Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani

REVIEW · THAILAND

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani

  • 4.04 reviews
  • From $78.44
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Operated by Phuttiphan Kapang · Bookable on Viator

Ubon can be a lot of driving, but this route keeps it simple. I like the car-with-driver setup that strings together major sights in one go, and I also like the chance to mix viewpoints with a real swim-at-the-waterfall break. One thing to consider: you’re paying for driving, not a narration-heavy guide, so expect minimal explanations and bring your own curiosity.

I also appreciate the mix of time types. You get a slower, photogenic stop at a major temple, plus shorter hit-and-run moments at places like the Two-Color River viewpoint. And if you want a detour for snacks or a raft-style meal, the format is flexible enough to ask.

The tour is run by Phuttiphan Kapang, and the driver handles the road and the timing. The trade-off is that I can’t promise guiding—just a smooth transport plan and time at each stop.

Key things to know before you go

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Key things to know before you go

  • Driver-led routing: you won’t be bouncing between rental counters and maps
  • Short viewpoint stops: Two-Color River and Wat Tham Khuha Sawan fit into tight schedules
  • Big temple time: Wat Phu Prao gets a longer 2-hour window for a calmer visit
  • Some admissions are on you: Pha Taem National Park and Soi Sawan Waterfall are not included
  • Fuel is extra: the price covers the driver and car time, not petrol

Car With Driver Value in Ubon: Less Stress, More Sight Time

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Car With Driver Value in Ubon: Less Stress, More Sight Time
This is one of those trips that makes sense if you don’t want to think about driving logistics. You start at 10:00 am, and you spend the day moving from one famous Ubon-area landmark to the next. It’s a practical option for solo travelers or two people, especially if you’re not keen on renting a car yourself.

I also like that it’s positioned as a private experience. That means your timing is yours—at least within the stop durations listed. It’s helpful at places where you might want an extra photo minute or two, or you’d rather linger quietly than rush.

Just set expectations: this is car rental with driver only. The driver will get you pointed in the right direction and keep the program moving, but you should not plan on detailed commentary. One review response I saw matched the vibe: the driver stays quiet and direct, with minimal talk. If you want deep explanations, you’ll want to read up before you arrive or use your own phone research on-site.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Thailand.

Day One Route Overview: Cliffs, Waterfalls, and Two-Color River Views

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Day One Route Overview: Cliffs, Waterfalls, and Two-Color River Views
Day one is all about variety. You start with the dramatic cliffs and ancient artwork of Pha Taem National Park, then cool off at Soi Sawan Waterfall. After that, the afternoon shifts into shorter, high-impact stops: the Two-Color River viewpoint and then the cave-style temple Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. You finish with the longer, more relaxed temple visit at Wat Phu Prao.

This rhythm works well because it gives you different “modes” in one day:

  • Big outdoor views early when your energy is higher
  • Water time before you head into more walking and temple areas
  • Short cultural stops so you don’t burn the whole day in one place

You should also plan for moderate physical activity. You’ll be climbing around for viewpoints, and you might want to swim or wade at the waterfall area. Comfortable shoes matter even if you’re mainly there for photos.

Pha Taem National Park: Cliff Viewpoint and Ancient Rock Paintings

Pha Taem National Park is why a lot of people point their car toward the east of Ubon. You’ll get about an hour here, including time at the cliff view point and the area with colorful paintings said to be over 3,000 years old.

What I love about this stop is the way it mixes two different kinds of wow. From the cliff, the views feel wide and open, and that makes the photos look impressive even if you’re not a professional. Then you switch from “wow, nature” to “wow, humans were here long ago,” when you’re looking at those ancient paintings.

A practical consideration: the admission for Pha Taem National Park is not included. So keep some extra cash or a backup payment method ready. Also, plan your time. One hour sounds short, but the main task is simple: get your footing, find your best viewpoint angles, and then give yourself enough time to actually look at the paintings rather than just snap-and-run.

Soi Sawan Waterfall: A Cooling Break for Swimming

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Soi Sawan Waterfall: A Cooling Break for Swimming
After the cliff and paintings, the schedule swings to Soi Sawan Waterfall for about an hour. This is your chance to cool off, and the overview style of the trip suggests you can even work in a swim if conditions allow.

I like waterfall stops on a driver trip because you’re not stuck doing the logistics yourself—parking, navigation, and the back-and-forth are handled. You can just show up, take in the setting, and decide how long you want to stay.

The key caution is simple: admission isn’t included here either. Also, bring the basics for wet time if you plan to swim—quick-dry clothing and water-friendly footwear help. Even if you don’t swim, you’ll likely spend time close to slippery surfaces.

Two-Color River Viewpoint: Short Stop, Strong Photo Moment

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Two-Color River Viewpoint: Short Stop, Strong Photo Moment
Then you get a quick 30 minutes at the Two-Color River viewpoint. It’s brief by design, and that’s actually good. You’ll reach the viewpoint, take your photos, enjoy the view, and move on before fatigue sets in.

Why this stop works: the Two-Color River is the kind of sight you understand fast. You don’t need a long explanation to get the appeal—you just look and compare. With only half an hour, the pacing keeps you from turning it into a slow, tiring detour.

One practical note: the admission is listed as included for this stop. So this is one of the easier “value” segments of the day because you don’t have to manage extra ticket cost here.

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Wat Tham Khuha Sawan: A Cave-Style Temple Break

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Wat Tham Khuha Sawan: A Cave-Style Temple Break
Wat Tham Khoo Ha (also referred to as Wat Tham Khuha Sawan) is another compact stop at about 30 minutes. The big idea is that it’s a temple visit with cave-style vibes, which usually means you’ll be doing some short walks and possibly stepping into darker or more enclosed areas.

I like this stop because it breaks up the long outdoor stretches with something more reflective and local. Temples are also where you’ll see daily life rhythms—people taking care of the space, chatting quietly, and moving respectfully through the area.

Keep your expectations aligned with the time: 30 minutes is enough for entry, a quick circuit, and photos if the lighting works. It’s not enough for a long sit-down or a deep read-through of anything written on-site.

Admission for this stop is included, which helps keep your day organized.

Wat Phu Prao (Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao Temple): The Most Worth-Lingering Stop

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Wat Phu Prao (Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao Temple): The Most Worth-Lingering Stop
If you want one part of the day that feels more spacious, this is it. Wat Phu Prao is scheduled for about 2 hours, and that longer window is the difference-maker.

This is where I’d slow down. Temples like this often reward you for walking at a human pace instead of racing from object to object. Two hours gives you time to:

  • get your bearings in the main areas
  • watch for the quieter moments (not just the busiest photo angles)
  • take breaks and avoid the “temple sprint” feeling

Admission for Wat Phu Prao is listed as included, so once you arrive, you can focus on the experience instead of budgeting on the fly.

Even if the driver doesn’t provide much spoken guidance, you can still get a lot out of this stop by simply observing what people do and keeping your pace gentle.

Day Two in Ubon Ratchathani: A Simple Return With Time to Breathe

Rent a car with driver visit famous places in Ubon Ratchathani - Day Two in Ubon Ratchathani: A Simple Return With Time to Breathe
Day two is mostly about returning to Ubon Ratchathani, with about 3 hours in town noted as free admission. The way this plays is practical: you get a full sight day on day one, then day two becomes your buffer. It’s useful if you want to regroup, handle any leftover logistics, or just enjoy your evening in Ubon without a packed schedule.

I’d treat this day as flexible time rather than a second “big sights” day. Since the data only clearly states a return to town and free time, don’t plan on major out-of-area excursions unless you arrange them separately.

If you like structure, you can use the 3 hours for a short, local walk and an easy meal. If you like rest, just use it to slow down after a long day of viewpoints and temples.

What You’re Paying For: Price, Tickets, Pickup, and Fuel

The price is listed at $78.44 per person, and booking tends to happen about 20 days in advance on average. That gives you a hint that the operator may have limited driver/car scheduling around peak times.

Now the value math. You’re getting:

  • a car with driver for the day (the package states 1 day included)
  • pickup offered
  • group discounts
  • a mobile ticket

What you are not getting:

  • petrol throughout the trip
  • coffee/tea and food
  • accommodation

And not every stop’s admission is included. Pha Taem National Park and Soi Sawan Waterfall are not included, while the Two-Color River viewpoint, Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, and Wat Phu Prao are included.

That’s why I recommend you budget admissions separately, even if some are covered. Also plan meals with the reality that food isn’t included, even though the overall vibe suggests you can stop for local eating—just treat it as extra cost.

A quick trust check

One negative review warning was about deposit problems with a different rental company name. The response here matters: this operator says they never collect customer deposits. If anything you receive asks for unusual deposits, pause and clarify in advance.

Your Driver Experience: Quiet, Direct, and Photo-Friendly

Your driver role here is clear: transport and timing. One review described a driver who is chilled and quiet, with patience for repeated photo requests. If you’re an introvert, that kind of low-talk driving can be a relief.

Still, there’s a second travel style element to consider. In another note, the driver didn’t provide much explanation beyond pointing you where to go. That means you’ll want to bring your own questions—or be okay with self-guided looking once you’re dropped at each spot.

The upside is control. You’re not getting trapped in a lecture. You move, you look, you decide. If you’re traveling with someone who hates slow pacing but likes time to photograph, this format can fit nicely.

Practical Tips to Make the Day Smoother

Here are the things that make this trip feel easier on the ground.

Start time and pacing

  • Plan to be ready for a 10:00 am start. That helps you use the daylight well, especially for the cliff and outdoor viewpoint segments.

Bring swim-ready basics

  • If you want to swim at Soi Sawan Waterfall, pack a simple kit: quick-dry clothes, a small towel, and flip-flops or water-friendly shoes.

Respect temple etiquette

  • For Wat Tham Khuha Sawan and Wat Phu Prao, wear something comfortable and modest enough for temple areas. You’ll feel better, and you’ll have a smoother experience.

Cash for admissions you’ll pay

  • Since Pha Taem and Soi Sawan admissions are not included, having a little cash helps you avoid the awkward scramble.

Stay organized with your preferences

  • Because this is driver-led transport (not a narrated guided tour), the fastest way to get what you want is to communicate what you care about before you start. If you want a detour for a snack stop, say it early.

Message ahead if you have questions

  • You can ask details by WhatsApp text at +66954439307. That’s especially useful if you want to confirm what’s included for your exact date.

Who This Car-With-Driver Trip Suits Best

This works well if you:

  • want to see several Ubon-area highlights without handling driving
  • prefer a quiet, low-pressure day instead of a talk-heavy guide
  • enjoy mixing viewpoints, temples, and a cooling waterfall break

It may not be the best fit if you:

  • want detailed historical explanations and a guide who stays with you throughout
  • dislike paying extra for fuel and some admission tickets
  • need a tightly timed, highly scripted day with no flexibility

Should You Book This Ubon Route?

I’d book this if you want a practical transport plan that hits the main sights in one packed day, with plenty of time to look around instead of rushing every step with a guide’s commentary. The longer temple window at Wat Phu Prao alone makes the pacing feel fair.

Skip it or ask extra questions first if you’re expecting a true guide service. Since the driver doesn’t function as a guide, you’ll need to be comfortable with a more self-guided style once you reach each stop. Also budget for fuel and the two admissions that aren’t covered.

Overall, it’s a good value for people who want convenience and flexibility more than storytelling.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as about 2 days, with a full day of driving between stops and a return to Ubon Ratchathani on the second day with about 3 hours noted in town.

What does the tour price include?

The price includes a car with driver for the included day, with pickup offered, plus group discounts and a mobile ticket.

Is fuel included?

No. Petrol throughout the trip is not included.

Are entrance fees included for all stops?

No. Admission is not included for Pha Taem National Park and Soi Sawan Waterfall. Admission is included for the Two-Color River viewpoint, Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, and Wat Phu Prao.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

What are the main places you visit?

You’ll visit Pha Taem National Park, Soi Sawan Waterfall, the Two-Color River viewpoint, Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, and Wat Phu Prao, with return time to Ubon Ratchathani on the second day.

Do I need to swim at the waterfall?

No. Soi Sawan Waterfall is on the route, and you can spend time there as you wish, including swimming if you want.

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is car rental with driver only. The operator notes they can’t act as a guide due to legal restrictions.

Is it private or shared?

It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

The experience offers free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund.

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