9 Best Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand (A Local’s Guide)
Discover Authentic Thai Culture, Hidden Gems, and Local Delights in Ubon Ratchathani, Beyond the Tourist Tracks.
If you’re reading this, chances are Ubon Ratchathani isn’t at the top of your Thailand itinerary. And honestly? That’s exactly why you should go.
Unlike the well-trodden tourist hotspots of Bangkok and Phuket, Ubon offers an unfiltered glimpse into everyday Thai life – complete with bustling markets, jaw-dropping temples, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat (trust me on this one). Food isn’t just a meal here; it’s a way of life.
The region’s Isaan-style cuisine is a pillar of the culture, shaping everything from daily routines to social gatherings. Whether it’s fiery som tam (papaya salad) or perfectly grilled gai yang (chicken), you’ll quickly realize that some of the best experiences revolve around what’s on your plate.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Ubon Ratchathani many times, thanks to my Thai family ties, and every trip has left me with unforgettable experiences.
If you’re up for an adventure that’s a little off the beaten path, let’s dive into the best things to do in Ubon Ratchathani.
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Quick List: Best Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani
- Explore the stunning temples and join a monk ceremony
- Grab a coffee at Long Lux Coffee Roasters
- Ride a golf cart through Ubon Zoo
- Feast at the legendary Somtum Jinda
- Enjoy a meal on the Mun River
- Shop and snack at the night market
- Check out the massive new mall (home to some of the best cheap eats in Thailand)
- Take a waterfall day trip to Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park
- Wander around local neighborhoods and experience authentic Thai life
9 Wonderful Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani
1. Explore Ubon’s Unique Temples & Join a Monk Ceremony
Temples are everywhere in Thailand, but Ubon’s are something special. One of the must-visit spots is Wat Pah Nanachat, an international forest monastery where English-speaking monks train in Buddhist traditions. If you’re curious about meditation or want to witness the daily life of monks, this is the place to be.
For a more immersive experience, many temples in Ubon allow visitors to participate in early morning monk ceremonies. Waking up before dawn to offer alms and receive a blessing is a truly humbling experience – and a great way to start your day on a peaceful note.
2. Sip Coffee in a Ruined Villa at Long Lux Coffee Roasters
Cafés in Thailand are next-level, and Long Lux Coffee Roasters is proof of that. This hidden gem is built into the ruins of an old villa, creating an atmosphere that’s both historic and effortlessly cool.
Every inch of this place is incredibly photogenic, from the ivy-covered walls to the rustic wooden tables. It’s also a fantastic spot for families – kids can run around and explore while adults enjoy a specialty coffee, a decadent slice of cake, or even a cafeteria-style lunch.
Hands down, this is one of the most unique places we visited in all of Thailand.
3. Get Wild at Ubon Zoo
Ubon Zoo is a fun and family-friendly stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The zoo features a mix of local and exotic animals, and the open-style enclosures make for a more immersive experience. Unlike many tourist-heavy zoos, Ubon Zoo is refreshingly uncrowded – we were literally the only ones there at the time!
You can rent a golf cart or bicycle and explore the zoo at your own pace, making it feel more like an adventurous safari than a traditional zoo visit. The animals are surprisingly close, with some enclosures separated only by moats or small creeks instead of fences.
It’s thrilling, maybe even a little nerve-wracking, to be so near to creatures like tigers with minimal barriers, but that just adds to the excitement of the experience, right?!
4. Dine on the Mun River
There’s something magical about eating dinner on a floating restaurant while the sun sets over the Mun River, the lifeblood of Ubon Ratchathani. This river, the longest tributary of the Mekong, has sustained local communities for centuries, shaping the region’s culture, cuisine, and way of life.
Many of these restaurants are actually huts floating on plastic barrels, creating a slightly wobbly but fun dining experience that locals indulge in regularly.
The food? Pure Isaan perfection. If you’re new to this regional cuisine, start with grilled chicken (gai yang), spicy larb, and sticky rice. Just be warned – Isaan food doesn’t hold back on spice.
5. Eat Som Tum at the World-Famous Somtum Jinda
If you love Thai papaya salad (som tam or som tum), prepare for a life-changing experience at Somtum Jinda. This restaurant is legendary for serving up some of the best and most flavorful som tam you’ll find anywhere.
Som tum is a quintessential dish of Isaan cuisine, made by pounding shredded green papaya with chili, lime, fish sauce, palm sugar, and sometimes fermented fish or salted crab in a mortar and pestle. The result is a bold mix of spicy, tangy, sweet, and umami flavors that explode in every bite.
Traditionally, it’s eaten with sticky rice and grilled meats, making it a staple of northeastern Thai meals. At Somtum Jinda, the balance of flavors is perfection, and you can even customize your spice level if you dare!
6. Shop & Eat a Lot at the Night Market
Like most Thai cities, Ubon has a fantastic night market where you can sample street food, shop for souvenirs, and people-watch to your heart’s content.
If you want to experience real Thai food, you have to eat Isaan-style while in Ubon Ratchathani which you can easily do at the night market. Isaan, Thailand’s largest region, covers 20 provinces in the northeast, including Ubon, yet its cuisine remains shockingly underrated outside of Thailand.
While Western Thai restaurants focus on dishes like Pad See Ew, the food of Isaan is bold, spicy, and packed with intense flavors – and it deserves way more hype.
The best way to dive in? Hit the night markets and eat like a local. Here are a few must-try dishes:
- Laab (Larb) – A spicy minced meat salad, often made with pork, chicken, or duck, tossed with lime, chili, and fresh herbs. Duck laab is a personal favorite.
- Sai Krok Isan – A fermented pork sausage mixed with rice, giving it a uniquely sour, smoky, and fatty flavor. Best enjoyed with a beer in hand.
- Isaan-style Som Tam – A fiery papaya salad with fermented fish sauce and black soft-shell crab—not for the faint of heart, but absolutely delicious.
- Nam Jim Jaew – The ultimate dipping sauce, smoky, spicy, and tangy, perfect for grilled meats.
- Gai Yang – Isaan-style grilled chicken, marinated in Thai herbs and slowly cooked over charcoal for that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Sticky Rice – No Isaan meal is complete without sticky rice, the essential side that ties everything together.
Whether you’re exploring the night markets or sitting down for a traditional meal, eating Isaan-style in Ubon is an experience you can’t miss. Grab a plate, brace yourself for the heat, and enjoy the boldest flavors Thailand has to offer!
7. Discover the Best Cheap Eats in Thailand (at a Mall?!)
Okay, hear me out: malls in Thailand have some of the best and cheapest eats. The new giant mall in Ubon is no exception, with an incredible food court serving authentic Thai dishes at shockingly low prices.
It’s more than just food, it’s an authentic experience. You load up a food card with credits, then roam the stalls, tapping to grab whatever looks good. The boat noodle soups are a must-try, rich and packed with flavor, and no meal is complete without mango sticky rice.
If you’re on a budget but want to eat like a king, this is the place to be.
8. Take a Waterfall Day Trip to Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park
If you’re up for an adventure, make the trip to Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park, one of the most breathtaking spots in Thailand. Located about 140km from Ubon, near the borders of Laos and Cambodia, this park is a must-visit. While entry isn’t free for foreigners (around $5-$10 per person), it’s well worth the price.
The real gem here is the majestic waterfall. We saw several tour vans parked at the top, so booking a day tour is easy, but if you go on your own, expect a steep yet quick 10-minute descent from the parking lot. The moment you reach the bottom, you’re met with the stunning cascade and a pristine lagoon – the perfect spot for a swim. The water is crystal-clear, cool, and filled with friendly fish that swim around your feet, adding to the magic.
This place is truly a hidden paradise, and without a doubt, one of the top highlights of any Thailand trip.
9. Wander Around Local Neighborhoods and Experience Authentic Thai Life
Ubon isn’t a tourist hot spot like Chiang Mai or Bangkok, and that’s what makes it special. To truly experience authentic Thai life, take a walk through its neighborhoods. Wander aimlessly, soak in the sights, sounds, and smells, and discover the city beyond its few tourist spots.
It’s your chance to live like a local – whether it’s ordering food by pointing at someone else’s dish, shopping at a local stand, or watching kids after school.
Ubon has evolved over the years and even my mother who grew up there barely recognizes it anymore! But even with trendy coffee shops and craft beer bars popping up on every street, it still retains a charm untouched by mass tourism.
The city is free of only chain stores, meaning each independent shop adds to its unique character. Supporting these local businesses will give you a real sense of connection to the community, away from the crowds of more touristy cities.
The Best Places to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani
While Ubon isn’t packed with luxury resorts, it does have some fantastic boutique hotels at budget-friendly prices. Here are my top picks:
🛌 Yuu Hotel | 9.2 Superb Rating | CHECK PRICES
Cute decor, great breakfast and central location. We stayed here and loved it!
🛌 Velawarin Hotel | 9.1 Superb Rating | CHECK PRICES
Beautiful design, available suites, and an on-site bar.
🛌 Centara Ubon | 8.8 Fabulous Rating | CHECK PRICES
Modern spaces, traditional hotel amenities and connected to the shopping mall.
FAQs Visiting Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand
Is Ubon Ratchathani worth visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an authentic Thai experience away from the usual tourist crowds, Ubon is a hidden gem.
How do you get to Ubon Ratchathani?
You can fly directly from Bangkok (flight time is about 1 hour), or take a train or bus for a more scenic (but longer) journey.
Is Ubon Ratchathani expensive?
Not at all! Ubon is incredibly affordable compared to more touristy parts of Thailand. Food, hotels, and activities are all budget-friendly.
What food should I try in Ubon?
Definitely Isaan-style Thai food! Try som tam, larb, gai yang, and sticky rice for the full experience.
Final Thoughts: Is Ubon Ratchathani Worth Visiting?
Ubon Ratchathani might not be on every traveler’s bucket list, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Whether you’re temple-hopping, feasting on world-class som tam, or simply soaking up the city’s laid-back vibe, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Thailand beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s equal parts authentic and unforgettable – go to Ubon. You won’t regret it.
Related Travel Posts:
The Best Places We Ate in Chiang Mai With a Local
15 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Chiang Mai (From a Local)
Thailand Travel with a Toddler: Essential Tips for Stress-Free Adventures
15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Chiang Mai With Kids
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