Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Despite being one of the major cities in Isan (Northeastern Thailand), Ubon Ratchathani doesn’t get enough credit for its raw beauty. Brimming with natural hidden gems, the city remains largely unexplored and is thus a dreamy spot if you’re looking for a quirky off-the-beaten-path destination.

Located along the Mekong and sharing its border with Laos, Ubon Ratchathani possesses a very pleasant kind of eccentricity that’s hard to put into words. Landlocked Isan's very own sandy beaches, prehistoric cave paintings, 3,000-something natural sandstone cliffs and burrows, and even glow-in-the-dark temple – it’s hard to imagine ever running out of things to do in Ubon Ratchathani.

Check out these top things to do in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

1. See the tree of life at Phu Prao Temple and breathe in the mountain air while gazing over Laos

Dubbed ‘The Glowing Temple’, Wat Sirindhorn Wanaram Phu Prao or simply Wat Phu Prao stuns visitors with its luminous Tree of Life meticulously carved on the back gate of its chapel. The phosphor Pink Cassia absorbs daylight during the day and gives off the mesmerizing glow at night.

While the best time to see the illuminated tree is from 6 to 8 pm, the temple itself is an architectural gem and definitely worth a visit during daytime too. Located hilltop overlooking Laos, the golden Lanchang-style temple offers you not a feast for the eyes, but also a lungful of fresh mountain air.

2. Catch Thailand’s first ray of sunlight and discover more than 300 prehistoric cave paintings at Pha Taem National Park

Located right along the Mekong River and the Thai-Laos border, Pha Tam National Park promises a peaceful experience far from the crowd. Its highest peak, Pha Chanadai (Chanadai Cliff), sees Thailand’s first sunbeam.

Apart from this swoon-worthy privilege, Pha Tam National Park is home to the renowned red ancient cave paintings made of quartz and hematite. They date back to more than 3 millennia and depict human hands and animals, including the aquatic ones like turtle and Mekong giant catfish – presumably ancient residents of the area. These paintings are among the most important in Thailand and will surely take you on a momentary tour back in time. 

Though best known for its sunrise peak and ancestral art pieces, Pha Taem National Park park also has other awe-inspiring natural hidden gems.

1) Soi Sawan Waterfall

Literally translated to Divine Necklace Waterfall, the 20-meter-tall falls are formed by two streams joining each other just above the cliff. They form a necklace-like fall and thus earning its name.

2) Long Roo or Sang Chan Waterfall

Meaning "Into the Hole Waterfall" or "Moonlight Waterfall", the names of the waterfall perfectly describe its ethereal features. The streams literally fall through a hole on the rock, hence the first dub. The hole also looks like a full moon, especially on a full moon night when the light shines right through the hole, casting a silver gleam on the water surface.

If you’re in need of an extra large dose of nature, the park also has bungalows and tents for rent. Come stay the night and recharge.

3. Take in Mekong River’s grandiose simplicity and cozy small town vibe in Khemarat

If you adore quietude, the Mekong River, and simple local Isan lifestyle, this tiny riverbank town is just for you. 

Khemarat might not be that fancy, but that’s exactly its best-loved quirk.

Unwind from the big city buzz and stroll along the rustic wooden houses. Follow the locals to Khemarat’s walking street and get all the cheap but scrumptious Isan nosh your belly wants.

4. A feast for your imagination – Heart- and Mickey Mouse-shaped holes at Sam Phan Bok rock reef

Literally translated to three thousand holes in Thai, this vast landscape is home to countless holes with the most interesting shapes. Star, heart, and what your imagination says (even Mickey Mouse) have all graced Sam Phan Bok's intriguing grounds.

Eroded by water for millennia, the sandstone reef is filled with holes of all shapes and sizes from shallow pits to alien planet-like gaping hollows. These trenches scatter more than 5 kilometers along the Thai and Lao borders.

As Samphan Bok is right along the Mekong River banks, the best time to see its otherworldly beauty is during the dry season (October-May).

Although traveling with a private car would be the most convenient way to get there, local pickup-turned-mini bus (Song Thaew) or a boat will gift you with a bonus view of the Mekong and the rural life along its bank.

If you choose to go by a boat, also consider chasing the last light at our next destination, Had Hong Sand Dunes.

5. Catch the sunset at Had Hong Sand Dunes

Don’t miss the desert-like sand dunes on the Mekong. Make it the last stop on your boat trip and marvel at the sun slowly setting behind the golden sand dunes.

6. See the opulent Thai-style replica of Sri Mahabodhi Stupa at Wat Phra That Nong Bua

The name Sri Mahabodhi Temple might ring a bell as it's the Buddha’s enlightenment place in Bodh Gaya, India. Here at Wat Phra That Nong Bua, you’ll find a 56-meter high golden Thai-style replica of the sacred site.

Get there early to beat the crowd and enjoy a special moment of serenity. Take time to admire the stupa’s pristine gold on white decoration, as it’s the only one in Isan region.

7. Phu Chong–Na Yoi National Park – Waterfall, sandy beach and breathtaking shrimp march

Here comes many locals’ and travelers’ favorite national park in Ubon Ratchathani. Phu Chong–Na Yoi National Park offers a generous range of off-the-beaten-path adventures. Here are the highlights.  

1) Huai Luang Waterfall

This natural gem doesn’t get enough praise for its beauty. But thanks to that, the place remains quite peaceful and unspoiled. The streams fall over a 45 meter-high cliff into an emerald green pool.

Here’s the best part: right beside the dazzling green water is a white sandy beach, a rare sight in Isan. And during the wet season (June – October), the melodic rainfall echoes in the forest.  If that doesn’t sound magical, then we don’t know what is.

2) Pra Oan La Oar Waterfall

Although small in size, the cascade is big in aesthetic. Bathe in the massaging streams or do a waterfall hop, as Pra Oan La Oar Waterfall is just a convenient 100 meters away from Huai Luang Waterfall.

If you're looking for something mind-blowing, time your visit for the shrimp march. Hundreds of thousands of small shrimps march against the tide to lay eggs near the source of the river.

This natural phenomenon only occurs once in a year during August and September. The spectacular crustaceans will march overnight between 7 pm to around 5 am. But to be frank, you’ll also need some luck bone as some nights the shrimps come in droves. Other nights, not so much.

8. Learn to cook homemade Isan food

Of course, local food is unmissable. Ubon Ratchathani has many great restaurants and you can also enjoy a home-cooked Isan meal at local home. Visit our lovely Local Expert Khun Jureerat's home-style farm. You’ll learn tidbits about Isan agriculture and handpick ingredients for your very own Isan dishes.

For more details of the trip, look here.

That’s it for things to do in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, but that’s not all you can do on your journey. Combine your visit to Ubon Ratchathani with trips to other charming cities in Northeastern Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Top Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand: Mekong’s Soulful Grandeur, Mickey Mouse-Shaped Pothole and Phenomenal Shrimp March appeared first on Amazing Thailand.

Sakon Nakhon, Northeastern Thailand

To many visitors, Northeastern Thailand or Isan is the most difficult region to travel around. That, however, is changing. The biggest region in Thailand, Isan has a wealth of attractions and traditions, especially in Sakon Nakhon. Now served by daily flights from Bangkok, you can fly to the upper northeastern city in just about an hour.

Situated in the densely forested Phu Phan mountain range area, Sakon Nakhon has always been an ideal place for those seeking tranquility. The Northeast is the birthplace of the Thai Forest Tradition, a highly disciplined lineage of Theravada Buddhism. In addition to visiting forest temples and learn more about some of Thailand's most prominent monks, you can visit one of the strongest Christian communities. The city also hosts some of the most spectacular Buddhist and Christian festivals in Thailand.

Combining with natural attractions and historic Khmer ruins as well as local ways of life and cuisine, this Isan city can surely cater for all tastes. Check out these top things to do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

Top 10 Things to Do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand

1. Pay respect to the city’s most sacred temple, Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

A great way to start your trip. Wat Phra That Choeng Chum is also the city’s most iconic temple. After admiring the 24 meter-high stupa, pay respect to Luang Pho Ong Saen (the city’s most important Buddha image) and footprints of 4 Buddhas.  

2. Gaze at a parade of wax masterpieces at Wax Castle Festival

Well-known for their strong faith, the local Buddhists celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa) grandly. Every year in October, they handcraft Buddhist temples and castle-like structures out of beeswax. These magnificent artworks are homage to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum and paraded around the city.    

3. Walk among lotuses and watch the sunset over Isan’s largest lake

The biggest lotus park in Thailand. A red bridge zigzags around the lake and you can also sit back and relax in one of the many Thai-style pavilions. Love cycling? You’re welcome to rent a bike.

The lotus park is located just across from Nong Han Lake, so make the most of your visit by visiting both. Nong Han Lake is the biggest lake in the Northeast and also the second largest freshwater lake in Thailand. Stunning sunset aside, Nong Han Lake is dotted with islets and you can take a boat to them while observing local fishermen at work.

4. Admire Buddhist arts amid nature at Wat Tham Pha Daen

Situated on Phu Phan mountain and surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers, Wat Tham Pha Daen is a great temple even for those who are feeling templed out. Its golden pagodas gleam on the enormous rocks and Buddhist motifs are carved into the rocks. Thanks to its location, the temple offers sweeping views of the city and Nong Han Lake.

5. Explore the century-old largest Christian community in Thailand at Tha Rae

Tha Rae Village is home to more Christians than anywhere in Thailand and the community has a long history. Over 100 years ago, Catholic Christians from Vietnam took refuge in Thailand and finally settled in Tha Rae. The village has a unique atmosphere with old French-Vietnamese-style buildings and Noah's Ark-like Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral. Plus you can also try Vietnamese cuisine.

6. Have yourself a Merry Starry Christmas at Christmas Star Festival

Since Tha Rae is a dominantly Christian community, this is one of the few places in Thailand where you can enjoy grand Christmas festivities. What’s more, Christmas Star Festival is arguably one of the most colorful Christmas celebrations in the world. At Christmas time, the village is decked out with star lanterns and when the night falls, everything is illuminated. Be dazzled by more than 200 cars parading the big star lanterns around the village. Watch the story of Jesus unfold in a stage play. Meet Santa Claus, angels and many more Christmas characters.       

7. Glimpse into the world of the Thai Forest Tradition

With the aim of training the mind to enlightenment, the monks Ajarn Sao Kantasilo and Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto retreated into the secluded forests and caves of the Northeast for intense meditation practice and from then on lived a highly ascetic life. A rigorous practice that’s the closest to Buddha’s.

The Thai Forest Tradition has gained a large following. Since Ajarn Mun and his notable students trained and were laid to rest in Sakon Nakhon, you can retrace their footsteps in the city. Take these following places for example:

1) Wat Pa Sutthawat and Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Museum

Wat Pa Sutthawat is Ajarn Mun’s final resting place and in the temple grounds is a museum and shrine dedicated to his life and work. The highly revered monk’s objects are displayed in the museum along with his bronze statue and his bone shards, which have unexplainably turned into crystals.  

2) Wat Pa Udom Somphon and Ajarn Fan Archaro Museum

Ajarn Fan was one of Ajarn Mun’s students and he went on to become one of Thailand’s most revered monks like his teacher. Wat Pa Udom Somphon was Ajarn Fan’s training place and the beautiful lotus-shaped museum exhibits his history as well as his ashes, tools and life-size statue.

8. Visit the Khmer-style sanctuaries, Phra That Narai Cheng Weng and Phra That Phu Pek

Though both Phra That Phu Pek and Phra That Narai Cheng Went fell into ruin, these historic temples are surrounded by intriguing legends. Phra That Narai Cheng Weng is believed to have been built entirely by women and its Khmer-style stupa still remains.

Constructed by men, Phra That Phu Pek stands at the top of a mountain in Phu Phan mountain range and you have to clamber up 491 steps to reach the temple. The ancient solar calendar, which was indispensable for rituals and agriculture, is still housed inside the temple. You can also enjoy the view from the top, especially of Nong Han Lake.  

9. Wear the locals’ pride and joy, indigo-dyed clothes

The craftsmanship of handwoven, natural-dyed indigo clothes has been passed down for many generations. The village Ban Non Rua is especially famous and the locals are still developing their techniques.

However, you can find these indigo-dyed clothes all over the city. There are a lot of shops and even an indigo walking street near Wat Phra That Choeng Chum on weekend evenings. The clothes have been transformed into fashionable wear as various other items.

10. Indulge with Thailand’s best beef, Pon Yang Kham

You’ve probably heard of Pon Yang Kham beef before since you can taste it at many restaurants in major cities. Guess what, Thailand’s best beef actually originated in Pon Yang Kham Village. Time to treat yourself to premium steak and other mouthwatering dishes.      

That’s it for things to do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, but that’s not all you can do on your journey. Combine your visit to Sakon Nakhon with trips to other charming cities in Northeastern Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Top Things to Do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand: Khmer-Style Sanctuaries, Christmas Star Festival and Indigo-Dyed Treasures appeared first on Amazing Thailand.