Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.

The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can still be seen throughout the province today.

A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Yasothon and Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen Province. The provincial capital is approximately 630 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.

The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July. There are natural beauties and historical sites including the 4,000 years old rock formation, prehistoric rock paintings, national parks, waterfalls, and the two-colored river, etc.

The Past

Since the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or simply Ubon, was part of the Khmer Empire until the Kingdom of Ayutthaya conquered it. Towards the end of the 18th century, Laotians immigrated to the northern banks of the Mun River and founded the provincial capital. The Laotian influence is evident in the architectural structure of some of the city’s religious buildings. This incident was told in the provincial seal which features a pond with a lotus flower and leaves in a circular frame. It symbolizes the ancient community of the people who fled the massacre of King Siriboonsarn of Vientiane and came to settle in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province in 1779 during the reign of King Thonburi. This community was established as a province with the name Ubon Ratchathani Srivanalai in 1792 during the reign of King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty.

During the reign of King Rama V, Ubon Ratchathani was annexed to Lao Kao town. Later in 1899, the area was under the supervision of Northeastern Monthon, with Ubon Ratchathani serving as an administrative hub. In 1900, the name was changed to Monthon I-San. When the Monthon system was abolished, the city has become Ubon Ratchathani province. During the Vietnam War, Ubon encountered expansive growth due to its proximity to an American air base.

The Present

Today, the province is the largest and one of the most important provinces in northeastern Thailand. Due to the large number of fascinating temples dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Aside from the numerous attractions, festivals and holidays are celebrated with a unique Ubon flair.

Located in the Korat Basin about 68 meters (227 feet) above sea level, most of Ubon Ratchathani is a plateau sloping to the east to meet the Maekhong River, a border between Thailand and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. Other major rivers in the area are the Chee River, Moon River, Lum Saybok River, Lum Domeyai River and Lum Domenoi River. There are some high mountain ranges in the south such as Bantad Range and Phanom Dongrak Range which border Ubon Ratchathani and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The most important natural resource in Ubon Ratchathani is its forests, such as Teng-Rung forests, Red forests and mixed forests. In the province, there are 50 national preserved forests, 3 national parks, 2 botanical gardens, 1 wild life preservation area and 1 botanical park.

There are highways and rail roads connecting different districts in Ubon Ratchathani with other provinces and there is one international airport located in Muang District.
 
People of Ubon Ratchathani are engaged in activities related to agriculture and livestock raising. They are religious and still abide by tradition and culture. Locals usually dwell in groups of houses, speak their own dialects and practice their traditionally handed down cultures.

The province covers 15,517 square kilometers and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Warin Chamrap, Det Udom, Buntharik, Na Chaluai, Nam Yuen, Phibun Mangsahan, Khong Chiam, Si Muang Mai, Trakan Phuet Phon, Khemarat, Mung Sam Sip, Khueang Nai, Kut Khaopun, Tan Sum, Pho Sai, Samrong, Sirindhorn, Don Mot Daeng, Thung Si Udom, Na Yia, Na Tan, Lao Suea Kok, Sawang Wirawong and Nam Khun.

Festivals & Events

The Candle Festival is the largest religious ceremony in Ubon Ratchathani. It is celebrated yearly by the City on Asalha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Day. The ceremony is held at Thung Si Muang and Chaturamuk Pavillion.

There are two kinds of candle competitions; the sticker imprint candles and the carved ones. The procession, consisting of candle floats from the various temples, with a beautiful lady representing an angel for each candle, mves from the front of Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram along the road to Thung Si Muang.

At night, there is entertainment to celebrate the Lent candles. The reflection of lights on the candles creates a picturesque effect during the festival.

Local Products

The local products of Ubon Ratchathani are Khit-designed pillows, Pha Khao Ma or loincloths, silk, fold up mats, Khit-designed cloth, basketry (such as winnowing baskets), sticky rice containers, fish baskets, and ordinary baskets. Tourists may buy them from souvenir shops around Khuan Thani Road near the Ratchathani Hotel, or from the market in town.

Ubon Ratchathani is also famous for local food prepared from freshwater fish, meat, Pla Sawai or Pla Tepho, sliced into long thin pieces, marinated in salt water with chopped pineapple, meat, and sealed in jars. This kind of specialty is called “Khem Mak Nat.” It can be used to make various kinds of food; for example, it can be used as many kinds of dips. This product is sold all over Amphoe Muang.

How to get there

By Car

a)From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then use Highway No.226 and proceed to Ubon Ratchathani via Buri Ram, Surin and Si Sa Ket, for a total distance of 629 kilometers.

b)From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 2 unil arriving at Sikhio, then turn into Highway No. 24 and proceed to Ubon Ratchathani via Chok Chai, Nang Rong, Prasat, Det Udom and Warin Chamrap.

By Bus

Buses depart from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) to Ubon Ratchathani every day. Contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.

By Train

Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Ubon Ratchathani every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.

By Air

Thai Airways has several daily flights connecting Bangkok with Ubon Ratchathani. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2280-0060, 0-2628-2000 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com. Air Asia operates two flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to Ubon Ratchathani International Airport. The flight time is 1.05 hours. Call 02 515 9999 or visit www.airasia.com for more details.

Getting around the city

Getting around the city is easy with city buses. They usually run along the main avenues, from north to south of the town. The fare is only 5B.

Taking Samlor around the city would cost approximately 30B/kilometre If you, however, choose to enjoy the ride of a rented car, there are several car rental companies, big names and local names, which provide this kind of service.
 
They are:

Chaw Wattana. Tel. 0 4521 4906, 0 4524 2202 . Address: 39/8 Suriyat Road, Amphoe Mueang Ubon Ratchathai
Budget Rent a Car. Tel. 045 240507. Address: Arrival Hall, Ubon Ratchathani Airport.

Getting to nearby provinces

By Bus

There are buses departing from a bus terminal located at Chayangkun Road to Ubons neighboring provinces and its own districts. They include: (please note that fares are subject to change without prior notice)

Buriram (ordinary 66B, air-con 148B), Kantharalak (for Khao Phra Viharn ordinary 20B), Khong Chiam (ordinary 40B), Khon Kaen (ordinary 66B, air-con 148B), Khorat (ordinary 149B, air-con 260B), Mukdahan (ordinary 55B, air-con 105B), Phibun Mangsahan (ordinary 22B), Prakhon Chai (for Phanom Rung, ordinary 84B), Roi Et (ordinary 61B, air-con 99B), Sakon Nakhon (ordinary 101B, air-con 1738B), Si Saket (ordinary 29B, air-con 60B), Surin (ordinary 72B, air-con 129B), That Phanom (ordinary 65B, air-con 140B), Udon Thani (ordinary 122B, air-con 219B), and Yasothon (ordinary 43B, air-con 76B),

Thank : tourismthailand.org

Khon Kaen is the commercial,administrative an educational centre of the Northeast,which is often used by travellers as a base for visiting many parts of upper Isan.

Khon Kaen National Museum houses objects from the Dvaravati period and bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang. Kaen Nakhon Lake in the centre of town is a popular spot for picnics and dining,while Wat That on its bank features typical Isan spires.

Khon Kaen is the centre of the northeastern silk industry with numerous villages producing their own mudmee designs.  Chonnabot is noted for its quality silks.  Every December the city hosts a Silk Fair,when all the best materials are on sale.

Unusual animals are popular in the province,with the cobra and the turtle villages high on tourist programmes.  In both villages, the residents live with their proteges,training them and putting on fascinating shows.  A dinosaur is the provincial symbol ever since remains of these great beasts were unearthed in Phu Wiang National Park,an area also famous for its flora,fauna and waterfalls.

Khon Kaen is 445 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of about 10,886 square kilometres. It comprises the districts of Muang, Ban Phai, Phon, Nam Phong, Chum Phae, Phu Wiang, Mancha Khiri, Nong Ruea, Kranuan, Nong Song Hong, Chonnabot, Si Chomphu, Waeng Noi, Ubolratana, Ban Fang, Khao Suan Kwang, Phra Yuen, Waeng Yai, Pueai Noi, Phu Pha Man, Khok Pho Chai, Nong Na Kham, Sam Sung and Ban Haet.

ATTRACTIONS

Bung Kaen Nakhon a large and clean body of water covering an area of some 50 acres is a popular place for relaxation for the town people, with a restaurant providing tasty dishes.

Khon Kaen National Museum as a northeastern regional museum, it puts on exhibition various discoveries from the Fine Arts Unit 7 such as Ban Chiang artifacts and sculptured boundary stones found at Muang Fa Daet Sung Yang. Kalasin Province. Open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays.

Phra That Kham Kaen located at Amphoe Nam Phong about thirty kilometers from town, is the principal sacred place of worship for the Khon Kaen people. The name of the province itself was derived from the word Kham Kaen.

Ubolrat Dam 50 kilometers from town, is the largest multi-purpose dam in the Northeast. Ubolrat Dam is 800 metres long and 32 meters high. The rock-filled structure 410-square kilometre reservoir comprises a picturesque lake storing some 2,550 million cubic metres of water. The dam setting is suitable for recreation.

Phu Kao – Phu Phan Kham National Park 56 kilometers from the province on Khon Kaen Uhonrat Dam – Non Sang route. the park covers a total area of 320 square km. or 201.250 rai of Amphoe Uhonrat, Khon Kaen Province and Amphoe Non Sang. Nong Bua Lam Phu. It was established as a national park on September20,1985. Most of the area is covered with Dipterocarps Forests with Mixed Deciduous Forests and Evergreen Forests in some parts. Various kinds of activities such as a jungle trip, lodging at a guesthouse, camping in the forest, and a campfire are enhanced by its landscape. In addition, the lifestyle of the area’s ancient community of the same period as Ban Chiang can also he studied from paintings in a cave.

Chonnabot Silks manufactured in Amphoe Chonnahot. 16 kilometres along Route 2057 off Highway 2 at kilometre 399 marker, are favourite shopping items among all visitors to Khon Kaen, and include the famed Mud Mee, or tie-dyed silk.

Mu Ban Tao or Turtle Village Two kilometers from Amphoe Mancha Khiri with the same turn as Ban Kok, the village houses a species of turtle localy known as Tao Phek a kind of turtle with yellowish brown carapace.

Ku Puai Noi in Wat That Ku Thong Amphoe Puai Noi, is a 12th century Lop Buri or Khmer style sanctury built of laterite I and sandstone. The structure is distinguished by exquisite designs on (loot frames and walls. The structure is distinguished by exquisite designs on door frames and walls. The Brahman sanctuary is surrounded by a large stone wall with two major gates.

Chum Phae Ancient Town Located at Ban Na Pho, Amphoe Chum Phae, 80 kms. away from Khon Kaen, the town is locally known as Non Muang. Sandstone boundary stones, potsherds, and skeletons of ancient people were unearthed here. All discoveries imply that the site was once a habitation area that can he traced back to pre-historic town up to Lop Buri Period, about 600 years ago.

Phu Wiang Nationl Park covers some 75,000 acres. Enclosed by surrounding mountains to form a valley, it is rich in flora and fauna and beautiful waterfalls. Remains of dinosaurs were discovered there, and a Buddha image carved on the face of a steep hill dates from the Dvaravati period. The park office is located 15 kilometers from Amphoe Phu Wiang.

Pha Nok Khao is a strangely-shaped mountain on the boundary of Amphoe Chum Phae in Khon Kaen and Amphoe Phn Kradung in Loci.

Tham Pha Phuang Forest Perk is some 120 kilometers from town on the Khon Kaen – Chum Phae highway, with and four kilometers on a side road to the Park. The cave itself can he visited by walking form the parking area to the other side of the hill where the entrance is located.

Silk Fair and Phuk Sieo Tradition held annually in late November or early December in front of the city hall and in Ratchadanusorn Park, the events last 7 days and 7 nights. The planned activities include Thida Mai or Miss Silk procession, exhibition on the promotion of silk products. A variety of local entertainments is also planned.

How to get there?
Bangkok-Khonkaen
There are many choices of transportant from Bangkok to Khonkaen.

By car : The journey from Bangkok to Khon Kaen will take you approximately 6 hours doing an average speed of around 80 kilometres an hour. From Bangkok, take highway number 1 to Saraburi and then highway number 2 to Khon Kaen via Nakhon Ratchasima. This journey, as detailed, is a total distance of about 450 kilometres

By Bus : If you are thinking of travelling to Khon Kaen by bus, you are in luck, as there are several daily bus servics departing from Bangkok’s Morchit 2 Bus Terminal to Khon Kaen. For more detailed information, you may telephone Transport Co. Ltd at tel: 02 936 2852-66

By Plane : There are flies Thai Airways from Bangkok to Khon Kaen every day. It take time about 45 minutes, thus saving a lot of time as opposed to road travel, while fares are reasonable. Telephone Thai Airways on 02 280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit the website http://www.thaiairways/. com for more information.

By train : Regular passenger trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong  Railway Station bound for the capital of the Isaan, Khon Kaen, every day. Call 02 223 7010-20 for more information.

Nong Khai Province (Jangwat Nong Khai) is located within the North-Eastern Isaan Region of Thailand and covers an area of 7,332 Sq km. To the south, Nong Khai neighbours the provinces of (from west to east) Loei(202km), Udon Thani(51km), Sakon Nakhon(210km) and Nakhon Phanom(303km). The northern boundary of Nong Khai Province, formed by the Mekong River (Mae Nam Kong), is 320 km long and also represents the border between Thailand and Laos.

The Province of Nong Khai consists of 17 districts (amphoe), 115 subdistricts (tambon) and 1099 villages (ban).

   
Districts and their distances from Nong Khai
1. Mueang Nong Khai
2. Sakhrai (27km)
3. Tha Bo (42km)
4. Si Chiang Mai (57km)
5. Pho Tak (71km)
6. Sangkhom (95km)
7. Phon Phisai (45km)
8. Fao Rai (71km)
9. Rattanawapi (71km)
10. So Phisai (90km)
11. Pak Khat (90km)
12. Bueng Kan (136km)
13. Phon Charoen (182km)
14. Si Wilai (163km)
15. Seka (224km)
16. Bung Khla (181km)
17. Bueng Khong Long (238km)

Nong Khai Town
Nong Khai town (the provincial capital), 615km North of Bangkok, sits on the Mekong River and is only 25km from Vientiane, the Capital of Laos. In fact, Nong Khai is also the busiest border crossing point to Laos due to the “First Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge” which was opened on April 8, 1994. It had been constructed at a cost of around US$30million, funded by the Australian government as development aid to Laos. The official name of the bridge was changed with the addition of “First” after the “Second Laos-Thai Friendship Bridge” was opened further south in January 2007, linking Thailand’s Mukdahan province with Lao’s Savannakhet Province.

Since opening, the First Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge had just been a road link between Laos and Thailand. That changed on March 5th 2009, however, with the formal inauguration of the Nong Khai to Vientiane Rail link by Her Majesty Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, second daughter of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. It means that there is now a twice daily rail service from Nong Khai to Vientiane, making the journey from Nong Khai to the Laotian Capital all the more effortless. This rail link is also the first major operational railway anywhere in Laos, although a short portage line once existed.

Despite it’s busy border point, Nong Khai town is peaceful with a very laid back atmosphere. Many visitors initially only intend to call in to Nong Khai in transit to Laos, but find themselves captivated by it’s relaxing ambiance and decide to extend their stay and find themselves coming back to this small, friendly town again and again. Many visitors go one step further and decide to make Nong Khai their home. In fact, Nong Khai was named “7th best Retirement Destination in the World” by “Retirement America”. Once you visit this delightful town, it is easy to see why.

Attraction

Tha Sadet Market – The Indochina Market
A large covered market running along side the Mekong River selling goods imported from throughout the Indochina region and beyond.

Mueang Nong Khai Sala_Kaeo_Ku – The Sculpture Park
A unique and spectacular temple complex containing over 100 giant scultures, some over 25m tall, depicting icons of all major religions.

Mueang Nong Khai Friendship Bridge
The main border crossing point joining Thailand to Laos.

Mueang Nong Khai Wat Pho Chai
Nong Khai’s most important temple, containing the Luangpho Phra Sai – a revered image of the Buddha cast from gold.

Mueang Nong Khai Phra That Nong Khai – The Sunken Pagoda
The remains of a chedi which fell into the river in 1849 as a result of river bank errosion. Now only visible in the dry season, in the middle of the river.

Mueang Nong Khai Phra That Bang Phuan
One of the most sacred sites in the Isaan Region, in the North-East of Thailand, not least because this ancient pagoda is said to contain some of the Lord Buddha’s bones.

Mueang Nong Khai Jom Manee Beach
Yes, Nong Khai has a beach! You’ll find it 2km west of town, beneath the Friendship Bridge between January and June.

Mueang Nong Khai Prap Ho Monument
Located in front of the old city hall, the Prap Ho monument is a memorial to those who fell during the Hau rebellion, and in fact contains their cremated bones.

Tha Bo Luang Pho Ong Tue
Located in Wat Si Chomphu Ong Tue in Ban Nam Mong village, 43km from Nong Khai, Luang Pho Ong Tue is the largest image of the Buddha in Nong Khai Province. Standing at 4 metres tall, it is believed to date from 1562 and is cast from an alloy of Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Tha Bo Tobacco Making Village
The villagers have tobacco plantations on the fertile plains next to the Mekong river. After harvesting, the tobacco is sun dried on bamboo racks. An ideal place for a days cycling, you’ll find beautiful scenery, and see the traditional way of farming used.

How to get there
Car
Nong Khai is located at the Northern end of Highway 2, 615km from Bangkok. If leaving from Bangkok, take Highway 1, heading North, to Saraburi where Highway 2 begins. From Saraburi, follow Highway 2 passing Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and finally Udon Thani before reaching Nong Khai. Journey times will obviously vary depending on your driving! However, the road to Nong Khai is of good quality and dual lane in each direction for nearly all of the route. The road bypasses most of the major towns enroute, which reduces delays from town traffic conjestion.

Bus
There are regular daily bus services operated by The Transport Company Limited, both ordinary and airconditioned, which leave from Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal and take about 9 hours. For further enquiries you can contact the Mo Chit Buse Terminal directly on 02 936 2852-66, or the Nong Khai Bus station (located just of the main Prajak Road) on 042 411 582. Alternatively

Train
Bangkok – Nong Khai

Nong Khai is the most northern station on Thailand’s ‘Northeastern Line’. The State Railway of Thailand has a number of daily train services from Bangkok, during both day and also night with sleeper trains, all of which take about 12 hours.

Prices vary from 258Baht for third class, sitting on wooden benches to 1,217Baht for an airconditioned first class sleeper bed in a private cabin. Our reccommendation would be a 2nd class sleeper which costs between 488Baht and 778Baht depending on whether you want an upper or lower bunk and air conditioned carriage or fan carriage.

These trains also make stops at the major towns of Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Saraburi enroute, as well as a number of smaller stations.

Nong Khai – Vientiane

The rail link between Nong Khai and Tha Nalaeng (near Vientiane, Laos) was officially opened on 5th March 2009. There are two services per day departing from Nong Khai at 10:00 and 16:20, and returning from Tha Nalaeng at 11:00 and 17:05.

Although this service uses the same trains that come from Bangkok, tickets are only available from Nong Khai Station itself. If travelling from Bangkok to Vientiane you will need to get off the train at Nong Khai, buy your ticket and pass through an immigration checkpoint before boarding the train again. The overnight train 69 from Bangkok gets in to Nong Khai at about 08:30, so you would have a wait of about 90 minutes before catching to 10:00 train to Laos.

If travelling directly from Laos to Bangkok, the best option would be the 17:05 from Nalaeng to Nong Khai, and then the 18:20 train 70 from Nong Khai to Bangkok.

For further information about all rail services and reservations, you can call the 24hr information service on 1690, or:
Bangkok office: 02 220 4334, 02 220 4444
Nong Khai Railway Station: 042 411 582
Alternatively, visit www.railway.co.th where you can check and download current timetables and fares.

Plane
Although Nong Khai does not have it’s own airport, the airport at Udon Thani is about 55km away. A transfer from the airport to Nong Khai takes about 40 minutes and costs about 100Baht for a shared private minibus, or about 700Baht for a private taxi. Alternatively, a scheduled bus service is available.

As is usual with air travel, prices can vary from one day to the next. However, expect to pay between 1,300Baht and 4,000Baht for a return trip. Being a premium carrier, Thai Airways will generally be the more expensive option, but not always. When booking, be sure to check which Bangkok Airport the flight departs from/ arrive at – Don Meuang (the old, mainly domestic, airport) or Suvarnabhumi (the new international airport). You can get bus or taxi transfers between the two Bangkok airports if needed for onward connections, which take about 30 minutes to an hour.

Thank : nongkhaiinformation.com