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Introduction
Sam Phan Bok
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years.
Legend says Thao Kham Phong, Thao Thit Phrom and Thao Kam, descendants of Phra
Wo and Phra Ta, escaped from King Siribunsan of Vientiane into the Siamese
Kingdom during the reign of King Taksin the Great. They later built a new
city at Dong U Phueng, close to the Mun River. In 1780, King Taksin the Great
named the city “Ubon Ratchathani” and appointed Thao Kham Phong to be “Phra
Pathum Wongsa” as the first ruler. The city was governed by first ruler until
1882 when it was led by a governor.
The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the
practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can
still be seen throughout the province today.
The provincial capital is approximately 629 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.
The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous
cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware,
and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July. There are
natural beauties and historical sites including the 4,000 years old rock formation,
prehistoric rock paintings, national parks, waterfalls, and the two-colored river, etc.
Borders
| North |
: Amnat Charoen |
| East |
: Lao People's Democratic Republic |
| South |
: Cambodia |
| West |
: Yasothon and Sisaket |
Distance
| Distances from Mueang District to Other Districts |
| Warin Chamrap |
2 km. |
Nam Khun |
60 km. |
| Sawang Wirawong |
23 km. |
Thung Si Udom |
74 km. |
| Lao Suea Kok |
27 km. |
Kut Khaopun |
76 km. |
| Samrong |
28 km. |
Khong Chiam |
80 km. |
| Tan Sum |
32 km. |
Sirindhorn |
80 km. |
| Muang Sam Sip |
34 km. |
Si Mueang Mai |
83 km. |
| Don Mot Daeng |
35 km. |
Buntharik |
87 km. |
| Na Yia |
35 km. |
Na Tan |
93 km. |
| Khueang Nai |
38 km. |
Pho Sai |
99 km. |
| Det Udom |
45 km. |
Na Chaluai |
100 km. |
| Phibun Mangsahan |
45 km. |
Khemarat |
108 km. |
| Trakan Phuet Phon |
50 km. |
Nam Yuen |
110 km. |
Festivals & Events
Watching the First Sun Rise in Siam
When: December - January
Where: Pha Chana Dai
Send off the sun into the sky and welcome the New Year before anyone
else in the country, agro and ecotourism, cruise along the Mekong River,
countdown, local folk and cavemen’s lifestyle performances, making merit
to welcome the New Year.
International Wax Sculpture and Candle Procession Festival
When: July
Where: Throughout of Ubon Ratchathani
International Wax Sculpture and
Candle Procession Festival
The Candle Festival of Ubon Ratchathani province features a procession
of ornately-carved traditional beeswax candles of various shapes and sizes.
Buddhism, Buddhist traditions and beliefs are central forces that shape
the local way of life and the customs and traditions related to this
Buddhist festival have been carefully preserved by local communities.
Shrimp Parade at Ubon Rachathani
When: August - September
Where: Kaeng Lam Duan Waterfall
Every September, tens of thousands of these tiny shrimps, known as Kung Foy
in Thai, migrate up the stream of Lam Dome Yai in Ubon Ratchathani province.
Using 10 pairs of legs five for walking, another five for swimming, they
make most of their journey along the stream bed. When they reach Kaeng Lam
Duan Waterfall rapids, the force of the flowing water becomes too much to
handle. The migrating shrimps beat this obstacle by simply climbing out of
the water and marching along the wet rock on the water's edge until they
reach a point where the stream is calm enough to continue their journey in
the water. The shrimps' parade takes place only after dusk when predators
can't see them easily and the chance of fatal dehydration is minimized.
Thai 
