Southern Isan Private Tour (Grand Ubon Ratchathani): Nature Highlights & Forest Monastery Pilgrimage

Sam Phan Bok

Sam Phan Bok, or the “Grand Canyon of the Mekong,” is a rock reef carved by whirlpool currents into more than 3,000 basins. This vast, uniquely beautiful rock formation looks remarkably like the famous Grand Canyon in the United States. In the local dialect, "basin" is called "bok," which is the origin of the name Sam Phan Bok. We take you to view and take photos in front.

Afterward, we take you to lunch.

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan

Travel to Wat Tham Khuha Sawan in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The temple was built by Luang Pu Khamkhaning Chulamani; even though he has passed away, his body remains undecayed, and the temple still preserves his body for Buddhists to pay respects. The temple features a large gong, a pagoda, ornamental flower gardens, and a magnificent giant gong.

Two-Color River

We take you to see the confluence of two rivers, creating a contrast in water colors between the “Mun River” flowing into the “Mekong River.” Especially during the rainy and flooding season, the two rivers meet with distinctly contrasting colors on each side, which people call “the clay-colored Mekong, the indigo Mun.”

Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao

In the evening, take you to visit Wat Phu Phrao (Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao), popularly known as the Glowing Temple, located in Sirindhorn District. Perched on a high hill, the temple recreates the atmosphere of the mythical Himavanta forest or Mount Kailash. From the hilltop, the majestic, gold-brushed ordination hall stands out gracefully.

The highlight of the temple is seeing the tree of life (Kalpapruek) mural glow in vibrant green on the rear wall of the ordination hall at night.

Take you for dinner and check in to your hotel in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Take you to make merit and offer breakfast to the monks at Wat Nong Pah Pong, founded in B.E. 2497 by Phra Bodhinyana Thera (Luang Pu Chah Subhattho). Wat Nong Pah Pong has over a hundred branch monasteries both in Thailand and abroad through the propagation of Vipassana meditation Buddhism. Practicing the forest monastic tradition, it is deeply revered. You can join in offering breakfast and having a meal at the temple.

Wat Phra That Nong Bua

Visit Wat Phra That Nong Bua, located in Mueang District, one of the most famous and significant temples in Ubon Ratchathani Province. It features beautiful and fascinating architecture, notably “Phra That Chedi Sri Maha Pho,” the relic stupa for those born in the Year of the Small Snake.

Built to commemorate the 25th century of Buddhism in B.E. 2500, its design is modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. The temple enshrines holy Buddha relics and features two large, magnificent Naga statues at the entrance to the stupa.

Wat Mahawanaram (Wat Pa Yai)

Located on Sapphasit Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, locals commonly refer to it as "Wat Pa Yai." It is an ancient and revered city temple of Ubon Ratchathani.

It houses the highly sacred Buddha image named “Phra Chao Yai In Plaeng,” deeply venerated by the people of Ubon Ratchathani. Worshippers often pray and make vows here for entrance exams, military conscription, and civil service appointments by applying gold leaf.

Afterward, take you to enjoy lunch.

Shop at the OTOP center of Ubon Ratchathani to pick up local souvenirs, and stroll around Central Plaza Ubon Ratchathani with free time to shop at your leisure.

Conclude an impressive trip and take you back to your designated destination.

(This itinerary is subject to change as appropriate.)