Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen is a district in Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. The area is known for its rural surroundings, rich sceneries, and traditional way of life. Agriculture is an important aspect of the local economy, with rice growing being the most common activity.

The area provides a peaceful respite from city life, with its placid countryside studded with farms, towns, and natural beauties. Visitors to Amnat Charoen may enjoy genuine Thai hospitality and immerse themselves in the relaxed lifestyle of rural Thailand. Let’s explore this province with Asia King Travel!

Amnat Charoen - The area is known for its rural surroundings

History of Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen's history, like that of many other parts of Thailand, is inextricably linked to the region's overall historical backdrop. However, Amnat Charoen's precise historical facts may be less well documented than those of other notable towns or areas. Amnat Charoen district was formed relatively recently, on December 16, 1967, when it was separated from the bigger district of Muang Ubon Ratchathani.

History of Amnat Charoen

Since its inception, Amnat Charoen has been predominantly an agricultural community, with rice growing serving as the primary economic activity. In recent history, notably throughout the twentieth century, Ubon Ratchathani Province, including Amnat Charoen, has seen modernization and development, with infrastructural improvements, educational advances, and economic expansion. 

What to do in Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen is mostly a rural district noted for its agricultural landscapes and traditional way of life, however there are certain attractions and sites of interest worth visiting.

Wat Amnat Charoen: The district's primary temple, Wat Amnat Charoen, is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. Admire its architecture, learn about Buddhist teachings, and enjoy the peaceful environment of the temple grounds.

Wat Amnat Charoen

Local Markets: Visit the colorful local markets to find fresh vegetables, handicrafts, and traditional foods. The marketplaces provide an insight into daily life in Amnat Charoen and possibilities for contact with locals.

Phu Phan Ratchanivet Palace, located just outside of Amnat Charoen district, is a royal mansion erected during King Rama V's reign. Visitors may explore the palace grounds and learn about its history.

Phu Phan Ratchanivet Palace

The Boat Race Festival, also known as "Rub Bua Festival" in Thai, is a beloved event along the Mekong River near Amnat Charoen. It takes place in October or November and offers thrilling boat races, cultural events, and wonderful food. The festival promotes community spirit and solidarity, making it an exciting and memorable event for both locals and tourists.

The Boat Race Festival

While Amnat Charoen does not have the same amount of tourist infrastructure as other prominent Thai locations, its attractions provide a true and authentic sense of rural Thai life. Enjoy discovering the district's natural beauty, cultural legacy, and friendly people.

What to eat in Amnat Charoen

What to eat in Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen offers a delectable assortment of Thai food that reflects the region's culinary history. From fiery Som Tam to traditional Pad Thai, spicy Tom Yum Goong, creamy Gaeng Keow Wan Gai, savory Moo Ping, and sweet Khao Niew Mamuang, there's something for everyone's tastes. Whether you dine at local restaurants or try street cuisine, Amnat Charoen takes you on a delectable gastronomic tour across Thailand's rich tastes.

Maybe you like: Top 10 must-try dishes from Thailand

Where to stay in Amnat Charoen

Amnat Charoen has a variety of housing alternatives to suit different interests and budgets. While the region lacks the number of hotels and resorts seen in larger cities, there are still various options for comfortable lodging.

• Guesthouses and homestays provide a more personal and authentic experience. You can stay with local families or in tiny guesthouses, which often offer modest conveniences and the opportunity to engage with the community.
• Resorts and Hotels: Although there are less alternatives than in more touristic places, Amnat Charoen still has various resorts and hotels that provide pleasant rooms and services such as swimming pools, restaurants, and planned excursions.

Where to stay in Amnat Charoen

• Farmstays: For a really unique experience, try staying at a farmstay, where you can immerse yourself in rural life and engage in activities such as farming or making traditional Thai meals using farm-fresh ingredients.
• Riverfront Bungalows: If you want to be close to nature, check for riverfront bungalows or guesthouses on the Mekong River. These hotels provide magnificent vistas and a calm ambiance.
• Camping: If you are daring and prefer camping, there may be campsites or designated locations where you may pitch a tent and spend the night in nature.

Traveling cost in at Charoen

Travel expenses in Amnat Charoen vary based on hotel, transportation, food, and activities.

• Accommodation options range from low-cost guesthouses to mid-range hotels ranging between 500 and 2,500 Thai Baht per night.
• Local transportation, such as tuk-tuks or songthaews, costs between 20 and 100 Thai Baht for short excursions.
• Meals at neighborhood restaurants are reasonably priced, ranging from 50 to 150 Thai baht per person. Temple visits and rural excursions are both inexpensive or free activities.

Overall, while visiting in Amnat Charoen is typically inexpensive, it is essential to prepare according to personal tastes and financial limits.

Best time to visit Amnat Charoen

The greatest time to visit Amnat Charoen is during the chilly and dry season, which runs from November to February. Temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.

Best time to visit Amnat Charoen

This period corresponds with Thailand's prime tourist season, so expect brighter sky, reduced humidity, and less rain. During this season, there are also various festivals and cultural events that tourists may attend to learn about local customs and celebrations.

How to get to Amnat Charoen

When you arrive at Amnat Charoen, you may tour the district using local transportation, such as tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, or rental bicycles, depending on your interests and the availability of services.

• By Air: Fly to Ubon Ratchathani International Airport, then take a taxi or private car for a 1.5 to 2-hour ride to Amnat Charoen.
• By Bus: Take a bus from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and then local transportation to Amnat Charoen, which is about 50 kilometers distant.
• By Train: Take the train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station, then transferAmnat Charoen via cab or local transportation.
• By Car: The drive from Bangkok to at Charoen takes around 8 to 10 hours on roads.

Read more: Thailand Tours 15 days