Discover new worlds at the Thai – Laos Border at Chong Mek
Chong Mek is a gateway to Champasak Province of Lao PDR, an important tourist destination in the south of Lao PDR. Pakse, Prasat Wat Phu, Si Phan Don, Li Phi and Khon Pha Pheng Waterfalls as major attractions. A passport is required to enter Lao PDR.
| | 06 The calm beauty of Manam Song Si at Khong Chiam
Woen Buek Village is an amazing point where the Mun River runs into the Mekong. The Mekong River is reddish brown while the Mun River is rather blue. Both rivers can be seen with the two different colors (‘Song Si’ means two colors) blending together. A boat cruise service is available to explore the rivers, Khong Chiam District, Kaeng Tana (the largest rapids of the Mun River), Woen Buek Village, Pha Taem (a prehistoric painting cliff), and to go shopping in Lao PDR.
|  | |  | 07 Take in the majestic view at the Emerald Triangle
Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park is where the borders of Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia converge. To get superb view of the three countries, take the hiking trails leading up to a high plateau. The best view can be seen from the cliffs of Pha Phueng. Interesting attractions include the Huai Luang Waterfall and the Phlan Yao Rock Garden.
| | 08 The spectacular craftsmanship at Ban Pa Ao
According to history, the villagers migrated from Vientiane and Laos during the reign of King Siri Bun San. The village is over 200 years old and its people are known for their unique ways of making bronzeware and weaving beautiful silk, a legacy handed down from generation to generation. Today, it is the only village in Thailand making brassware and bronzes with wax molding.
|  | |  | 09 Go shopping for the finest mementos at Ubon Ratchathani
Popular items include hand-woven cotton, Khit pillow, silk, brassware, and basketry. These products are available at souvenir shops along Khuean Thani Road or at markets in the downtown area. Shopping Directory | | 10 Local Ubon Ratchathani cuisine delights
Local specialties are easy to find through out the province with more choices in the downtown area. Worth a try is the steamed bun with bamboo shoot at the Phibun Mangsahan District. For a really local Ubon Ratchathani delight, try Khem Mak Nat, which is catfish in saline water with chopped pineapples. |  | | | | |
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How to Get There
Thai Airways International operates flights from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Bangkok office Tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or Hotline 1566
Ubon Ratchathani Office Tel. 0 4531 3340 – 2
www.thaiairwaysusa.com
Air Asia offers flights from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani.
Bangkok office Tel. 0 2515 9999
www.airasia.com
The journey from Bangkok can be made by either air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned bus, leaving from the Bangkok Northeastern Bus Terminal. Tel. 0 2936 2852 – 66
www.transport.co.th 
Trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station.
Tel. 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020
www.railway.co.th
Route 1: From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi and Highway 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, and then Highway 226 to Ubon Ratchathani via Buriram, Surin and Si Sa Ket, a total distance of 390 miles.
Route 2: From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and Highway 2. Then turn into Highway 24 at Sikhio and proceed to Ubon Ratchathani via Chok Chai, Nang Rong, Prasat, Det Udom and Warin Chamrap.
Useful Links Pha Taem National Park
Wat Pa Nana Chat
Thai Airways International
Air Asia
State Railways of Thailand
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