Nearby Attractions

Dubbed the ‘Mekong Grand Canyon,’ Sam Phan Bok features a natural phenomenon of spectacular rock sculptures caused by powerful whirlpools of the Mekong River. Sam Phan Bok (Three Thousand Holes) got its name from the many holes formed over thousands of years. The holes vary in size and shape; such as, the shape of a heart or Mickey Mouse head.

It is best to visit Sam Phan Bok from October to May, when the water level is low and the sun’s rays, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, create the dazzling effect on the emerald green water. For a more intensive experience of admiring Sam Phan Bok up close, visitors have to take a boat along the Mekong River to different spots; such as, Pak Bong, Kaeng Song Khon, Hat Salueng, Pha Sila Lek, and Hat Hong. Also, visitors will see Thai and Laotian fishermen’s way of life.

Located in the area of Ban Pha Chan, Sao Chaliang Yai is the biggest natural rock formation in Thailand and its name is derived from ‘Saliang,’ which means rock pillar.

Sao Chaliang Yai is in the shape of a mushroom and was formed millions of years ago by water and wind erosion and the heat from the sun that caused the rock to expand and crack over the course of time. Situated close by are the Ancient Coffin, made from a tree trunk and placed under a rock shelter, and Suan Hin Phu Krabo that comprises numerous small sao chaliang scattered around the area.

Located in Pa Dong Na Tham, the eastern most part of the country, Pha Chana Dai is the first place in Thailand to witness the sunrise. From the top of the cliff, visitors can see the Mekong River, which is especially stunning during winter when the area is covered with swirling seas of fog. Pha Chana Dai can only be accessed by a four-wheel drive vehicle, and visitors can stop by to explore flower fields, rock gardens, and waterfalls along the trail.

Saeng Chan Waterfall or Namtok Saeng Chan (Moonlight Waterfall), also known as Namtok Long Ru (Through a Hole Waterfall), is an ‘Unseen Thailand’ destination with the special feature of water cascading through a hole (‘Long Ru’ is translated as ‘through a hole’). When the light from the sun around noon or the moon from a full moon shines through the hole, it creates a mesmerising sight that gives the waterfall the name ‘Namtok Saeng Chan’.

Pha Taem National Park boasts natural attractions, an intriguing cultural heritage, and traces of historical settlements by the Mekong River. Covering areas in Amphoe Si Chiang Mai, Amphoe Pho Sai, and Amphoe Khong Chiam, Pha Taem National Park has much to show visitors.

Pha Taem, is one of the most famous attractions located in the Pha Taem National Park, which offers a spectacular view of the Mekong River meandering through lush green forests. A walkway takes visitors to the 180-metre-long cliff face containing the prehistoric paintings of various pictures, dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years, including animals, figures of people, hands, geometric designs, and fishing equipment.

During the transitional period from the rainy season to winter between October and December, Ubon Ratchathani is where visitors can witness beautiful wildflower fields in many areas. The most visited areas to see the wildflowers are located in the Pha Taem National Park, one is the field around Namtok Soi Sawan and one is at the Dong Na Tham Forest. Both places are carpeted with colourful wildflowers, including Dusita, Soi Suwanna, Thip Kesorn, Mani Thewa, Sarat Chanthon, and Kradum Ngoen (purple, yellow, pink, white, violet, and white respectively).

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is situated 3 kilometres before reaching Amphoe Khong Chiam. The temple was built in 1978 by Luangu Kham Khaning Chunlamani who is believed to have visited the cave of the Naga under the water. Luangpu Kham Khaning passed away many years ago, but his body is kept in a glass coffin for devotees to pay respect to.

The temple also houses the beautiful white Ubosot (ordination hall) with magnificent architecture, the biggest gong in Thailand, and Chedi Si Traiphum with golden spires that houses the Buddha image in a meditation posture. From the temple, visitors can also enjoy the view of the bi-coloured river as well as the scenery of Amphoe Khong Chiam.

The bi-coloured river is where the Mekong River, which is brown in colour, meets the Mun River, which is blue in colour. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful mix of colours from the area in front of Wat Khong Chiam, Don Dan Pak Mun at Ban Woen Buek, and at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan’s bi-coloured viewpoint. Apart from marvelling at the natural beauty of the bi-coloured river, visitors can also observe houses in Amphoe Khong Chiam and Lao PDR., on the other side of the Mekong River. The best time to see the bi-coloured river is in April.

Situated in the Kaeng Tana National Park, Kaeng Tana is the largest cataract in the middle of the Mun River with distinctive black-coloured boulders. There is a marker that was placed in the middle of the river during the French colonial expansion era to indicate the cruising channel. Visitors can cruise along the river to witness the sunset by hiring a long-tail boat from the pier in Amphoe Khong Chiam. The best time to visit is from November to June.

Visit a local morning market in the town of Khong Chiam. Walk around the market to witness a local lifestyle. Homegrown vegetables and fresh fish from the rivers are available at the market.

Apart from serving as a hydropower facility, the Sirindhorn Dam is also a great place for a tranquil retreat. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the top of the dam to observe the beautiful scenery and relax at the pavilion or in the garden by the reservoir. The dam also includes a restaurant, accommodation, and golf course facilities.

The temple is located 2 kilometres from the Chong Mek Thai-Lao border. The special feature of the temple is the wall behind the ordination hall that is painted with a picture of an enormous wishing tree that has a luminous, green glow in the evening.

The beautiful architecture of the ordination hall was inspired by Wat Chiang Thong in Lao PDR. with a blend of Lan Xang and Lanna arts. The temple also has a viewpoint that offers a picturesque view of the Mekong River, the neighbouring countryside (Lao PDR.), reservoir, and Chong Mek Border Checkpoint. This is one of the best places in Ubon Ratchathani to watch the sunset.

The Chong Mek Thai-Lao border, located at Ban Chong Mek in Tambon Chong Mek, is the only land-based Thai-Lao crossing in the Northeastern region. Apart from serving as an immigration checkpoint, it is also where visitors can shop for souvenirs and local products.