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Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds
of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province
boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions,
national parks, silk producing shops, etc.
 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.
A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by
the Mekong River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west
by Yasothon and Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen
Province. The provincial capital is approximately 630 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.
 The
Past
Since the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or simply Ubon, was
part of the Khmer Empire until the Kingdom of Ayutthaya conquered
it. Towards the end of the 18th century, Laotians immigrated to
the northern banks of the Mun River and founded the provincial capital.
The Laotian influence is evident in the architectural structure
of some of the city's religious buildings. This incident was told
in the provincial seal which features a pond with a lotus flower
and leaves in a circular frame. It symbolizes the ancient community
of the people who fled the massacre of King Siriboonsarn of Vientiane
and came to settle in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province in 1779 during the
reign of King Thonburi. This community was established as a province
with the name Ubon Ratchathani Srivanalai in 1792 during the reign
of King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty.
During the reign of King Rama V, Ubon Ratchathani was annexed to
Lao Kao town. Later in 1899, the area was under the supervision
of Northeastern Monthon, with Ubon Ratchathani serving as an administrative
hub. In 1900, the name was changed to Monthon I-San. When the Monthon
system was abolished, the city has become Ubon Ratchathani province.
During the Vietnam War, Ubon encountered expansive growth due to
its proximity to an American air base.
The Present
 Today,
the province is the largest and one of the most important provinces
in northeastern Thailand. Due to the large number of fascinating
temples dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning
of Buddhist Lent. Aside from the numerous attractions, festivals
and holidays are celebrated with a unique Ubon flair.
Located in the Korat Basin about 68 meters (227 feet) above sea
level, most of Ubon Ratchathani is a plateau sloping to the east
to meet the Maekhong River, a border between Thailand and the Lao
Peoples Democratic Republic. Other major rivers in the area are
the Chee River, Moon River, Lum Saybok River, Lum Domeyai River
and Lum Domenoi River. There are some high mountain ranges in the
south such as Bantad Range and Phanom Dongrak Range which border
Ubon Ratchathani and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and the
Kingdom of Cambodia.
The most important natural resource in Ubon Ratchathani is its
forests, such as Teng-Rung forests, Red forests and mixed forests.
In the province, there are 50 national preserved forests, 3 national
parks, 2 botanical gardens, 1 wild life preservation area and 1
botanical park.
There are highways and rail roads connecting different districts
in Ubon Ratchathani with other provinces and there is one international
airport located in Muang District.
People of Ubon Ratchathani are engaged in activities related to
agriculture and livestock raising. They are religious and still
abide by tradition and culture. Locals usually dwell in groups of
houses, speak their own dialects and practice their traditionally
handed down cultures.
The province covers 15,517 square kilometers and is divided into
the following districts: Muang, Warin Chamrap, Det Udom, Buntharik,
Na Chaluai, Nam Yuen, Phibun Mangsahan, Khong Chiam, Si Muang Mai,
Trakan Phuet Phon, Khemarat, Mung Sam Sip, Khueang Nai, Kut Khaopun,
Tan Sum, Pho Sai, Samrong, Sirindhorn, Don Mot Daeng, Thung Si Udom,
Na Yia, Na Tan, Lao Suea Kok, Sawang Wirawong and Nam Khun.
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