Ubon Ratchathani

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Ubon Ratchathani is both a city and a province in Thailand. For the province, see Ubon Ratchathani province.

Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani Location in Thailand
Coordinates: 15°13′41″N 104°51′34″E / 15.22806°N 104.85944°E / 15.22806; 104.85944
Country	Thailand
Province	Ubon Ratchathani Province
Districts of Thailand	Amphoe Mueang Ubon Ratchathani
Population (2000)
- Total	106,552
Website	ubonratchathani.go.th (Thai)

Ubon Ratchathani (Thai อุบลราชธานี) is a city in the south-east of the Isan region of Thailand. It is known as Ubon (Thai อุบล) for short. The name means "Royal Land Lotus Blossom." It is the administrative centre of Ubon Ratchathani province and as of 2000 had a population of 106,552.

History

The city was founded in the late 18th century by Lao immigrants, with support from the new kingdom of Siam. It sits on the northern bank of the Mun river. The south bank of the river is occupied by the suburb of Warin Chamrap (Thai: วารินชำราบ; or Warin [วาริน] for short), which is effectively incorporated into the city.

During the Vietnam war, the city served as a US airbase launching bombing raids over the neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. The base is now an active Royal Thai Air Force Base, and a dual-use international airport: Ubon Ratchathani - Muang Ubon Airport, Thailand, IATA code UBP, Latitude 15°15'05"N (15.251278); Longitude 104°52'13"E (104.870231).

Sights and attractions

Notable temples include Wat Tung Sri Muang (Thai: วัดทุ่งศรีเมือง), located in the centre of the city, and Wat Nong Bua (Thai: วัดหนองบัว) in the north. The latter features a chedi modelled on that at Bodh Gaya. Ubon is best known for the annual Candle Festival, held in July, which features a procession of wax religious images on floats.

Transportation

The town's main bus station is located on the northern outskirts of the city, as is the airport. The railway station is in Warin Chamrap. Public transport within the city is by songthaews, which follow fixed routes in Ubon, Warin and the surrounding area. Routes are indicated by numbers and the colour of the vehicle.

Songthaew Routes

Songthaews are public transportation, and they run in both directions for most routes.

Education

Ubon Rajathanee University is located in Ubon Ratchathani.

Ubon Rajathanee University

Gallery

Chedi of Wat Nong Bua

Library of Tung Sri Muang temple, Ubon

A songthaew near Tung Sri Muang, Ubon

The night market

References

• City Population

External links

• City of Ubon Ratchathani (Thai)
• Tourism Authority of Thailand site dedicated to Ubon Ratchathani (Thai)
• Tourism Authority of Thailand page about Ubon Ratchathani (English)
• Map of Ubon Ratchathani showing songthaew transportation routes (Thai)

Coordinates: 15°13′41″N 104°51′34″E / 15.22806°N 104.85944°E / 15.22806; 104.85944