We're going to Ubon Ratchathani!

If you are looking for something other than white sand beaches, busy city life or jungle trekking in Thailand, then a trip to the city and province of Ubon Ratchathani is a good choice. The province is the easternmost province of Thailand, bordering Cambodia to the south and bounded by the Mekong River to the east.

It was once the largest province when Sisaket and Amnat Charoen were still part of Ubon Ratchathani. The city of Ubon Ratchatani is one of the four major cities in Isan. Along with Khorat (Nakhon Ratchasima) Udon Thani and Khon Khaen, these cities are also known as the "Big Four of Isan".

General

Ubon Ratchatani offers you a collection of Thai (Isan) culture, fascinating traditions, a fascinating history and fantastic opportunities to enjoy nature. The capital is lively with all possible facilities that you would expect from a large Thai city. It is therefore not surprising that more and more foreigners choose this city and province as their permanent residence in Thailand. Good hotels in every price range, excellent Thai and Western restaurants and also an interesting nightlife. It is said that the most beautiful Thai ladies come from this province, but we will have to experience that.

Forest Temple: Wat Nong Pah Pong

History

The history of Ubon Ratchatani is very interesting. Ubon Ratchatani is actually quite a young city. But it's the way it was created that evokes a sense of wonder. In the late eighteenth century, a young Thao (a Thai title of nobility) fled the kingdom of Vientiane with many Laotians to escape the authority of King Siribunsan. The kingdom of Siam (modern day Thailand) was then ruled by King Taksin the Great and the young Tao named Kham Phong was presented by him as “Phra Pathum Wongsa” who was granted lordship over the territory, making Ubon province in 1792 Ratchatani was born.

Ubon Ratchathani in wartime

In World War II, the French first marched into the city, but were soon defeated by the Japanese. In the area, now called Tung Sri Muang, there was a prisoner of war camp, where allied soldiers were detained. Many local Thais risked death or torture by aiding the detainees. This fact was later commemorated by a statue paid for by the Allied Forces.

Ubon Ratchathani also played an important role in the Vietnam War in the XNUMXs and XNUMXs. There was an American airport, from which planes flew missions to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. That meant many American, British and Australian soldiers who were stationed there. An explosion in the population growth followed, not only because of those soldiers, but also many Thais came from elsewhere to Ubon for work.

Huay Luang Waterfall, Phu chong Na Yoi National Park in Ubon Ratchathani

The Thai Forest Tradition in Temples

This province is teeming, I say irreverently, with temples. It is said that Ubon Ratchathani has the highest temple density per capita in Thailand. There is a temple on every corner of a street, so to speak.

A special feature is the Thai forest tradition, not an official Buddhist direction, but a certain Buddhist monastic discipline (the vinaya), which places great emphasis on meditation and personal development according to the teachings of the Buddha. The founder of this tradition is the monk Ahjan Mun (more about this on Wikipedia).

Remarkable in this context is the Wat Pah Nanachat, an internationally oriented temple, just outside the city of Ubon Ratchathani. It was founded in 1975 by the monk Ajahn Chah as a training center for foreigners. Those interested come from many countries of the world, so that English is used as the working language.

Things to do in Ubon Ratchathani

There is a lot to see, especially in the area of ​​the Mekong River. I'm not going to explain all that to you, many websites are better at that. They give you tips for beautiful routes through the hilly area, with the mighty Mekong river always nearby, and nice sights. If you stand on the banks of the Mekong River, you can be the first in Thailand to see a beautiful sunrise.

In short, as said at the beginning, if you want something different from the traditional tourist areas, choose this beautiful Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani.