Things To Do In Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani is not Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. It is a unique province in the heart of Isaan. We don't have the go-go bars, excessive nightlife venues, ocean beaches, large exotic shopping plazas with the latest fashions and music, or Thai Buddhist Temples perched high atop a mountain.
We do have warm, friendly people, great food, cultural and historical sites, lovely countryside and a wonderful lifestyle. Ubon is a totally different destination then the usual tourist spots. Here you will experience more of the real Thai culture and lifestyle. It is much easier to get to know Thai people and learn how they live and what they think.
I recently read a friend's blog and a post in which he was commenting on people's perception that, "There is nothing to do in Ubon Ratchathani." It totally depends on what you are looking for. If you want to party at clubs every night that feature go-go dancers, or spend your days at the beach or shopping then you might be right for yourself. But if you came to Thailand to experience the culture and the people than there is plenty to do in Ubon.
Having traveled a lot for business and pleasure I realize life on vacation is different then back on the home front. Vacationers have a tendency to cram as many experiences as possible in the short time they have available. Back home it's hard to spend all day at the beach and all night partying. Back home you don't change sleeping accommodations frequently. When traveling it's normal to let your hair down and leave all the stress and worry at home. You live life to the fullest at home too, but it's not so intensive nor time constrained.
If you want to relax and learn about Thailand you are welcome to come visit Ubon. Ubon does have beaches, shopping, and nightlife just different from Bangkok or Pattaya. When you come I offer the following suggestions for things to do during your visit.
Things to do in Ubon:
- Play Golf
- Play Tennis
- Attend a Buddhist meditation retreat
- Learn to speak Thai
- Learn to speak Isaan
- Learn to cook Thai food
- Visit Thai Buddhist Temples
- Go fishing
- Make some new Thai friends
- Explore the outlying areas of rural countryside: Det Udon, Nam Yuen, Trakhan Phuet Phon for example
- Vist Khong Jiam
- Visit Pha Taem
- Visit Chong Mek
- Visit Gaeng Saphue
- Visit Gaent Tana
- Visit Soi Sawan Waterfall
- Spend time as a Monk
- Visit Wat Pananachat and talk with Ajarn Somdeho
- Visit Sirintorn Dam
- Visit Pattaya Noi
- Take a trip to Pakse, Laos
- Eat in a different restaurant every night
- Play paintball
- Volunteer as an English teacher in rural schools
- Play snooker or pool
- Experience Molam
- Go swimming
These are activities you can do no matter if you are traveling or living in Ubon Ratchathani. Come and experience Isaan and Ubon Ratchathani culture and lifestyle.
Labels: travel isaan, travel ubon, ubon ratchathani activities
posted by Darwin @ 9:15 PM
8 Comments
8 Comments:
Hi Darwin
Very true....Ubon is under rated and you can have a wonderful time sightseeing around the city with genuine thai locals. It is a shame that Ubon can't get a bigger push from the Thai Government Tourism Departments to promote it fully. If it entered the holiday mags on the shelves back in the western world as an alternative thai destination then foreigners would surely visit in increased volumes over time. Maybe as more people such as yourself keep spreading the good word then this may become a possibility. My parents visited Ubon last year for the first time and as an elderly couple enjoyed the North East more than the resorts as they felt the people were much warmer and hospitable. All the best.
Jay
Jay,
TAT does promote Ubon but it's mostly directed at Thai tourists in Thai language. I feel Ubon has a lot to offer. It's a nice place to visit and also a nice place to live. Since starting this blog I have gotten more interested not only in what's here but also in the history of this area.
Hi Darwin
I can't wait to see the area and I will promote it back here thru the World trade center in Charleston,SC an organization that my company belongs. See you soon FRED
Fred,
Sounds like a plan. Look forward to meeting you next month during your visit.
Hi Darwin,
Great post, showcasing many (if not all) of the attractions found in the 'Royal City of the Lotus'. Excellent!
As you point out, it's no bad thing that Ubon ISN'T Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui etc. Personally, having lived in Bangkok (I've never been to Pattaya), I'd rather live in Ubon any day!
As you know, D, my main interest is in Forest Buddhism, but there's so much more to life in this fantastic place. And, if you are a visitor to Thailand, after the hectic activities available in the more main stream Thai destinations, what better place to visit than Ubon, where one can chill out with the (mostly) chilled-out locals, and appreciate a more traditional pace of life.
Keep up the good work, D!
G.
Gary,
Thanks for the words. I am a country boy at heart and love the great outdoors and nature. I love beaches and was in heaven during the 4 years I lived on O'ahu in Hawaii. If I didn't live here I would think about Lamai on Samui. Pattaya and Bangkok or great places to visit short time but I wouldn't want to live there. Forests and nature can provide a lot of wisdom.
Hi "D"
I will be arriving in Ubon to spend some time alone with my Thai wife, I see that there is a lot to do, I am really looking forward to my visit in a couple of weeks, I have a 2 Room Suite reserved at the Laithong Hotel.
Should be an enjoyable time. There are a few romantic places to go to enjoy your time alone together.
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