The Country
Thailand
The Place
Ubon Ratchathani, Isaan
Why You Need to Visit Ubon Ratchathani
I used to think all of Thailand was firmly on the beaten path and basically everywhere I went there would feel really touristy, but then I visited Isaan. In northeast Thailand, Isaan is actually Thailand’s largest region, but it’s often ignored by visitors. The landscape isn’t quite as exciting as other parts of the country (read: rice paddies forever), but there’s still so much charm there!
Ubon Ratchathani was the last city I visited in Isaan, and I really never wanted to leave. It lies on the Mun River and has a calm, sleepy feel, while still having plenty of temples, riverside cafés and markets to keep visitors from getting bored. In fact, after just a few hours in the city Dan declared that if we were going to continue living in Thailand we should ditch Chiang Mai and move to Ubon Ratchathani instead.
A few tourists travel through Ubon Ratchathani on their way into Laos each year, but locals still seemed quite surprised to see Dan and me. I definitely felt like a guest more than a tourist in Ubon Ratchathani, which is a rare feeling to have in Thailand!
How to Get to Ubon Ratchathani
You can get a night train straight to and from Bangkok, but I recommend spending a little more time exploring the other cities and villages in Isaan.
While home to more flat rice paddies than dramatic mountains or beaches, Isaan still has tons to offer travelers who want to get away from the usual tourist spots, including my favorite bungalow guest house ever and a city that looks just like Chiang Mai except with zero tourists. You can read my complete post on my adventures through Isaan here.
Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Best Place is a super clean new hotel in easy walking distance to the city center, plus it’s quite cheap. Check current rates here
What to Eat in Ubon Ratchathani
Everything! Isaan is famous for its spicy food and for good reason; it’s sooo good. There’s a night market in the center of town and I recommend just ordering one of each dish you see. No but really.
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Have a special place off the beaten path you’d like to share? Email me at heartmybackpack@gmail.com with the destination and I’ll send you some questions to answer about it!
Rachel says
Yes! I’ve been waiting to hear more about this area since your last post (particularly because of Isaan food)! I’ve got stars all over my Google Maps in this part of Thailand and I really hope to get there – it looks so cool! Glad to hear there are still some off the beaten path places in Thailand from somebody who’s been. You guys motorbiked everywhere right? Thanks for the tips!
Silvia says
We rented a motorbike in places to explore outside the cities, but we took the train from city to city, which was incredibly easy. It’s a really fun area to travel through! It’s like a less overwhelming version of Thailand, haha.
Daniel Berg says
Hey I know this is wayyy late. But what was your move with bags on the motorbike? Were you storing your main bags somewhere and taking daypacks?
Silvia says
Dan put his backpack in front of him (between his body and the handlebars) and I had mine on my back.
Nick says
And so close to Surin, my personal fave in NE Thailand.
But yes, agreed, can’t beat that Isaan food!
Silvia says
Right?! I had some serious cravings even just writing about Isaan. That food.
Mary says
That dish looks so delicious! Also, I am sure the locals were surprised to see that tourists actually liked being off the beaten path- most people go to luxury hotels and centralized locations.
Silvia says
SO delicious! I’m still daydreaming about Isann food…
Vanessa @ The Travelling Colognian says
I heard so many great things about Isaan and although I have been to many places in Thailand I never made it to that part of the country. But the spicy food looks delicious and makes it even more tempting. Apparently I should get myself there rather sooner than later.
Silvia says
You really should, it’s such an interesting region!
Kayleigh says
Hello 🙂
I will be in Thailand next week and was planning to spend 10-14 days in Isaan whilst making my way up to Chiang Mai (have some friends going on holiday there soon).
Which places would be a must see during that time? I love nature, hiking, temples and peace and quiet.
Also, I’m travelling solo, do you consider Isaan to be safe for females travelling alone?
Thank you 🙂
Silvia says
I’d definitely feel safe traveling there solo!
David says
Dear Silvia,
I have just been awarded a fellowship to teach at a university in Ubon Ratchathani for the 2018-2019 school year. I honestly had never heard of the city, and yours was the first website I looked at to find more additional information.
I was thrilled to see that you had such a positive experience visiting the city.
Needless to say, after reading about the city a bit online, I accepted!
Let me know if you get back to Ubon in over the next year, I’d like to buy you dinner to say “thanks” for providing such a fab resource.
Best wishes to you, I hope you are keeping warm in Norway.
– David
Priya says
Sometimes taking the offbeat path can help collecting numerous experiences that are enough to bask on for a lifetime. Isaan is one such place in Thailand that most travelers just skip. Either they don’t have enough time, or just think that ‘what’s there to visit in this farmland and tiny town.’ Their overlooking of this place is depriving them of tranquility and nature’s beauty. The clean air, and river-side cafes are a treat for those who want to enjoy fresh air and healthy food. I would highly recommend fellow travelers not to miss this beautiful and tiny farmland.
Rob says
Wife is from Ison north of Ubon. It’s a very sleepy community rural with lots of farming. There’s an old military base in Ubon from the late 60s markets a couple of pubs for Westerners tons of food. I will say I’ve been all over the world but by far Ubon in the hot months is the most hot and humid combination I have ever experienced in my life, I’m from southern Texas and Ubon was absolutely brutal. So much so we had to run back to Bangkok to an air-conditioned hotel and airport. Don’t forget the local speak dual languages snowing a little bit of Thai and Laos would help greatly.