Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The bustling heart of Ubon Ratchathani features a mix of commercial buildings, traditional shophouses, and modern developments. This area offers the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants, banks, and shopping centers. The night market and local eateries provide authentic Isaan experiences within walking distance.
- Walking distance to restaurants, markets, and shops
- Excellent public transport connections including songthaews
- Wide variety of accommodation options at all price points
- Easy access to tour operators and travel services
- Can be noisy, especially near main roads
- Limited green spaces and river views
The scenic riverside area along the Mun River offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful sunset views and breezy evenings. This zone has seen development of boutique hotels and guesthouses that capitalize on the natural setting. The riverside promenade is popular for evening walks and cycling.
- Peaceful atmosphere away from traffic noise
- Beautiful river views and sunset photo opportunities
- Access to riverside walking and cycling paths
- Proximity to Wat Tai Phra Chao Yai Ong Tue temple
- Fewer dining options within immediate walking distance
- May require transport to reach city center attractions
Located across the Mun River from the main city, Warin Chamrap is a separate district that functions as Ubon's twin city. This area is quieter and more residential, offering budget-friendly accommodation options and authentic local experiences. The train station is located here, making it convenient for rail travelers.
- Significantly lower accommodation prices
- Direct access to Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station
- Authentic local atmosphere with traditional markets
- Less touristy with genuine Isaan culture
- Requires crossing the river to access main city attractions
- Fewer Western amenities and English-speaking services
This modern commercial corridor features newer hotels, shopping plazas, and international restaurants. The area has developed rapidly over the past decade and represents Ubon's more contemporary face. It's particularly popular with Thai business travelers and younger visitors.
- Modern hotels with international standards
- Close to Big C Supercenter and Central Plaza shopping
- Wide selection of restaurants including international chains
- Well-maintained roads with good taxi access
- Less traditional character and local atmosphere
- Higher prices than older parts of the city
Located about 90 kilometers from the city center near the Mekong River, this area offers resort-style accommodation for nature enthusiasts. Properties here cater to visitors exploring the national park's prehistoric rock paintings and dramatic cliff views. The area provides a complete contrast to urban Ubon.
- Stunning natural scenery and fresh air
- Access to Pha Taem National Park and cliff viewpoints
- Peaceful environment perfect for relaxation
- Opportunity to see sunrise over Laos across the Mekong
- Requires private transport or tour to reach
- Limited dining options outside of resorts
- Far from city amenities and services
The zone surrounding Ubon Ratchathani Airport has seen hotel development catering to early morning or late-night flight passengers. This area is primarily functional rather than atmospheric, with straightforward accommodation focused on convenience. It's also close to Rajabhat University.
- Proximity to airport (5-10 minutes)
- Free airport shuttle services at most hotels
- Quiet location away from city traffic
- Often includes complimentary breakfast
- Limited attractions and dining nearby
- Requires transport to reach city center (15-20 minutes)
Surrounding Ubon Ratchathani University, this youthful area features budget accommodation, student-friendly cafes, and affordable eateries. The atmosphere is energetic during term time, with a good selection of inexpensive guesthouses and small hotels. This area offers excellent value for budget-conscious travelers.
- Very affordable accommodation and food options
- Vibrant cafe culture and nightlife during term time
- Safe and well-lit streets with student presence
- Good internet connectivity in most establishments
- Can be quiet during university holidays
- Basic facilities compared to business hotels
This emerging residential and leisure area surrounds a scenic lake on the eastern side of the city. Several newer boutique properties and serviced apartments have opened here, offering a suburban feel with easy access to the city. The lake provides a pleasant setting for morning walks and evening relaxation.
- Peaceful lakeside setting with natural scenery
- Modern serviced apartments with kitchen facilities
- Popular with expats and long-term visitors
- Good jogging and exercise areas around the lake
- Requires motorbike or car for convenient city access
- Limited restaurant choices in immediate vicinity
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Traditional Thai guesthouses in Ubon Ratchathani offer basic rooms with fan or air conditioning, often family-run with personal service. Most are concentrated in Warin Chamrap and the older parts of the city center, providing authentic local experiences.
Best for: Budget backpackers, solo travelers, and those seeking local cultural immersion
Mid-range business hotels dominate Ubon's accommodation landscape, offering reliable comfort with amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast buffets, and sometimes swimming pools. These properties cater primarily to Thai business travelers but welcome tourists warmly.
Best for: Travelers wanting consistent quality, families, and those on organized tours
A growing category in Ubon Ratchathani, boutique hotels blend modern design with Isaan cultural elements. These smaller properties typically feature 20-40 rooms with personalized service and unique character, often located along the river or in renovated commercial buildings.
Best for: Couples, design-conscious travelers, and those seeking Instagram-worthy accommodations
Located outside the city near natural attractions like Pha Taem National Park or along the Mekong River, resorts offer bungalow-style accommodation with nature immersion. These properties provide a complete escape from urban environments.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, weekend escapers, and families wanting outdoor activities
Increasingly popular for longer stays, serviced apartments in Ubon offer kitchen facilities, washing machines, and more space than traditional hotels. Monthly rates provide excellent value for extended visits, with weekly housekeeping typically included.
Best for: Digital nomads, business travelers on extended assignments, and families staying more than a week
Authentic homestays are available both in the city and surrounding rural areas, offering immersive cultural experiences with local families. Meals are typically included, featuring genuine Isaan cuisine, and hosts often arrange cultural activities.
Best for: Cultural enthusiasts, students, and travelers wanting authentic Thai family experiences
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
The Candle Festival in July (Buddhist Lent) is Ubon's biggest event, attracting visitors from across Thailand and internationally. Hotels fill up 3-4 months in advance, and prices increase by 100-200%. Book by March or April if you plan to visit during this period, or consider staying in Warin Chamrap where availability is slightly better.
Many Ubon hotels offer better rates when booked directly via phone, email, or their Facebook pages compared to international booking platforms. You can often negotiate extras like free breakfast, airport pickup, or late checkout. Hotels appreciate direct bookings as they avoid commission fees and are usually willing to match or beat online prices.
Especially in budget and mid-range properties, room quality can vary significantly even within the same hotel. Politely request to see the room before committing, which is standard practice in Thailand. Check air conditioning function, water pressure, Wi-Fi strength, and mattress firmness, as these vary widely in older establishments.
Ubon Airport is about 15 kilometers from the city center. Many hotels offer free airport pickup if you book directly and notify them of your flight details 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, airport taxis operate on a fixed-rate system (200-300 THB to city center), and Grab app is available for slightly cheaper rides.
For stays exceeding 5 nights, negotiate directly with the hotel for reduced rates. Most properties offer 10-20% discounts for weekly stays and up to 40% for monthly bookings. This applies to all categories from guesthouses to business hotels, and managers have flexibility to adjust pricing for extended guests.
Beyond the Candle Festival, Ubon hosts several events that affect accommodation availability and pricing, including the Ubon Marathon (January), Songkran (April), and various Buddhist holidays. The cool season (November-February) sees increased domestic tourism on weekends. Midweek bookings during cool season offer the best value.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For November through February (cool season) and the Candle Festival in July, book 2-3 months in advance for best selection. Prices are 30-50% higher than low season, and popular properties sell out on weekends. Flexibility with dates can yield better rates midweek.
March-May (hot season) and September-October see moderate demand. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for good availability and reasonable rates. Many hotels offer promotional rates during hot season to attract guests, making it excellent value despite the heat.
June and August-September (rainy season, excluding Candle Festival week) offer the lowest rates and best availability. Same-day bookings are often possible, and walk-in rates may be cheaper than online prices. Hotels are eager to fill rooms and negotiate willingly.
Booking 3-4 weeks in advance provides the best balance of selection and price for most periods. Last-minute bookings work well outside peak times, while major festivals require planning months ahead. Direct contact with hotels often yields better deals than booking platforms regardless of season.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.