The Thai Adventures of Rob B

Thailand is a large country, with journeys from Bangkok to its northern or southernmost cities taking well over ten hours. While many visitors choose to fly, those on a longer holiday - or anyone living in the Land of Smiles - may prefer the slower, cheaper and often more interesting option of travelling by bus. Here's what you need to know before setting off.

Since moving to rural Sisaket in February 2022, I've visited Ubon Ratchathani many times. It's only an hour away by car, and with trains from Kanthararom, it's easy to reach whether I'm heading there to explore or watch football. Over several overnight stays, I discovered a city with plenty of good food, lively bars and an enjoyable nightlife that's well worth experiencing.

Many of my family and friends knew that I would eventually relocate to Thailand, knowing it was a decision I had made. But even I was unsure about what lay ahead when I met Taew, and we were heading to live in rural Sisaket as a married couple. I certainly hadn’t heard of the nearest town of Kanthararom.

I don't think I'll ever tire of the excitement of an upcoming World Cup. They bring back great memories, especially of watching players from countries that seemed strange and exotic to me as a kid. So, imagine my delight when I discovered that a World Cup was coming to Ubon Ratchathani, just an hour from home. This wasn't the tournament I'd expected to see again. It was the 2026 Seniors World Cup, bringing former professionals and internationals over 40 to Ubon for a week of competitive football. For me, it was an opportunity too good to miss.

The city of Ubon Ratchathani is one of the big four in Thailand’s northeast Isan region. It hosts a huge annual festival, has an airport, and several universities, all adding vibrancy alongside its old town and river. But what about the province of the same name? Here, I look back at some of the places I've been fortunate enough to discover.

Ubon Ratchathani is one of the four largest cities in Thailand's northeastern region of Isan. Home to several universities, an excellent food and drink scene, and the world-famous annual Candle Festival, it sits on the banks of the Mun River and is a place I always enjoy returning to.