Amnat Charoen is an hours drive to the north. It is a small province that was a district of Ubon until December 1993.

The town of Amnat is a small quiet village. If you continue north through the town you will come to Wat Dan Phra Bat. Take some time to park and look around.

You can also visit Mekhong River in Amnat Charoen. At Chanuman you will be rewarded with some beautiful scenes in certain times of the year.

Yasothon is at the northwest corner of Ubon. It too was a part of Ubon until December 1993. It is best know for the Rocket Festival held every year in May. Large rockets are launched to bring the rain to feed the rice crops.

If you are not into the lively and noisy festival you are welcome to visit Yaso anytime of the year. There are many temples in both Khmer and Lao style that you can visit and explore.

Sisaket lies to the west of Ubon. It is known for its Khmer style sanctuaries scattered around the province. If you want to learn more about the place, my friend over at Thai Pulse just published an informative article about Sisaket on his blog.

You can also travel to Laos from Ubon. Head on down to Chong Mek and you can cross over for a bit of shopping and a meal, getting a visa exemption or onward travel. There is a bus from Ubon city that goes all the way to Pakse in Laos.

This has been an overview of Ubon Ratchathani’s neighbors. If you travel to Ubon you can plan a nice day trip to any of these locations. If you are traveling to any of these destinations and want to fly you must fly into Ubon and complete your journey overland. You can travel to Sisaket by  train or bus from Bangkok without actually coming all the way to Ubon. There are also buses to Yaso and Amnat but by train you would have to get off in Ubon and finish by other means.

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Ubon Ratchathani Neighbors

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The Gateway

I passed through the gate and at first felt a bit of disappointment. It looked to be a typical small village Thai Buddhist temple. At first glance I could find nothing remarkable. I was compelled to come here so there must be a reason.

The Symbols

My first glimpse of something special was when I noticed to the left, a large eagle statue. Between its mighty wings stood a Thai Buddha image. It was appropriate for us seeing these icons of our countries connected. The eagle representing America and the Buddha image representing Thailand.

Purple Blooms

That was great but there must be more. We made our way to an area in front of a building. It was shielded from view by trees. Upon entry what we discovered was the treasure that was the reason for our journey. Though a treasure it was not gold, silver, diamonds and rubies. So what was it that brought a smile to our faces and made us forget about the heat of the day?

White Bloom

There before our eyes lay a garden of colorful flowers. There were red ones, blue ones, purple ones and white ones. A totally unexpected and incongruent oasis of orchids. This garden of orchids melted away the fatique in our muscles and brought a joy to the heart. All we could do was stand in awe of the splendor of nature.

Pink and Red Blooms

We walked through the kaleidascope of color but instead of collecting the gems we enjoyed them in their place. The treasure of this temple was indeed the beautiful blooms of hundreds of orchids.

Taking time to smell the ... Orchids

Once again I have been rewarded by chance and by nature after taking a risk to answer the call of an adventure into the unknown. You might not find this obscure temple in any guide book but what I have discovered during my time in Ubon Ratchathani is some of the most enjoyable places are found by simply exploring new frontiers.

P.S. This Thai Buddhist temple I am referring to as The Temple of Bloom is actually, Wat Tam Ku Ha Sawan, located on Highway 2222 just before the junction with Highway 2134  on the outskirts of Khong Jiam. It is worth a visit, especially when the flowers are in bloom. When you travel to Ubon Ratchathani this a nice attraction to visit.

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Ubon Darwin and the Temple of Bloom: The Quest

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The bottom of the path

The trail was wide, covered in red dirt and boulders and walled in by water starved trees and shrubs. Mother nature felt no need to offer shade for a travelers respite from the heat. All we could do was sweat and continue moving upwards.

looking back along the path

Halfway up the ascent there appeared a small clearing on the right hand side. Planted in this clearing were several large boulders. It looked as though the rocks had rolled down the hill and decided to stop. Or maybe a giant mythical bird had laid its eggs here and they petrified before they hatched.

Whatever the reason they were there or how they came to be in that spot all I could see is precious shade. Without a word I veered 90 degrees to my right and made my way to the place where there was no sun. Ah, cool relief.

As my body was slowly cooling I dug out a bottle of water to hydrate. I took a sip and focused on the refreshing liquid flowing down my throat. It was then I heard the creaking and a rumble. An earthquake? No, the boulder that was providing me shade was moving to cover that shade with me still in it. What to do? I wasn’t in a position to make an escape.

a feat of super human strength

I summoned all my strength, which out of fear, must have escalated to super-human. I managed to stifle the intent of the potentially body crushing large stone. I quickly exited the shade and realized the sun was far less dangerous then vindictive boulders.

A thought came to me that this must be a booby-trap to test travelers as to their worthiness for the quest. It seemed I passed and was allowed to continue.

On the plateau

Still hot and thirsty but safe and sound we reached the summit that is a stone plateau. We strolled passed the trees that lined the rim and there it was, the treasure that had called us to this quest….

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Ubon Darwin and the Temple of Bloom: The Journey

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I find myself getting anxious to reach my destination. I have the need to stretch my legs. The volume from the call of nature getting louder and clearer. Such is human nature but causes us to allow attractions to go by unnoticed.

On a recent trip to Khong Jiam I saw something interesting out of the corner of my eye. I had been riding for more than an hour so was more focused on the journey’s end. I quickly let it go from my mind and began preparing for exiting the vehicle at Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort.

After checking-in and getting settled into the room, Ting and I walked out to a cliff overlooking the Mekhong. It is the cold season, which is why there was a drop-off to the river. During the height of the monsoon season this same point would, of course, be the river bank.

Again, I noticed something from the corner of my eye. I turned to look and what I saw looked like a golden spear reaching high into the blue heavens and seemingly piercing the cotton-like white clouds. It must be an antenna though for I could hear a message, “Darwin, Darwin, Darwin”. How could I not be drawn to it?

The Call

My attention was taken elsewhere as we tried to decide if the goats grazing on the island in the center of the river are Thai or Laotian. We came to the conclusion they must be Lao as we could see other goats on the far bank and none on our side.

Not much later we decided to head into the village of Khong Jiam. Our goal was to buy a few items from the shops lining the the topside of the river bank. We purchased what we wanted then headed back to the local market and bus terminal with the intent of getting transportation back to Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort.

As we crossed through an intersection the golden antenna came into view again. As I looked it began calling to me once more, “Darwin, Darwin, Darwin.” Was I being seduced into a quest? Did I need to discover why I was being called? The answer evaded me momentarily.

As I turned my eyes from the spear they came to rest on a wide path leading up to a plataeu. I knew now what I had to do. I called out to Ting and nodded in the direction of the path. She didn’t seem to enthusiastic because it was a rather warm day and it appeared to be a sharp ascent. But she finally agreed.

We made the turn and began heading to the pathway up the hill…

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Front View of House

This is an Ubon Ratchathani Community Service post.

Are you looking for an affordable, comfortable house to rent in Ubon? If you have been on a quest you will soon discover that finding a rental can be quite a challenge.

I was informed about this house that will soon be available so I went over and took a look. I would personally be interested if I was in the market but am quite happy where I now live.

The current occupants and the ones who are making an effort to find new tenants are not the owners. They have happily lived there for the past two years but made a decision to return to Bangkok. They are two German expats who spent some time enjoying the amenities of country life in Ubon.

The house is in a quiet established neighborhood. The house itself has several rooms that can be utilized deemed appropriate. There is a kitchen, a master bedroom, a storage room, an entryway, a dining room, and other rooms that could serve as bedrooms or office space.

The best thing about it is the garden area just outside the front door. It was created and built by the current residents. You can sit out there and enjoy your morning coffee or evening drink. The plants provide ambiance and shade.

When Ken moved in he and his partner did some painting and installed some new air-conditioning in addition to the garden area they built. The rent is 7000 per month and Ken is asking for 37,000 as compensation for all the improvements that will benefit whoever rents it next.

You must go see the house before you make a decision. A house like this is a rare find. There is space for you to live so the house is not a meter away from your neighbor. One drawback might be that it is near the airport and at times you will have to share your peace and quiet with some jet engines.

If you don’t have your own transportation it is a 5-10 minute walk out to Ubon-Trakan Road to catch the 8 Line into town. You can walk over to Huai Wang Nong, a large reservoir, where you will find a nice selection of restaurants to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner.

Take a look at the photos below and if you are interested you can contact Ken (or Gunnar if you have no problems pronouncing German names) at (081)346-4600. Tell him your heard about it at WeLoveUbon.

Photos of House For Rent Ubon Ratchathani

Side Yard

Above is a photo of the yard on the west side of the house. It is long and wide enough for playing bedminton and other activies that interest you. It also creates a buffer between your house and the neighbors.

Your Front Garden

In the photo above you will see the masterpiece garden that adds beauty and privacy to your living space. A place for you to relax or enjoy meals and drinks.

Your Dining Room

The dining room is small but serviceable.

Your Living Room or Great Room

A nice place for you to relax or entertain.

Your Master Bedroom

Though the bed goes with the owners you can get an idea how it will look when you make it your own. A place for nice dreams.

That is the house you can rent in Ubon Ratchathani. You can contact Ken at (081)346-4600 and set up an appointment to see it today before it is snatched up by someone else.

Attention:
I have been notified by Ken that documents have been signed and this home now has a future resident. So, that means it is no longer available.

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Lovely Little House in Ubon Ratchathani and You Can Rent it

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This identifies Lily Restaurant

Maybe you’ve been out to Huai Wang Nong, a man-made pond just  east of Ubon Ratchathani airport.  Not long ago it was mostly deserted but now it is home to an ever increasing number of restaurants, resorts and homes.

Lily On The Pond

One of the newest eateries is Lily Restaurant and Bar. A prodigal daughter of Ubon and her Swedish husband return to Isaan after 20 years away. Most of the time was spent in Phuket but they also lived in Sweden for a few years.

Looking out from Lily

As part of their new life back in Ubon Ratchathani they decided to open a business out at Huai Wang Nong. The decision to use a new restaurant as the foundation anchoring them at home was easy, as they had operated an shop while in Phuket.

They named the new restaurant, Lily, for no reason other than they like the name. I further gave it the name, Lily On The Pond.  It is a small quiet place that has the privilege of being near the water each and every day.

What’s on the menu?

View from table at Lily

The offerings on the menu at Lily are mostly Thai dishes. However, there are several westerner selections as well. Lily Restaurant might be the only place you can find Swedish meatballs in Ubon. Along with the meatballs you can also find Fish & Chips, Cordon Bleu, Steaks and an assortment of salads.

Lily Fish & Chips

The promise the proprietors will make to you is you will get good food at a reasonable price. The environment will be clean and pleasant. You can enjoy the view of the pond while you enjoy your lunch or dinner with your companions.

Lily Restaurant in Ubon is open daily from 11:00 to 23:00. It is small open air structure, nicely decorated. There are tables outside as well if you prefer.

Sweet looking bar at Lily

There is no public transportation that runs at Huai Wang Nong so when you drop by Lily you will need your own transportation or get a taxi or tuk tuk. Two songtaew lines run close but walking would be required.

I have eaten there several times and always enjoyed my meals. You should go enjoy a lunch or dinner there soon. Try out the menu and say hello to welcome some new Ubon Ratchathani residents.

View of Lily from the street

Above is how you will see Lily Restaurant and Bar from the street and as you are walking up the path to enter the shop.

Where is Lily Restaurant Ubon Ratchathani

Above is a Google map of Huai Wang Nong area. You can see the satellite view is dated as there is no water in the pond yet. The location of Lily Restaurant and Bar is approximate but should help you find your way. Happy dining at one of Ubon’s newest restaurants.

UPDATE: Michael and Joy have closed Lily Restaurant and Bar temporarily for some new building construction. I was told it will be closed around 4 months. I will keep you posted as I receive new information.

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Lily Restaurant On The Pond Ubon Ratchathani

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photo credit: simminch

We are really quite fortunate living here in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. We never have to experience anything too extreme when it comes to weather and natural disasters.

The photo above is of the Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A sad sight and seeing the name makes me realize how safe we have it in Ubon. Our Montana Hotel is still standing.

We might have a few things to complain about here. Things like the traffic, the heat and humidity, the heavy rain or the lack of something we want from our past lives in other places. These things are all just inconveniences compare to what happens in other parts of the world.

We don’t have to live in fear of tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, bitter deathly cold, a war zone, or earthquakes. So you see we do have a lot to be grateful for where we live.

In Haiti, others have not been so fortunate. The after affects of an earthquake has killed and torn lives apart. When seeing the devastation and reading the sad stories it moves the heart to want to help in some way.

Maybe there is no way you can go there and pitch in with your time and energy to render aide but you can give of your money. Many charitable organizations are raising funds, such as Red Cross and Unicef. If you have a Twitter account there is a thread or two dedicated to helping Haiti.

If you are able and willing it would be a great humanitarian gesture to donate something to help those less fortunate.  If nothing else say a prayer in the manner that is your belief for the survivors, victims and those there helping.

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The missing dog

It was Saturday, January 9, 2010. It was Children’s Day in Thailand and celebrations and events were being held in Ubon Ratchathani, just like all round Thailand. Rolo, the dog, took at trip to Tesco Lotus to pick up a few items, with her friend and companion, she knows as Master.

She decided to wait outside and enjoy the nice weather that day, sporting a trendy leash and collar ensemble. Rolo, being a warm and friendly dog enjoys peaceful surroundings and lives a quiet life. So it comes as no surprised that she was spooked when suddenly the high decible sounds of a jet engine roared overhead as it was making low level passes over Ubon as part of Children’s Day festivities. She felt she only had one option, flight. She quickly backed out of her collar and headed at break neck speed for them thar hills. Sadly, she hasn’t been seen since.

Master is heartbroken. He hasn’t slept much since Rolo went missing. They have been companions for 4 years. Master, aka Paul has been putting the word out that he would love to have Rolo back. There have been a few false leads but as of the time of this post, she still hasn’t returned home.

Paul and Rolo need your help. The very much want to be reunited. It will be greatly appreciated if you keep an eye out for Rolo and if you see her, could you contact Paul, his contact information is in the graphic below. Thanks to all.

How to contact if see Rolo.

P.S. You can see how much effort he has put into finding his canine friend. A website has been created at HelpRolo.

UPDATE: 17/01/10

Great news. I just received an email that Rolo has been found. Thanks to any and all who contributed to the happy reunion.

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Missing Dog in Ubon Ratchathani

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The girl is Tai Oratai, a local Ubon girl made good. She is more than just a pretty face though. As you listen and watch you will see she is also blessed with talent.

The song and music are Isaan born and bred. The music, lyrics and delivery give you a sense of what Ubon and Isaan are all about.

The location of the video is at a place known as Sam Pan Bok a Thai name meaning Three Thousand Holes. I didn’t count them when I visited, just took their word for it.

Sit back and enjoy one of the reasons, We Love Ubon.

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Beautiful Girl, Song, Scenes From Ubon Ratchathani

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Then on February 8, 2000, Tesco Lotus opened on Chayangul Road to much fanfare. That day it seemed the entire population of Ubon was present on the grounds.

Since that time Lotus has served me well. It has been mostly convenient and carried most of the items I wanted or needed. All was offered at a reasonable price.

Thus began a love-hate relationship. I loved being able to go there and get most of the things on my shopping list but also hated seeing the total at the check-out.

Not long after Lotus opened Tops at Robinsons started fading and it didn’t take long for it to take its final breath. It didn’t help much that not too long after the birth of Lotus Ubon Ratchathani another child came along, Big C.

Time passed and I spent most of my shopping time and money at Lotus. But lately I have been noticing a change of feeling and attitude when I find I must go there. It has been more like entering a combat zone than a pleasant shopping experience.

I used to drive my motorcycle for a quick in and out activity. But no matter where I parked when I returned to my transportation it had been surrounded and my escape blocked. Getting out of the parking lot was like Mario trying to
cross the street. I have since taken to walking instead.

The parking lot is now occupied by hostile forces. Excessive amounts of motorcycle parking and vendors. When navigating the parking lot there is a constant threat of scuds and snipers camouflaged as scooters and autos.

The pedestrian safety zone at the entrance should be a no-fly zone but I feel like I am there for moving target practice.

Enter the store and walk along the hall it is like MIG Alley with vendor ambushes waiting for you to come along. The only way to survive is pick up the pace and stay alert.

As I make my way to the main battlefield I am constantly watching out for the armored personnel carriers that bare a striking resemblance to shopping carts. There are also the supply trains that could be easily mistaken for pallet jacks.

While on patrol for the targets I have identified I try hard to ignore the ongoing psyops (psychological operations). There is Tesco Rose, usually broadcasting from her bunker in the deli. She has lung capacity the size of Thailand and can go for five minutes on one breath. Loud and long is her battle cry.

Working in conjunction with Tesco Rose are the Bakery Boys and Tesco FM. Their strategy works. They often are able to penetrate my brain forcing me into a hasty retreat, oft times even before I complete my mission.

Another threat I have learned to look out for are the mine sweepers. The tool is made in the likeness of a dust mop and is implemented with haste and focus. Though the intent is to find hidden mines they have been known to find my combat boots.

I am jubilant when my patrol has ended and I am making my way to safety. On my way back to camp I always say a prayer of thanksgiving for
surviving yet another patrol behind enemy lines.

I got to thinking there must be a better way to restock provisions than this.

Then I remembered that City Mall and Sunee Grand Hotel had opened Fresh Mart in the rear area. When it first opened it was no much more than an oversized 7eleven. It would be a waste of time to head there for planned shopping.

That was months ago. On a recent recon I noticed that the facility had expanded. They now carry fresh produce and a a selection of fresh meats.  Be advised that the meat department though it has beef, pork, and seafood is dominated by chicken and chicken products. This is good intelligence.

A rear exit was opened and just before that entrance exit are two check-out stands. What this means is I can make my way to the rear parking lot and be a few meters away from being inside.

Once inside there are few hazards. I found I can enter, complete my mission and be out in minutes. That, in addition, to being able to drive my motorcycle there in less time than it takes to walk to Lotus are huge pluses for me.

Fresh Mart is not the universal shopping  solution but it is an alternative  place to stock up on certain provisions. You do lose some selection and some prices are higher but you gain peace of mind and have a more pleasant experience. I am always looking for ways to make living in Ubon better.

If you have had similar shopping experience or feelings when you are trying to get your shopping completed at Lotus you might want to consider Fresh Mart and give it a try. Stay alert, stay alive.

Wish all who visit and read a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year from Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

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