Home › Itineraries › 3 Days

Three Days in Ubon Ratchathani: Temples, Rivers & Candle Art

Discover Northeast Thailand's Cultural Gem

Trip Overview

Ubon Ratchathani, nestled along the Mun River near the Laos border, offers an authentic taste of Isaan culture away from tourist crowds. This three-day itinerary balances stunning temple architecture, natural wonders, and local traditions at a comfortable pace. You'll explore Thailand's most beautiful Buddhist temples, witness the confluence of two mighty rivers, discover ancient rock paintings, and immerse yourself in the region's famous candle-carving tradition. The journey includes riverside dining, vibrant night markets, and peaceful forest temples, providing a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. This itinerary showcases why Ubon Ratchathani is considered the cultural heart of Northeast Thailand, with enough downtime to savor the relaxed Isaan lifestyle.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$35-55 per day
Best Seasons
November to February (cool season), July for Candle Festival
Ideal For
Culture enthusiasts, Temple lovers, Off-the-beaten-path travelers, Photography enthusiasts, Solo travelers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Riverside Temples & City Discovery

Ubon Ratchathani City Center
Begin your Ubon adventure exploring the city's most iconic temples and discovering the unique meeting point of two rivers, followed by an evening at the bustling night market.
Morning
Wat Thung Si Mueang & Wat Nong Bua
Start at Wat Thung Si Mueang in the heart of the city, featuring a striking white ubosot with intricate Lao-style architecture. The temple sits on a peaceful lake and offers excellent photo opportunities. Continue to nearby Wat Nong Bua, known for its unique replica of the Mahabodhi Temple from India, complete with golden spires and detailed Buddhist murals depicting the life of Buddha.
3 hours Free (donations welcome, $1-2)
Lunch
Chokdee Dim Sum at Thung Si Mueang Market
Thai-Chinese dim sum and local Isaan dishes Budget
Afternoon
Two-Color River (Mun and Chee Rivers confluence) & Wat Tai Phra Chao Yai Ong Tue
Visit Hat Khu Deua Park where the brown Mun River meets the blue Chee River, creating a stunning natural phenomenon visible during certain seasons. The riverside park offers walking paths and local food vendors. Then explore Wat Tai Phra Chao Yai Ong Tue, home to one of Thailand's most revered Buddha images and an impressive library built on stilts over a lotus pond.
2-3 hours Free
Evening
Dinner and Night Market exploration
Dine at Paa Taek Restaurant for authentic Isaan cuisine along the Mun River, then explore the Ubon Ratchathani Night Market (near Thung Si Mueang) for local snacks, handicrafts, and people-watching. Try som tam, grilled chicken, and sticky rice.

Where to Stay Tonight

City Center near Thung Si Mueang (Mid-range hotel like Tohsang City Hotel or Sunee Grand Hotel)

Central location provides easy access to temples, restaurants, and markets, with riverside views and walking distance to major attractions.

The two-color river phenomenon is most visible during the rainy season (July-October) when water levels and sediment differ significantly between the two rivers.
Day 1 Budget: $40-60
2

Ancient Art & Forest Temples

Pha Taem National Park & Surroundings
Venture to the Mekong River border to witness prehistoric rock paintings, stunning cliff views, and explore the region's unique mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Morning
Pha Taem National Park - Prehistoric Rock Paintings
Depart early (7:00 AM) for the 90-minute drive to Pha Taem National Park. Witness sunrise over the Mekong River from Thailand's easternmost viewpoint, then explore 3,000-4,000 year-old rock paintings depicting ancient life, animals, and geometric patterns along a cliff face. The paintings stretch for 180 meters and offer insight into prehistoric Southeast Asian civilization. The cliff provides panoramic views across the Mekong into Laos.
3-4 hours including travel $3 park entrance fee
Hire a car or join a day tour from Ubon city (around $30-40 for private car)
Lunch
Local restaurants near Khong Chiam district
Mekong River fish specialties and Isaan cuisine Budget
Afternoon
Sao Chaliang (Mushroom Rock Field) & Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (Wat Phu Prao)
Explore Sao Chaliang's otherworldly landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations created by millions of years of erosion. Walk among these natural sculptures in a peaceful forest setting. Then visit the stunning Wat Sirindhorn Wararam, known as the 'Emerald Temple,' featuring incredible fluorescent murals that glow under UV light, depicting Buddhist cosmology in contemporary artistic style.
3 hours $1.50 park fee + donations
Evening
Return to Ubon City for dinner
Try Kai Yang Wat Jaeng for the best grilled chicken in Ubon, or visit Indee Cafe by the river for a relaxed atmosphere with Western and Thai fusion options.

Where to Stay Tonight

City Center (Same hotel or guesthouse)

Return to your base in the city center for convenience and to avoid changing accommodations for just one night.

Bring a flashlight or use your phone light to fully appreciate the fluorescent murals at Wat Sirindhorn Wararam - the temple provides UV lights, but having your own allows for better viewing angles.
Day 2 Budget: $45-65
3

Candle Art & Cultural Immersion

Ubon Ratchathani City & Surroundings
Dive into Ubon's famous candle-carving tradition, visit a serene forest temple, and explore local markets before your departure.
Morning
Ubon Ratchathani National Museum & Candle Carving Center
Visit the National Museum to understand Ubon's history, archaeology, and the famous Candle Festival tradition. See intricate wax sculptures that represent the pinnacle of Thai craftsmanship. Then visit the Ubon Candle Carving Center to watch artisans create elaborate candle sculptures and learn about this unique art form that reaches its peak during the Buddhist Lent Candle Festival. You can try your hand at basic candle carving.
2.5-3 hours $3 museum entrance, free at candle center
Lunch
Ruan Pae Thai Restaurant
Traditional Thai and Isaan dishes in a traditional wooden house setting Mid-range
Afternoon
Wat Pa Nanachat & Local Market Shopping
Visit Wat Pa Nanachat, an international forest monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition where Western monks practice under strict meditation discipline. The peaceful forest setting offers a glimpse into monastic life. Afterwards, explore Wat Jaeng Market or Tesco Lotus area markets for local products, silk textiles, and souvenirs. Ubon is famous for its mudmee silk and natural indigo-dyed fabrics.
2-3 hours $20-40 for shopping
Respect monastery silence rules and dress modestly
Evening
Farewell dinner and riverside stroll
Enjoy a final meal at Boom's Restaurant along the Mun River, known for excellent Thai food and sunset views. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade to reflect on your Ubon experience.

Where to Stay Tonight

City Center or near airport if departing early (Same hotel or airport hotel)

Convenient for departure and final evening in the city.

If visiting during July, the Candle Festival (Khao Phansa) is one of Thailand's most spectacular events with enormous wax sculptures paraded through the streets - book accommodation months in advance.
Day 3 Budget: $35-55

Practical Information

Getting Around

Ubon Ratchathani is best explored by rented motorbike ($5-8/day) or car ($25-35/day) for flexibility, especially for day trips to Pha Taem. Songthaews (shared pickups) operate within the city for $0.50-1 per ride. Tuk-tuks cost $2-5 for short trips. Grab taxi app is available. For Pha Taem, consider hiring a private car with driver ($40-50/day) if uncomfortable driving. The city is relatively compact, and downtown temples are walkable. Airport to city center costs $5-7 by taxi.

Book Ahead

Book accommodation during July's Candle Festival at least 2-3 months ahead. Otherwise, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is sufficient. No advance tickets needed for temples or national parks. Consider pre-arranging car rental or day tour to Pha Taem National Park.

Packing Essentials

Modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders and knees), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, flashlight for cave temples, reusable water bottle, light rain jacket (if visiting May-October), and camera for rock paintings and temple murals.

Total Budget

$120-180 for 3 days (excluding accommodation and flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in guesthouses or hostels ($8-15/night) like Suneta Hostel Ubon. Eat exclusively at local markets and street food stalls ($1-3 per meal). Use songthaews and public transport instead of private vehicles. Skip hiring a car for Pha Taem and join a group tour or take public bus to Khong Chiam ($2) then hire a motorbike taxi. Cook some meals if staying in accommodation with kitchen facilities. Total daily budget can drop to $20-30.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at Tohsang Khongjiam Resort on the Mekong River ($80-120/night) with stunning river views. Hire a private guide and air-conditioned vehicle for all excursions ($80-100/day). Dine at upscale restaurants like The Outside Inn and riverside fine dining venues. Book a private candle-carving workshop with a master artisan. Consider a sunset boat cruise on the Mekong River. Add spa treatments at hotel. Daily budget increases to $150-250.

Family-Friendly

Base at a hotel with pool like Sunee Grand Hotel. Shorten temple visits and add more interactive experiences like hands-on candle carving and feeding fish at temple ponds. Pack snacks and entertainment for the Pha Taem drive. Visit the mushroom rocks which children find fascinating. Spend more time at riverside parks where kids can play. Choose family-friendly restaurants with diverse menus. Consider renting a car for comfort with children rather than motorbikes.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Ubon Ratchathani

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.