Ubon RatchathaniOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Vientiane Settlers to Siamese Province

Ubon Ratchathani's story begins in the late 18th century, when a group of Lao princes and settlers, led by Thao Kham Phong, fled Vientiane and established a new settlement on the banks of the Mun River. In 1792, King Rama I of Siam officially recognized the settlement, granting it city status and bestowing the name Ubon Ratchathani, meaning "Royal City of the Lotus." Thao Kham Phong was appointed as its first governor. This marked the formal integration of the region into the Siamese kingdom, although it historically sat at the boundary between Bangkok's power and that of ancient Laotian kingdoms.

A Hub of Trade and Administration

Throughout the 19th century, Ubon Ratchathani grew in importance. During the administrative reforms of King Rama V in the late 19th century, the city became the administrative center of the Monthon Isan, a large region in Thailand's northeast. The arrival of the railway from Bangkok in 1930, reaching Warin Chamrap (a town on the opposite bank of the Mun River), was a significant economic breakthrough, further linking Ubon Ratchathani with the capital. In 1933, Ubon Ratchathani officially received provincial status. The city also played a strategic role during the Vietnam War, hosting a U.S. military air base, which contributed to its rapid growth and infrastructure modernization in the 1960s. Today, Ubon Ratchathani is a key educational and commercial center in the Isan region, often called the "Gateway to Indochina."

• —Thung Si Mueang Park — This central park contains a golden City Pillar Shrine, built in 1972, and a candle sculpture.
• —Wat Thung Sri Muang — This temple is known for its wooden ubosot (ordination hall) built on stilts in the middle of a pond, showing Thai and Lao architectural styles.
• —Ubon Ratchathani National Museum — Housed in the former city hall, a single-story building constructed in 1918, the museum exhibits local geography, city history, archaeological artifacts, and traditional handicrafts from the Isan region.
• —Wat Supatnaram Worawihan — This is the first Dhammayuttika temple in Isan, established in 1850. It features Thai, Chinese, and European architectural influences. The phra ubosot (ordination hall) has a distinct roof structure.
• —Seri Prachathippatai Bridge — This bridge crosses the Mun River, offering views of the city and the river. It connects Ubon Ratchathani with Warin Chamrap.
• —Pha Taem National Park — Located outside the city, this park contains 3,000 to 4,000-year-old prehistoric rock paintings depicting ancient life. It offers views of the Mekong River.
• —Sam Phan Bok — This natural area features thousands of eroded sandstone holes along the Mekong riverbed. It is best seen when water levels are low from December to February.

The best time to visit Ubon Ratchathani is during the cool, dry season, from late November to early February. Temperatures during these months average between 18°C and 28°C (64-82°F), with low humidity and clear skies. Rainfall is minimal, especially in December and January. This period also coincides with various festivals and cultural events. The landscape remains green from the preceding monsoon, particularly in November and December.

Avoid the hot season from March to May, when temperatures can reach 36-37°C (97-99°F), making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable. The monsoon season, from late April/May to October, brings heavy rain, high humidity, and overcast skies, with August and September being the wettest months. Frequent downpours can disrupt plans.

Ubon Ratchathani is accessible by plane, train, or bus from Bangkok. Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (UBP) is a few kilometers from the city center, with a 10-minute taxi ride to most hotels. Trains from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Station take 8.5 to 11.5 hours, with the railway station in the adjacent Warin Chamrap district. Songthaews or taxis connect to the city center from there. Buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal take approximately 9-10 hours.

Within the city, songthaews (shared pickup trucks) operate on 13 fixed, color-coded and numbered routes. Maps of these routes are available at the Ubon Tourist Authority of Thailand office. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are also available. For a private ride, taxis are an option; confirm the fare beforehand as meters are not always used. Ride-hailing services like Grab may also be available.