Ubon Ratchathani Hotels

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Ubon Ratchathani is a city located in the South East of the Isan region of Thailand, approximately 315 miles from Bangkok, the capital. There are daily flights to the capital from the town's airport and it is also linked by rail. The city is the administrative center of the Ubon Ratchathani and it is also close to the border crossing of Chong Mek into neighboring Laos, thus attracting both business visitors and leisure tourists. Ubon Ratchathani hotels are well placed to cater for both groups.

Due to the warm weather enjoyed by the city, for many visitors to Ubon Ratchathani hotels air conditioning is an absolute necessity. Fortunately most hotels are equipped with it. Another feature that many guests will be looking for is an outdoor pool which they can use for a little sunbathing or for a refreshing dip. Other key features to look for in Ubon Ratchathani hotels are airport transfers, massage services to help relax as well as standard facilities that you would expect from any hotel such as daily room cleaning, mini bar, a bar and a restaurant.

Although you can eat out in your hotel it is worth venturing further afield for something to eat. Ubon Ratchathani has some excellent restaurants where you can sample local cuisine or more western style food. It also has some good shops and is particularly good for those looking to stock up before heading to the more rural Laos, where it can be more difficult to get hold of certain items.

The city has good transport links. During the Vietnam War the US armed forces built an air base, which is now used by the Royal Thai Air Force. However it is a dual purpose airport, along with its military use it is also used commercially and has daily flights to Bangkok. The city also has bus and rail terminals. Once inside the city there are no taxis. Those wishing to use public transport can use the Songthaew or hire a tuk tuk. Tuk tuks operate throughout the city and have fixed prices to the most popular destinations such as the airport and the bus station. Outside the city there is a road network but these tend to be busy and overcrowded so worth avoiding if at all possible.

Ubon Ratchathani means Royal Lotus City and you will see the symbol of the lotus all over the city. It was founded in the late eighteenth century on the Mun River, which is Thailand's second largest waterway. The city really started to grow during the Second World War when the Japanese bought in prisoners of war to the city. The Vietnam War and the presence of the airport also helped and it now has a population of around 200,000.

There is a strong Buddhist tradition in both Ubon Ratchathani and the surrounding province. This can be clearly seen in the large number of Buddhist temples which lay scattered around the town. Buddhism is also behind the key festival to take place in the city. Every July the candle festival takes place in Ubon Ratchathani to mark the beginning of the rainy season retreat practiced by Buddhists which is also known as the Buddhist lent. The day before the festival, candles are taken to the central park Thung Si Mueang, which is located in the middle of the city. They are decorated and then exhibited in the evening. On this evening all over Thailand, candles are bought to Buddhist temples in small processions. In Ubon Ratchathani itself, the main candle procession takes place on the day after the candle decorating.

Visiting Buddhist temples is the key tourist attraction in the city and there are many varied examples to choose from. Some of those most worth a visit include Wat Thung Si Mueang, which is set on stilts in a small lake in the center of the city and has an old wooden library. Visitors reach Wat Ban Na Mueang through the legs of a concrete elephant gate which has three heads. South of the city is Wat Nong Pha Pong, a good example of a forest temple.

Many foreign visitors use Ubon Ratchathani as a setting off or stocking up point for Laos and spend little time in it. However it has a pleasant feel and is good for wandering around and would merit a day or two soaking up the atmosphere.

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