Ubon Good And Bad Comments Requested

[doninusa]

I am considering moving to Ubon in the next year. I have a GF there who makes good money, has a house and 2 cars. I have visited a few times and like the people. I am from the US but used to a slower paced lifestyle. Money is really not an issue. My question is what is there to do in Ubon. Yeah i know about the lotus, big C, no movies in English. I know where to play golf, but have never played on the military course there. Anyone live in Ubon and have the 411 on what it is like there? Thanks in advance for the help.

[Anek18]

I am considering moving to Ubon in the next year.  I have a GF there who makes good money, has a house and 2 cars.  I have visited a few times and like the people.  I am from the US but used to a slower paced lifestyle.  Money is really not an issue.  My question is what is there to do in Ubon.  Yeah i know about the lotus, big C, no movies in English.  I know where to play golf, but have never played on the military course there.  Anyone live in Ubon and have the 411 on what it is like there?  Thanks in advance for the help.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There are not much night life to do there.. except eat out and lil shopping places

There Some water falls places etc.. You can probably go rent DVD movies (English Lang)

I like to go out and eat at night there and enjoy a cooler weather than day time..

there is a place called "Hat kru dur" it's like a floating houses in the middle of a river where they serves you appetitzers and beers etc.. (real peaceful)

[MarcoH]

G'Day

OK, let up date your information little bit...

Not so much to do in night life and as most of the Ubon farang, they come and go,, not so many stay here( I live now 8yrs,,,i think)

As you said normal thinkg's Lotus,Big-C and rumors telling that Cental is preparing..

MOVIES yes we have now, SK Shopping park, by the "Clock" tower, 3rd floot now operating by management, was build MVP, starting on next mth, MAJOR Cineplex is taking over and we do have Original Sound track movies.

Also next year(long term plans) next year we will have 1st ever normal bowling alley here as well, SO alteast something to do, other thatn that, i have trying to get some other farang together, but seems to be trnd that who ever come here, leave they smiling face somewhere else,,,,but fell free to mail me when you are here and i will have time to welcome New Bro to Ubon.

also you can mail me directly for faster answer.

-Marco-

I am considering moving to Ubon in the next year.  I have a GF there who makes good money, has a house and 2 cars.  I have visited a few times and like the people.  I am from the US but used to a slower paced lifestyle.  Money is really not an issue.  My question is what is there to do in Ubon.  Yeah i know about the lotus, big C, no movies in English.  I know where to play golf, but have never played on the military course there.  Anyone live in Ubon and have the 411 on what it is like there?  Thanks in advance for the help.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[edd]

You can buy vcd/dvd from the top floor of Robinson’s department store also you can rent them from a rent store that’s on the main road that runs through the middle of Udorn

It’s called VIDEO EZY.

New Films cost 30B

Old Films cost 20B

Late returns 10B

There is a new massage company on the Udorn web site [im looking forward to trying it]

Also there is a good night club behind the Charonsri hotel; I think it’s called THE YELLOW BIRD.

Also plenty of Falang eating places.

[lampard10]

Pros: It,s a great central place for getting about and seeing the sights; parks, waterfalls ,temples etc.

Cons: That's if you make it out of the town. It is a nightmare to get in,out,and navigate around.

[MarcoH]

EDD

You do noticed that Subject is UBON?if one is going to move UBON why he would get massage in UDORN?? or buy Vcd's?

You can buy vcd/dvd from the top floor of Robinson’s department store also you can rent them from a rent store that’s on the main road that runs through the middle of Udorn

It’s called VIDEO EZY.

New Films cost 30B

Old Films cost 20B

Late returns 10B

There is a new massage company on the Udorn web site [im looking forward to trying it] 

Also there is a good night club behind the Charonsri hotel; I think it’s called THE YELLOW BIRD.

Also plenty of Falang eating places.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[edd]

EDD

You do noticed that Subject is UBON?if one is going to move UBON why he would get massage in UDORN?? or buy Vcd's?  

You can buy vcd/dvd from the top floor of Robinson’s department store also you can rent them from a rent store that’s on the main road that runs through the middle of Udorn

It’s called VIDEO EZY.

New Films cost 30B

Old Films cost 20B

Late returns 10B

There is a new massage company on the Udorn web site [im looking forward to trying it]  

Also there is a good night club behind the Charonsri hotel; I think it’s called THE YELLOW BIRD.

Also plenty of Falang eating places.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

oops!! perhaps to much law kaw sorry

The Yellow Bird Club wiuld still be worth the trip

[sezzo]

Cons: That's if you make it out of the town. It is a nightmare to get in,out,and navigate around.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Martin,

Horses for courses mate. The couple of times that I have driven thru Surin I have been completely bamboozled (Mind you it might have been something to do with the amount of grog I drank at a certain establishment). Driving around Ubon is a piece of cake once youve been there a few times.

[doninusa]

thanks for the tips guys. the rock, ubar seem to be the hot spots according to GF. I have been to the rock. It is like a poor man's hollywood in bkk. The singer said to be careful as it was the "cold season". it must have got down to 60f that night. there is also a rental place for vcd/dvd in lotus. close to the mister donut.

anyone play golf at the military course by the airport? I have played close to laos on the reservoir. 9 hole course but no carts. hard for this farang to make 18 on foot. The locals around there couldn't break 90. Is that usual for thai golfers. If so, a man could make a living if you could just get them to bet. Im sure they would if you give them enough strokes.

farang food is another issue i wish someone could expand on. thanks again

[fxm88]

careful as it was the "cold season".  it must have got down to 60f that night.  there is

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I stayed in Ubon Province one season near the Mae Kong river and it does indeed get pretty cold, at night anyways. A few early mornings pre-dawn I could have sworn it dropped below freezing. If you go there bring a jacket, and a hat, and some gloves. There are a few sites to see around the Province -- temples, interesting geography, temples on interesting geography, pre-historic cave paintings, and of course the river can be fun -- but nothing spectacular.

[Nignoy]

careful as it was the "cold season".   it must have got down to 60f that night.  there is

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I stayed in Ubon Province one season near the Mae Kong river and it does indeed get pretty cold, at night anyways. A few early mornings pre-dawn I could have sworn it dropped below freezing. If you go there bring a jacket, and a hat, and some gloves. There are a few sites to see around the Province -- temples, interesting geography, temples on interesting geography, pre-historic cave paintings, and of course the river can be fun -- but nothing spectacular.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ubon for the best fishing in thailand, cheapest carhire, best Gai Yang and Lao Khao, the people are great, been visiting there for over 40 years , hope to manage another 40 nignoy

[MarcoH]

G'Day

Yeah it's getting Pretty cold time to time,, but lowest so far last 8yrs here i have measured outside Ubon town is +11, during night time,, with the wind that is darn freezing,,, all windows closed and under two blankets,,,

and im orign from Finland,,,,,

But could not find better place to live,,,

careful as it was the "cold season".   it must have got down to 60f that night.  there is

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I stayed in Ubon Province one season near the Mae Kong river and it does indeed get pretty cold, at night anyways. A few early mornings pre-dawn I could have sworn it dropped below freezing. If you go there bring a jacket, and a hat, and some gloves. There are a few sites to see around the Province -- temples, interesting geography, temples on interesting geography, pre-historic cave paintings, and of course the river can be fun -- but nothing spectacular.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[lampard10]

Cons: That's if you make it out of the town. It is a nightmare to get in,out,and navigate around.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Martin,

Horses for courses mate. The couple of times that I have driven thru Surin I have been completely bamboozled (Mind you it might have been something to do with the amount of grog I drank at a certain establishment). Driving around Ubon is a piece of cake once youve been there a few times.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I guess your right if you know it. Coming in from Surin though the signs to Ubon stop 5km's out. Been there a few times,but missed it last week. Missed the left turn down a side street by the temple wall that goes down past the railway station.

[aletta]

Friend in Ubon says it has all you need to live a good expat life.

[sezzo]

I am considering moving to Ubon in the next year.  I have a GF there who makes good money, has a house and 2 cars.  I have visited a few times and like the people.  I am from the US but used to a slower paced lifestyle.  Money is really not an issue.  My question is what is there to do in Ubon.  Yeah i know about the lotus, big C, no movies in English.  I know where to play golf, but have never played on the military course there.  Anyone live in Ubon and have the 411 on what it is like there?  Thanks in advance for the help.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mate,

My advice to you is to try it out for a few months. Before you get over here drop a line to a few of us locals and we will surely make sure you enjoy yourself. Also will increase our database of farangs in the area.

If you dont like it you can always move on but the longer you stay here and the more people you meet the better the place gets. Just got back from a week in Bangkok and was ever so glad to get back to the quiet life.

Enjoy

[bluie]

Friend in Ubon says it has all you need to live a good expat life.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi there Aletta

I have lived in Ubon for the last 3 years and I second your comment I am retired here have a Thai wife and a number of farang friends, we manage to keep buisey and as for night life there is never a dull moment usualy arrive home anywhere between 1-0 and 4 -30 in the morning Ubon is fantastic there is every thing that you could wish there are three driving ranges swimming pools at a lot of the hotels good fishing snooker three halls that I know of a cinama in SK that I understand is going to show English movies, Tesco Macro Big C and Robinsons stores all worth a visit, no end of very good Restaurants to choose fromwhere you can get western food, and as I said the nitelife is great if you look for it.

and I'm happy here get in touch if you would like to join us.

[jay-uk]

Hi All from Ubon

My wife and I have built our second home in Ubon just off the Chayungkul Main Road through the city. It has taken us a few years to get it built and we intend to keep visting now for holidays 2-3 times a year. Eventually we wish to retire there but having a two year old son with a disability has meant we have to put him through school here in the UK and our consideration always has to be how quick we can access a hospital. Our last trip in April'05 lasted two months, our longest yet, and we loved every minute exploring each part of the city. Supermarkets are great and I second what has been mentioned about Ubon been a good base to have for travelling around the North East. My wife is originally from Sisaket and it would have proved difficult to access hospitals if my son was sick if we had have decided to live there instead. Ubon has many hospitals and believe me you do need to have piece of mind that you can get to one quickly. Village life is most peaceful and scenic but if there was an emergency I don't think I would like to travel a one hour plus journey by road before getting to a hospital for treatment. Within an hour out of the city you can visit Sirindorn Dam where the king has a holiday home. Within the complex you walk fantastic gardens, stay over night in cheap accomodation and fish the next day or play golf. I love Ubon and always miss it when I leave. If you want somewhere where an expat can live cheaper than in the resorts then it is as good as anywhere. I tried living in and out of resorts for some years but at the end of each month had spent much more than I would have back home in England and decided that even at retirement age Thai resorts would not be the best option if wanting to keep your money in your pocket and marriage intact. One thing you notice in the North East is how genuine the people are. I have not had any bad experiences to date of the locals as the have always been more than polite. My wife, son and I will be back in Ubon from Nov'05-Jan'06. If anyone wants to keep in touch feel free. The only thing I have not managed to do yet in Ubon is spend enough time to meet and make expat friends which I would like to do. Not all expats there are long faced. I met a guy in The pizzahut restaurant in Ubon on my last visit named JC from the USA. He was very friendly to us and we soon struck up a conversation about his travels in and out the City. My regret is that I did not ask to keep in touch at the time and should have as he seemed a nice person.

All the best.

Jay

[thaibites0]

This is slightly out Marco -

''Also next year(long term plans) next year we will have 1st ever normal bowling alley here as well, SO alteast something to do, other thatn that, i have trying to get some other farang together, but seems to be trnd that who ever come here, leave they smiling face somewhere else,,,,but fell free to mail me when you are here and i will have time to welcome New Bro to Ubon.''

The Yamaha dealership near the Pattumlat used to be a bowling alley!

[thaibites0]

Ubon nightlife -

Everything from the disco for the younger people at the Pattumlat hotel and lots of other places to the ballroom dancing (Thai style) at Sabai jai and all the types inbetween. Most big hotels have live music or dancers in the restaurants and karaoke bars abound.

Eating out -

From falang food at specialist restaurants (lovely French one next to the main police station) and big hotels right down to the local noodle and 'moo satay' vendors in the main market by the river - lots of Laos food around and small Thai restaurants selling good quality cheap food that would take 5 pages to write the menu to! Hadd kha dhur is the nearest thing to a beach Ubon has and is sited on the bend in the river where the sand forms a beach, buy a full chicken slow cooked in foil and the greenery to go with it and sit on a raft on the river to eat it - tinging the bell to order another beer. Lots of fishing parks dotted around that will cook your catch for you.

Sights -

Lots of them from temples to mountains - Sirindhorn dam is about 30 mins away and has similar places to Hadd kha dhur serving fresh caught fish. The 3 coloured river is well worth a visit but the list really is endless!

Another good point?

We are 45 mins drive from the Laos border crossing and although it will cost you B1550 to get into Laos you'll save that in the duty free shop and by buying DVD's at B60 a time! No more long visa runs or paying somebody to do it for you (this practice has now been stopped!)

Sombat VDO has 2 shops where you can rent DVD's for B30 a week - one in the centre of town and one on Chiangkul road near the ranger base (and my house!)

Most falang needs are taken care of at Tesco or bigC and if there's something you can't find you can try to get it posted from Korat.

[thai3]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the see saw club quite an interesting cafe near the laithong hotel. The sing every type of music, quite good cing and chinese songs-peter

[doninusa]

thanks much for the input guys. The TGF is in bkk at the us embassy in 7 hours for an application for tourist visa. If she cannot get one, i dont know who can. She has 2 inches of paperwork. She did all the work and i only looked it over. Only a few corrections needed. I have played golf on the Sirindorn dam course. Wow it was so expensive. 50 baht weekday and 150 on the weekend. LOL. I know there is plenty to do there, i guess. What i really appreciate is the thoughts about What it is like to live there. I know i did not originally ask that question, but that seems to be where i am now a month later. Anyway, if all goes well, we may do the 2 household thing. Her house is fine. One big question, how are the police with the farang driving. It seems that there are a lot of the police shacks around since it is close to Laos. Is that just my imagination. Thanks again.

[thaibites0]

dininusa,

If you have an American license you can drive here with no problems - the police very rarely stop motorists unless they are speeding (especially towards the end of the month when the paycheques are running out!) never had a problem even when caught speeding - just pay a small fine and your on your way!

Thai3 - there's another 'see saw' not far from the post office that caters to the elder market with Thai golden oldies and has hostess's for when those feet can't stop tapping - got a good Korean beef cook your own at the table near to it too!

[sezzo]

One big question, how are the police with the farang driving.  It seems that there are a lot of the police shacks around since it is close to Laos.  Is that just my imagination.  Thanks again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Having been driving around Ubon and surrounding provinces for the past 12 months on Australian, International Driving Permit and now a thai licence I can tell you that the majority of the time that I have been pulled over that when the police see the farang as the driver they either quickly check my license or passport or wave you through.

Even once when I was pulled over by the highway police for an obvious speeding infringement, once they saw the farang head sticking out of the window they just waved me on.

During Songkran when every village has a police checkpoint I was quickly waved through. Sometimes the police used the opportunity to use their limited english skills.

Just be friendly, smile and everything is fine.