Home » Layover Guide » Ubon Ratchathani Layover Guide (UBP)

Ubon Ratchathani Layover Guide (UBP)

What are you looking for in UBP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) is an international airport located in Tambon Nai Mueang, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani province. It’s about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. The airport first opened in 1921. Ubon Ratchathani is one of the four main cities in Thailand’s Isan region and serves as the provincial capital. It’s famed for its annual Candle Festival and Buddhist heritage along the Mun River.

Can you leave Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Ubon Ratchathani Airport during a layover after immigration clearance. Visa requirements depend on nationality: eligible passport holders from visa-exempt countries may enter Thailand without visa for up to 30 days. Other travelers must obtain a tourist visa or visa on arrival before travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Wat Phra That Nong Bua Marvel at Ubon’s iconic lotus-shaped stupa, surrounded by landscaped gardens and illuminated at night. This revered temple offers peaceful ambience and photo opportunities of stunning architectural design and religious art. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi)
• Wat Thung Si Muang Visit the city’s oldest shrine guarding Ubon’s pillar spirit, featuring intricate wood carvings, golden chedi and serene shrine hall. Locals pray here for luck, health, community blessings and cultural heritage. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi)
• Ubon Ratchathani National Museum Explore exhibits showcasing local archaeology, art and traditions from prehistoric eras to modern times. Interactive displays narrate the province’s rich history, ethnic cultures, and legendary storytellers in a climate-controlled environment. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi)
• Mun River Boat Cruise Relax on a 60-minute boat ride along the Mun River, observing riverside life, traditional wooden houses, lush greenery and overhead waterside temples. Perfect for photography and cultural immersion scenic adventure. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi)
• Thung Si Muang Park & Market Stroll through central Thung Si Muang Park’s shady trees, lake and pavilion, then explore adjacent Sunday market stalls offering handicrafts, snacks and fresh produce. Lively local vibe and leisure spots. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi or songthaew)
• Ubon Street Food at Na Phra Road Sample grilled river prawns, spicy som tum and sweet mango sticky rice from vibrant street stalls on Na Phra Road. Savor authentic Isaan flavors amid bustling roadside ambiance and friendly vendors. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi or tuk-tuk)
• Candle Festival Museum Discover Ubon’s UNESCO-recognized candle traditions through wax-carving demonstrations, ornate parade sculptures and informative exhibits detailing the annual Candle Festival’s religious and artistic significance immersive cultural showcase of craftsmanship heritage celebration. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi)
• Ban Mat Silk Village Visit Ban Mat Silk Village to see traditional silk weaving, meet artisans and shop handmade textiles dyed with natural colors. Cultural insight into Thailand’s royal fabrics and craftsmanship local industry. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi)

Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Two lounges serve eligible passengers in the departure hall: the Thai Smile Lounge and the Thai Airways Business Class Lounge adjacent to Gate 3. Both offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, flight information screens and Wi-Fi during operating hours. Access is by business-class ticket, lounge membership or a day-pass purchase. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within 1–3 km of UBP, ranging from budget to mid-range. Options like Laithong Hotel, B2 Ubon Airport Premier and Sunee Grand offer free airport shuttles, air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, on-site dining and 24-hour front-desk services. Rates start around US $20 per night, with pools at higher tiers. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated sleep pods or cabin rooms at UBP. Passengers may recline on padded benches or in quiet lounge corners. Lighting remains on outside operating hours, and water-fountain and restroom access continues. For greater comfort, bring a travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs—noise levels can be moderate during late flights.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Ubon Ratchathani Airport provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal with no login required. Simply connect to the “UBP_Free_WiFi” network for unlimited access. Multiple charging stations and USB outlets are available near seating areas. The system supports video streaming, large downloads and secure browsing, ideal for work or leisure.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM card kiosks for AIS, DTAC and TrueMove are located immediately after baggage claim. Physical SIMs cost approximately THB 200–500 for 10–30 GB plans, valid 7–30 days; passports are required for registration. Alternatively, international eSIMs can be purchased in advance via providers like Airalo or Nomad and activated on arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A metered taxi stand is directly outside the arrivals hall. All vehicles use standard meters; fares to the city center range from THB 50 to 100 and the drive takes 10–15 minutes. Major operators include Songthaew Mai Linh and Vinasun. Payment is cash; QR-code mobile payments are increasingly accepted.

Train: There is no rail link at the airport. The nearest station is Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station, a Class 1 terminal 7 km away. It serves the State Railway of Thailand’s Northeastern Main Line with daily services to Bangkok. Access by taxi or local minibus is available. (more info)

Bus: No scheduled airport bus operates. Instead, shared songthaews depart from outside the terminal roughly every 20 minutes, charging THB 20 per ride to downtown. For intercity services, Ubon’s main bus terminal lies 8 km from the airport; inbound travelers transfer via taxi or songthaew. (more info)

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels—including Laithong Hotel and Centara Ubon—provide complimentary shuttle vans. Services align with flight arrival schedules, but seat reservations are required in advance. Shuttles typically operate from early morning until late evening, covering major hotels within a 5 km radius. Contact your hotel concierge to arrange pick-up.

Car rentals: Several rental desks operate inside arrivals, featuring international brands (Budget, Hertz) and local agencies. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, credit card and a minimum age of 21. Daily rates start around THB 800 for compact cars; SUVs and vans command higher fees. After-hours drop-boxes are available at counters. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: UBP offers short-term and long-term parking adjacent to the terminal. A free 5-minute drop-off zone is provided. Beyond that, hourly fees apply, payable at automated barriers by cash or card. Parking is monitored by CCTV. Overflow parking is available across the access road with an additional shuttle walkway.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official left-luggage or locker facilities exist within the airport. Travelers may use third-party storage services in downtown Ubon Ratchathani via apps like Nannybag or Eelway, offering insured, secure drop-off at partner hotels and shops. Rates start at approx. €5 per bag per day, bookable online. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks