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Ranked among the
largest of the northeastern provinces, Ubon
Ratchathani borders both Laos and Cambodia, the
juncture of the three country's being dubbed in
recent times 'The Emerald Triangle' on account
of the areas lush forest cover whereby the local
people here are still wearing their traditional
silks as their daily attire. The provinces
main topographical feature, however, is the Mun
River and its junction with the Mekong, the
latter forming much of Ubon Ratchathani's
eastern border. The meeting of the two rivers
affords some most picturesque scenery, while
prehistoric rock paintings at the nearby cliff
of Pha Taem adds to the area's fascination and
this area is getting more visitors since the
Thai-Lao border crossing at nearby Chong Mek is
now open to foreign tourists.
Overall, the
province is a showcase for traditional I-san
culture, most readily seen in such colorful
annual events as the Candle Festival, which
celebrates the start of the Buddhism Rains
Retreat during the month of July. For those who
are visiting for the first time, learn more
about the culture and history of this place at
the Ubon National Museum. Other places of
interest here is the Wat Pa Nanachat Bung Wai
temple at
the Warin Chamrap District and the various
vendors selling high quality multi-colored silk which make
good souvenir item to bring back.
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