Ubon Ratchathani

About

Founded by Lao immigrants in the 1700s, Ubon Ratchathani prospered as a US airbase during the Vietnam War. Today, Ubon Ratchathani is still a village at heart, and its residents are famously hospitable to visitors. With two universities the city has a lively hum to it, and hip coffee shops punctuate the historic temples. While not as grand and imposing as those in Bangkok, Uban’s temple’s have an undeniable charm - just see the 200 year old Wat Thung Si Muang - its scripture hall, an elegant wooden structure that combines Thai and Burmese styles, standing on stilts, rising above a lotus pond, is simply enchanting. At the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum you’ll find everything from a 2500-year-old bronze drum to Ubon textiles. While you’re exploring, be sure to stop for food - the shops will excitedly try cater to visitors and tone down the heat, but you can still expect blazingly hot Isaan food.