Ubon Ratchathani
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Ubon Ratchathani General Information
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.
The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can still be seen throughout the province today.
A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Yasothon and Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen Province. The provincial capital is approximately 630 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.
The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July. There are natural beauties and historical sites including the 4,000 years old rock formation, prehistoric rock paintings, national parks, waterfalls, and the two-colored river, etc.
The Past
Since the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or simply Ubon, was part of the Khmer Empire until the Kingdom of Ayutthaya conquered it. Towards the end of the 18th century, Laotians immigrated to the northern banks of the Mun River and founded the provincial capital. The Laotian influence is evident in the architectural structure of some of the city's religious buildings. This incident was told in the provincial seal which features a pond with a lotus flower and leaves in a circular frame. It symbolizes the ancient community of the people who fled the massacre of King Siriboonsarn of Vientiane and came to settle in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province in 1779 during the reign of King Thonburi. This community was established as a province with the name Ubon Ratchathani Srivanalai in 1792 during the reign of King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty.
During the reign of King Rama V, Ubon Ratchathani was annexed to Lao Kao town. Later in 1899, the area was under the supervision of Northeastern Monthon, with Ubon Ratchathani serving as an administrative hub. In 1900, the name was changed to Monthon I-San. When the Monthon system was abolished, the city has become Ubon Ratchathani province. During the Vietnam War, Ubon encountered expansive growth due to its proximity to an American air base.
The Present
Today, the province is the largest and one of the most important provinces in northeastern Thailand. Due to the large number of fascinating temples dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Aside from the numerous attractions, festivals and holidays are celebrated with a unique Ubon flair.
Located in the Korat Basin about 68 meters (227 feet) above sea level, most of Ubon Ratchathani is a plateau sloping to the east to meet the Maekhong River, a border between Thailand and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. Other major rivers in the area are the Chee River, Moon River, Lum Saybok River, Lum Domeyai River and Lum Domenoi River. There are some high mountain ranges in the south such as Bantad Range and Phanom Dongrak Range which border Ubon Ratchathani and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The most important natural resource in Ubon Ratchathani is its forests, such as Teng-Rung forests, Red forests and mixed forests. In the province, there are 50 national preserved forests, 3 national parks, 2 botanical gardens, 1 wild life preservation area and 1 botanical park.
There are highways and rail roads connecting different districts in Ubon Ratchathani with other provinces and there is one international airport located in Muang District.
People of Ubon Ratchathani are engaged in activities related to agriculture and livestock raising. They are religious and still abide by tradition and culture. Locals usually dwell in groups of houses, speak their own dialects and practice their traditionally handed down cultures.
The province covers 15,517 square kilometers and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Warin Chamrap, Det Udom, Buntharik, Na Chaluai, Nam Yuen, Phibun Mangsahan, Khong Chiam, Si Muang Mai, Trakan Phuet Phon, Khemarat, Mung Sam Sip, Khueang Nai, Kut Khaopun, Tan Sum, Pho Sai, Samrong, Sirindhorn, Don Mot Daeng, Thung Si Udom, Na Yia, Na Tan, Lao Suea Kok, Sawang Wirawong and Nam Khun.
Ubon Ratchathani Festival Information
- Kaeng Sa Peu Songkarn Festival
Kaeng Sa Peu Songkarn Festival is held yearly in April. Villagers will splash water on each other and swim in the Mun River. The festival also features local sports and northeastern folk music.
- The Candle Festival
The Candle Festival is the largest religious ceremony in Ubon Ratchathani. It is celebrated yearly on Asalha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Day in July. The ceremony is held at Thung Si Muang and Chaturamuk Pavillion. At night, there is entertainment to celebrate the Lent candles. The reflection of lights on the candles creates a picturesque effect during the festival.
Ubon Ratchathani Attactions Information
- Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park
This was declared as a national park on 1 June 1987. Covering an area of 687 sq. km over mountainous areas in Ubon Ratchathani, the park is where borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. To get superb view of the three countries, visitors are recommended to take hiking trails which lead on to the high plateau. The best view can be seen from the cliffs at Pha Pheung. Interesting attractions include: the 40-metre Bak Tew Yai waterfall, which is located approximately 4 kms from the park office, rock formations at Phlan Yaw and a group of springs in the forest at Bo Nam Sap.
- Kaeng Tana National Park
This park can be reached on two routes. The first route is by taking Highway No. 2222 where visitors will be presented with a beautiful view of Kaeng Tana. On the other hand, visitors can take the route to the National Park Office along Highway No. 217 (Phibun Mangsahan-Chong Mek route) and turning left onto Highway No. 2173 and proceeding for another 13 kilometers.
- Maenam Song Si
Maenam Song Si or the Bi-colored River or the Mun Rivers alluvium, is the place where two rivers join: the brown Mekong River and the blue Mun River. It is located in Khong Chiam District, about 84 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathai City centre. Visitors can hire a boat from Khong Chiam district to see the alluvium.
- Namtok Saeng Chan
This waterfall is only 1 kilometer from Thung Na Muang Waterfall. This is a very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic of its own the small stream of water cascades down the face of the cliff through an opening in the rock resembling a hole. Visitors viewing the waterfall at noon when the sunlight shines through the hole will be presented with a view of the cascading water similar to that of the full moon shining onto the world. Travelling can be made from Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turning right to the waterfall.
- Namtok Tat Ton
This waterfall is on Highway No. 2173, which is about 6 kilometers off Highway No. 217. This beautiful waterfall is created from Tat Ton Brook flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto the plain forming a basin large enough to swim in that is surrounded by flowering shrubs and forests in the shady area.
- Pak Mun Dam
Constructed from stone and reinforced with clay soil, this dam has a width of 17 metres and a length of 300 metres. The dam, which facilitates agriculture and generates electricity, is located approximately 75 kilometers from town, or about 6 kilometers from the area where the Mekong River meets the Mun River. It is possible to travel along the top of the dam wall as a short cut from Khong Chiam District to Amphoe Sirinthon without driving back to Phibun Mangsahan District. Cruising along the beautiful Mun River is possible from the end of the dam to the Bicolored River, where the Mun River joins with the Mekong River.
- Pha Taem National Park
This park covers an area of 140 square kilometers, where plateaus and hills dominate the parks landscape. There are sheer cliffs, which resulted from earthquakes. Most trees are of the deciduous dipterocarp forest. Irregular shaped sandstone is found scattered throughout the area. Beautiful flowering plants grow among the rocky ground. Travelling can be made from Khong Chiam District along Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turning right for another 5 kilometers. Places of interest within the park are:
Pha Taem and Pha Kham are located near the national park headquarters. On the cliffs surface are numerous prehistoric cave paintings dating back 3,000-4,000 years ago that offer insight into the way of life that existed during the pre-historic days and reflect the ancient lifestyle of the people who once lived in the area. These painting depict scenes of fishing, rice farming, figures of people, animals, hands and geometric designs. It should be noted that the most extensive site for cave paintings in the country is that of Pha Taem.
Home to one of the world's oldest agrarian communities, Ubon Ratchathani is also the 'cradle of northeastern civilisation'. Recently discovered archaeological evidence suggests that humans settled in the region between 14,000 to 6,000 years ago.
- Sao Chaling
Sao Chaliang, which is 11 kilometers from Khong Chaim District on Highway 2112 is a place that is scattered with natural mushroom-like piles of stone slabs with a large amount of shells embedded in their surface. The area is believed by geologists to be a long dried up seabed (over a million years ago).
- Tham Heo Sin Chai
This cave is on Highway No. 2222, about 7 kilometers before reaching Amphoe (district) Khong Chiam, turn left and proceed for about 2 kilometers. This cave, which is on the same route as Kaeng Tana, is a Buddhist center with a beautiful reclining Buddha image. In addition, there is a waterfall cascading down the cliff to the area in front of the reclining Buddha image making the place very cool and beautiful.
- Lion Pulpit at Ban Chi Thuan
Located in a sermon hall of Wat Si Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom, the pulpit was elaborately crafted in the form of a lion upholding a tower. This Vietnamese-style pulpit was built in 1925 by a Vietnamese artist. The site is located approximately 26 kilometres from the district town. To get there, travel along Highway No. 23 (Ubon Ratchathani Yasothon) for approximately 24 kilometres. Upon reaching the 268-km. marker, turn left to the village and proceed for another 5 kilometres.
- The Stone Inscription at Phu Manat Cave
This is believed to date back to the 12th or 13th Buddhist Century. This sandstone inscription records the spreading of King Srimahanetaravoramans (Jitrasane) power to the Mun River area. A rectangular shape 82 centimeters in length and 24 centimeters in height, it narrates the victory of the King in the Sanskrit language. Blurred but still readable, it is now kept at the National Museum of Ubon Ratchathani.
- Wat Thung Si Muang
This temple is located on Luang Road in the municipal area. The temple was built during the reign of King Rama III and has a beautiful ordination hall in the northeastern architectural style. A scripture hall is located in the middle of a pond, featuring a roof that shows the Burmese architectural style while the lintel was carved in the Laotian architectural style. Mural paintings in this temple feature the civilizations and cultures of the people of Ubon Ratchathani over 200 years ago.
- Chong Mek Border
Chong Mek is the boundary between Thailand and Laos that marks the end of Highway No. 217, which is 89 kilometers long. This highway will be connected to a 38-kilometre road in Laos leading to Pak Sae, which will be part of the Asian Highway.
- The Sirindhorn Dam
This is about 70 kilometers from the city center on Highway No. 217. Turn right at the 71-km. marker and proceed for about 500 metres. A multi-purpose dam, it was built to generate electricity and to facilitate agriculture across a tributary of the Mun River. The nearby forests have been turned into the park which recently has gain an increasing amount of popularity. As an ideal recreational area, water sports and boat trips are available.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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