Ubon Ratchathani with Kids
Family travel guide for parents planning with children
Top Family Activities
The best things to do with kids in Ubon Ratchathani.
Sam Phan Bok (Grand Canyon of Thailand)
Thousands of holes and rock formations carved by the Mekong River into sandstone create a lunar landscape along the riverbank. The formations are visible during the dry season when water levels drop, revealing this geological wonderland.
Pha Taem National Park
This park along the Mekong cliffs features 3,000-year-old prehistoric rock paintings, dramatic cliff viewpoints over the river and Laos, and forest trails. The sunrise viewpoint is one of the first places in Thailand to see the sun each day.
Candle Festival (Bun Bung Fai)
Held in July at the start of Buddhist Lent, this festival features enormous candle sculptures carved from beeswax, paraded through the city on elaborately decorated floats. The artistry is extraordinary and the celebration is joyful.
Wat Nong Bua and Ubon Temples
Wat Nong Bua has a impressive white chedi modeled on India's Bodhgaya temple. The city's many temples showcase distinctive Isan Buddhist architecture and peaceful grounds.
Two-River Confluence (Pak Moon)
The point where the Moon River meets the Mekong is scenic and culturally significant. Local fishing communities, riverside restaurants, and the sight of two great rivers merging make this a peaceful family destination.
Best Areas for Families
Where to base yourselves for the smoothest family trip.
Ubon City Center
The city center has hotels, restaurants, night markets, and temple access. Practical for families as a base for day trips to outlying natural attractions.
Highlights: ['Hotels and restaurants', 'Night markets', 'Temple access', 'Transport connections']
Near Pha Taem / Khong Chiam
The small town of Khong Chiam near Pha Taem and the river confluence has a quiet, scenic base closer to the natural attractions. Limited but adequate accommodation.
Highlights: ['Close to Pha Taem and Sam Phan Bok', 'Two-river confluence', 'Quiet riverside setting', 'Local atmosphere']
Family Dining
Where and how to eat with children.
Ubon Ratchathani's food scene is authentically Isan — grilled meats, sticky rice, bold salads, and fresh river fish dominate the menus. The city's night markets offer the most atmospheric and affordable family dining.
Dining Tips for Families
- Gai yang (grilled chicken) with sticky rice is the perfect family meal — mild and universally enjoyed
- River fish from the Mekong and Moon rivers is a local specialty
- The night market near the city center offers the widest food variety
- Fruit shakes and freshly pressed sugarcane juice are cheap and refreshing
Isan grill restaurants
Open-air restaurants specializing in grilled chicken, pork, and fish served with sticky rice, som tam, and dipping sauces. Smoky, flavorful, and incredibly affordable.
Night market stalls
Dozens of food vendors in the evening markets serving Isan specialties, noodle soups, grilled meats, and sweet treats.
Riverside restaurants at Khong Chiam
Simple restaurants at the two-river confluence serving fresh Mekong fish with river views. The setting elevates basic but excellent food.
Tips by Age Group
Tailored advice for every stage of childhood.
Toddlers can enjoy Ubon's temples and markets but the main attractions (Sam Phan Bok, Pha Taem) require walking on rough terrain better suited to older children.
- Sam Phan Bok is not suitable for toddlers — uneven rock surfaces with drop hazards
- The Candle Festival's visual spectacle captivates toddlers
- Bring all baby supplies
School-age children engage with Ubon's geological wonders and prehistoric art. Sam Phan Bok's alien landscape and Pha Taem's rock paintings are memorable experiences that textbooks cannot replicate.
Learning: Ubon teaches geology (river erosion creating Sam Phan Bok), prehistoric human civilization (3,000-year-old cliff paintings), Buddhist artistic traditions (candle carving), and river ecosystem ecology.
- Sam Phan Bok's lunar landscape sparks geological curiosity in children
- Pha Taem's paintings give children a tangible connection to prehistoric humans
Teens with outdoor interests find Ubon's natural attractions impressive. The Candle Festival is one of Thailand's most photogenic events. The off-the-beaten-path nature appeals to those tired of tourist crowds.
- Sam Phan Bok photographs like another planet — teens love the dramatic, shareable images
- The pre-dawn drive to Pha Taem for sunrise rewards early risers with Thailand's first sunrise
Practical Logistics
The nuts and bolts of family travel.
Getting Around
Ubon city is navigable by tuk-tuk and songthaew. Day trips to Sam Phan Bok, Pha Taem, and Khong Chiam require a rental car — distances are significant (80-110 km). The airport has daily flights from Bangkok.
Healthcare
Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon city provides good medical care. Pharmacies are available in the city center. Rural areas near attractions have limited medical facilities — carry a first aid kit.
Accommodation
Hotels in Ubon city are modern and affordable. For the Candle Festival (July), book months in advance. Khong Chiam has limited but adequate guesthouses for those wanting to explore the eastern attractions.
Packing Essentials
- Sturdy walking shoes for rock formations and cliff trails
- Sun protection — shade is minimal at Sam Phan Bok
- Headlamp for pre-dawn Pha Taem sunrise viewpoint
- Insect repellent for park and riverside visits
Budget Tips
- Isan is Thailand's most affordable region — meals, accommodation, and transport cost far less than tourist areas
- National park entrance fees are minimal
- The Candle Festival is completely free to watch
- Eating at night markets and local restaurants keeps food costs very low
Family Safety
Keeping your family safe and healthy.
- Ubon Ratchathani city is safe for families. Standard precautions apply in markets and busy areas.
- Sam Phan Bok's rock formations include unfenced edges with significant drops. Supervise children closely and stay on marked areas. Rocks can be extremely slippery when wet.
- Pha Taem's cliff trails have steep sections and exposure. Stay on marked paths and hold children's hands near cliff edges.
- Monsoon season (June-October) makes some attractions inaccessible. Sam Phan Bok is submerged and trails can be muddy and dangerous.