 Since
the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or
simply Ubon, was part of the Khmer Empire until
the Ayutthaya Kingdom later 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 structures of
some of the city’s religious buildings. During
the Vietnam War, Ubon encountered an expansive
growth due to its proximity to an American air
base.
Today, the province is the
largest and one of the most important provinces
in northeastern Thailand. It is a major tourist
attraction of the lower I-San located 629 kilometres
from Bangkok. 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 attraction sites, festivals
and holidays are celebrated with a unique Ubon
flair. The province borders the Mekong River
in the east and features superb scenic view
of Cambodia.
The province covers
15,517 square kilometres 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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