The city is on the Mun River in the southeast of the Isan region of Thailand, and is located 615 km (382 mi) away from Bangkok.

The city was founded in the late 18th century by Thao Kham Phong, descendant of Phra Wo and Phra Ta, who escaped from King Siribunsan of Vientiane into the Siam Kingdom during the reign of King Taksin the Great.

Later, Thao Kham Phong was appointed to be "Phra Pathum Wongsa [th]" (Thai: พระประทุมวงศา)[clarification needed] and the first ruler of Ubon Ratchathani.

One legacy of this is a monument in the city's central Thung Si Meuang Park, erected[when?]

The monsoon season runs from late April to October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm.

On the same evening, there are many smaller processions during which candles are carried to practically all Buddhist temples in Thailand.

The events are marked by ceremonies and processions in the form of large-scale, colourful parades of magnificent floats with huge, extravagant candlewax sculptures, Thai traditional dance and music.

The province is known for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of monks dwelling in the forest (Thai: พระธุดงค์ Phra thudong, pilgrimage, lit.

Ajahn Chah's style of teaching and personality had a notable ability to reach people of other nationalities.

[7] Other Buddhist temples in and around the city include Wat Thung Si Muang (Thai: วัดทุ่งศรีเมือง), in the center of the city, featuring an old wooden library on stilts in a small lake, and Wat Nong Bua near the Big C mall, featuring a chedi modelled on Bodh Gaya in India.