A Temple That Glows in the Twilight!? Recommended Tourist Spots in Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is the easternmost city in Thailand’s Isan region, bordering both Laos and Cambodia. Although it remains relatively unfamiliar to many, the city is home to numerous fascinating attractions, including magnificent Buddhist temples and sites featuring prehistoric wall paintings.

Due to its location along the border, Ubon Ratchathani has a unique cultural blend, where different languages and traditions intertwine, creating a distinctive atmosphere unlike any other place in Thailand. Interestingly, many of Thailand’s famously spicy dishes actually originate from the Isan region, a fact that is not widely known.

In this guide, we introduce some of the best-hidden gems in Ubon Ratchathani. If you ever have the chance to visit, be sure to use this as a reference for your trip!

1. Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Ubon Ratanaram)

Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram, also known as Wat Si Ratanaram, was built as a replica of Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok. With a history of approximately 150 years, this temple is deeply cherished by the people of Ubon Ratchathani.

Inside Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram, there is a topaz Buddha statue crafted in the same style as the Emerald Buddha enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. It is said to have been brought from Laos, just like the Emerald Buddha itself. Every year on April 13, which marks Thailand’s traditional Songkran (New Year) Festival, a grand procession featuring this topaz Buddha parades through the town.

Although it is not a large temple, its refined beauty makes it one of the must-visit sightseeing spots in Ubon Ratchathani.

2. Wat Nong Bua

Wat Nong Bua is an Indian-style temple featuring a 56-meter-tall chedi (Buddhist stupa), which was built to commemorate 2,500 years since Buddha’s passing into Nirvana. Modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, this temple is so elaborately crafted that some even claim its intricate carvings surpass those of its Indian counterpart.

The white and gold exterior is breathtakingly beautiful, but stepping inside reveals an even more opulent display of Buddha statues and interior decorations. This temple provides an excellent opportunity to observe a distinct style of Buddhist architecture.

The 56-meter-tall chedi stands prominently in Ubon Ratchathani, making it easy to locate. Additionally, Wat Nong Bua is home to a replica of the wax sculptures used in Ubon Ratchathani’s famous Candle Festival. As the festival approaches, visitors may even have the chance to witness artisans working on the actual wax sculptures. If you plan your trip around this time, visiting the temple will provide an even more immersive experience.

3. Wat Sirindhorn Wararam

Located near the Laos border, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam is a stunning temple known for its magical glow at twilight. Once an under-the-radar attraction, it has recently surged in popularity thanks to captivating photos shared on social media.

Perched atop a small hill in Ubon Ratchathani, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam also offers a breathtaking view of the sunset over the Mekong River. As dusk falls, an illuminated Tree of Life motif on the back of the temple, along with intricate glowing patterns on the ground, begin to radiate a mystical light. Unlike typical light displays, this effect is created using fluorescent paint, which gradually fades over time.
The mesmerizing sight of the glowing temple is truly unmissable for anyone visiting Ubon Ratchathani.

4. Chong Mek

Chong Mek is a border town between Thailand and Laos. It is one of the few places in Ubon Ratchathani where travelers can cross into Laos by land, making it a bustling hub for backpackers and tourists. Visitors can enter Laos on foot, by car, or by bus. Many travelers take advantage of this opportunity to make a quick visit to Laos while sightseeing in Ubon Ratchathani.

The town features a local market, and there is also a shopping center on the Laotian side, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. For tourists visiting Ubon Ratchathani, the chaotic yet fascinating blend of two different cultures at the border is a unique experience. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an international border, Chong Mek is worth a visit.

Although crossing the border is relatively easy, immigration procedures can sometimes take longer than expected. It is recommended to allow plenty of time in your schedule when planning your visit.

5. Pha Taem National Park

Also located along the Laos border, Pha Taem National Park covers a vast area of 340 square kilometers. This region was once submerged under the sea, and remnants of its past can still be seen in its mushroom-shaped rock formations and embedded fossilized shells. From barren rock landscapes to lush tropical rainforests with cascading waterfalls, this national park offers visitors a chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

One of the most remarkable features of Pha Taem National Park is its prehistoric cave paintings. Over 300 paintings, dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years, depict fish, horses, and human figures. Among these, human-like figures with triangular heads remain a mystery—were they representations of ancient people, or something else entirely? These ancient paintings evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity.

With its vast expanse, the national park is impossible to explore fully in just one day. Staying in Ubon Ratchathani for a few days to explore its many wonders is highly recommended.

◎ Summary

Ubon Ratchathani is home to many stunning temples and breathtaking natural landscapes. Beyond the attractions introduced here, there are many more hidden gems, including Khao Phra Wihan National Park, where visitors can catch a glimpse of Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

With convenient access from Bangkok—just a one-hour flight—Ubon Ratchathani is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Thailand’s lesser-known yet fascinating cultural and historical sites. Why not take a trip to discover this hidden gem for yourself?