Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Ubon Ratchathani
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Asahna Bucha Day and Khao Phansa mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent in late July, bringing extraordinary candlelight processions at Wat Thung Si Muang and Wat Nong Bua that you won't see any other time of year. The whole city participates, and locals are especially welcoming to visitors during this period.
- The Mun River is at its fullest and most dramatic in July, making riverside dining at the night markets along Thung Si Muang particularly atmospheric. The water level transforms the usual dusty banks into an actual scenic waterfront, and the breeze off the river provides genuine relief from the humidity.
- Tourist numbers drop significantly during the rainy season, meaning you'll have Pha Taem National Park and Sam Phan Bok virtually to yourself. The prehistoric rock paintings at Pha Taem are easier to photograph without crowds, and accommodations typically run 30-40% cheaper than high season rates in November through February.
- July rainfall actually brings the countryside to life in ways the dry season can't match. The rice paddies around Ban Pa-ao turn brilliant green, waterfalls like Huai Luang and Saeng Chan flow at their most impressive volumes, and the air quality improves noticeably after each afternoon shower clears out the dust.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly distributed, and when the monsoon settles in, it can rain for 2-3 days straight rather than the predictable afternoon showers you might expect. This makes planning day trips to Sam Phan Bok or Pha Taem National Park somewhat risky, as dirt roads become genuinely impassable and the Mekong River can be too rough for boat trips.
- The 70% humidity combined with warm temperatures creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll want to shower twice daily. Air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for most travelers, which limits your budget accommodation options and means you'll spend more time indoors than you might prefer.
- Some of the region's most photogenic attractions lose their appeal in July. Sam Phan Bok, the 3,000 Holes rock formations in the Mekong, are partially or completely submerged when water levels rise, and you might make the 2-hour drive from Ubon only to find the main formations underwater. Check current water levels before committing to the trip.
Best Activities in July
Pha Taem National Park sunrise and cliff walks
July mornings before the clouds build up offer the clearest views across the Mekong into Laos from the 17 km (10.6 mile) cliff edge trail. The 3,000-4,000 year old rock paintings are protected from rain by natural overhangs, so they're accessible even during wet season. The park is genuinely empty in July compared to the December-January peak, when Thai tourists pack the sunrise viewpoint. The vegetation is lush after recent rains, making the 8 km (5 mile) drive through the park more scenic than the brown landscape of dry season. Start at 5:30am to catch sunrise around 6am, and you'll be back at your vehicle before the afternoon heat builds.
Mekong River temple cycling routes
The 40-50 km (25-31 mile) loop from Ubon through Khong Chiam and back along the Mekong is actually more pleasant in July than during hot season when temperatures hit 40°C (104°F). Morning rides between 6am-9am before the humidity peaks let you explore Wat Tham Khuha Sawan and the two-color river confluence where the Mun meets the Mekong without the intense heat. The occasional rain shower is welcome rather than problematic, and traffic is lighter during low season. The riverside sections are greener and more photogenic than the dusty dry season landscape.
Buddhist Lent candlelight processions and temple ceremonies
Khao Phansa, the start of Buddhist Lent, falls in late July 2026 and transforms Ubon's temples for several days. Wat Thung Si Muang and Wat Nong Bua host elaborate candlelight processions after sunset, where thousands of locals circle the temple grounds three times carrying flowers, incense, and enormous decorated candles. This is participatory rather than performative tourism - you'll be welcomed to join the procession, and the atmosphere is genuinely moving rather than staged. The merit-making ceremonies happen throughout the day, and monks accept offerings of yellow robes and necessities they'll use during the three-month retreat period.
Countryside village weaving workshops and silk farm visits
July is actually ideal for visiting the traditional weaving villages around Ban Pa-ao and Ban Khwao Sinarin because artisans are working indoors during rainy season rather than in the fields. You can watch the entire silk production process from silkworm cultivation through dyeing with natural indigo and weaving on traditional looms. The demonstrations are unhurried during low season, and weavers have more time to explain techniques and let you try the looms yourself. The 30-40 km (19-25 mile) drive through rice paddies is dramatically greener in July than the parched landscape of hot season.
Thung Si Muang night market and riverside food stalls
The evening food scene along the Mun River comes alive after the day's heat breaks, typically from 5pm onward. July's higher water levels make the riverside setting more appealing than dry season when you're eating next to muddy banks. The market stretches for nearly 1 km (0.6 miles) along the river with everything from grilled Mekong catfish for 80-150 baht to Isaan specialties like som tam and larb for 40-60 baht per dish. The post-rain air is clearer and cooler than other months, making evening strolls more comfortable. This is where locals actually eat rather than tourist-focused restaurants, so prices are genuine and quality is consistent.
Wat Nong Bua and Wat Pa Nanachat forest monastery visits
July weather makes the forest monastery experience more authentic as you'll see monks going about their actual rainy season retreat rather than the abbreviated routines of busy tourist months. Wat Pa Nanachat, founded by Western monks, welcomes English-speaking visitors for meditation sessions and dharma talks most afternoons. The 120 hectare (297 acre) forest grounds are lush and green in July, with the sound of rain on leaves creating natural meditation ambiance. Morning alms rounds happen rain or shine at 6:30am, and watching the silent procession is more moving with fewer camera-wielding tourists around.
July Events & Festivals
Asahna Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
The most significant Buddhist holiday in Ubon's calendar falls in late July 2026, marking Buddha's first sermon and the beginning of the three-month monastic rains retreat. Wat Thung Si Muang becomes the center of elaborate ceremonies with massive carved candles up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall that took months to create. The evening wien tien candlelight procession draws thousands of locals who circle the temple three times carrying flowers, incense, and candles. Young men traditionally ordain as monks during this period, so you'll witness ordination ceremonies throughout the day. The atmosphere is reverent but welcoming to respectful visitors who want to participate.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival preparations
While the famous Candle Festival itself happens in early August, July is when you can actually watch the elaborate candles being carved and constructed at temples throughout the city. Wat Ban Na Meuang and Wat Thung Si Muang open their workshops to visitors, and artisans are happy to explain the traditional wax carving techniques passed down through generations. This behind-the-scenes access is arguably more interesting than the parade itself, and you'll have genuine interactions with craftspeople rather than fighting crowds. The candles being prepared for Khao Phansa in late July give you a preview of the artistry without the festival chaos.