Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE
Though it hosts relatively few visitors, Thai or foreign, Ubon Ratchathani is one of the
Thailand's most interesting provinces. The capital city has plenty of history and charm, and
rustic rovers will really enjoy themselves here. The scenery along the Mekong River is of-
ten as bizarre as it is gorgeous and Pha Taem National Park has so much to see that it war-
rants a couple of days. Even more remote is the jungle-clad intersection of Thailand, Laos
and Cambodia, now known as the 'Emerald Triangle' (inspired by northern Thailand's
'Golden Triangle') due to the magnificent jungle landscape of Phu Chong Nayoi National
Park.
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Ubon Ratchathani
POP 83,173
Few cities in Thailand reward aimless wandering as richly as Ubon. Survive the usual knot
of choked access roads, and the 'Royal City of the Lotus' will reveal an altogether more at-
tractive face. Racked up against Mae Nam Mun, Thailand's second-longest river, the his-
toric heart of the city, south of Th Kueuan Thani, has a sluggish character rarely found in
the region's big conurbations. And throughout the city there are many interesting temples
that even people suffering acute temple overload will enjoy.
Ubon grew prosperous as a US air base during the Vietnam War and is now a financial,
educational and agricultural market centre. It's not a busy tourist destination, though the
nearby Thai-Lao border crossing at Chong Mek generates a small but steady stream of
travellers who, by and large, enjoy their stay here.
