Travel Guide: Smile House, Ubon Ratchathani

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s laid-back northeastern region, Smile House is a quiet, budget-friendly gem that lives up to its warm name. Far from the crowded tourist trails of Chiang Mai and Bangkok, this family-run guesthouse offers a genuine introduction to rural Thai life, with comfortable amenities and easy access to Ubon Ratchathani’s most beloved natural and cultural sites. Whether you’re a backpacker exploring the Mekong corridor or a slow traveler seeking to unwind amid green, leafy surrounds, Smile House delivers on comfort, convenience, and that signature Isan hospitality.

Hotel Overview

Smile House is located at 327 Moo 4 Jangsanit Road, Jaeramae, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, just a 10-minute drive from Ubon’s city center and 25 minutes from Ubon Ratchathani International Airport. The property is entirely non-smoking, with clean, air-conditioned non-smoking rooms equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Each room features a private shower room with free toiletries, toilet paper, and towels, plus a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a work desk, clothing hangers, and free WiFi that covers the entire property.

Outside the rooms, guests can relax on private balconies, the shared terrace, or wander the small on-site garden. Free private parking is available on-site without reservations, making it ideal for road-trippers exploring the region. The multilingual staff speaks Thai, English, and Lao, and offers reliable wake-up service for early morning sightseeing trips.

Nearby Attractions

Three standout attractions are easily accessible from Smile House:

• Wat Phra That Nong Bua: Just 15 minutes from the hotel, this revered Buddhist temple is home to a striking 55-meter white Buddha statue overlooking the city, and a sacred chedi said to house a fragment of the Buddha’s bone. The temple grounds are peaceful, dotted with lotus ponds, and offer panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields.
• Kaeng Saphue: A dramatic natural rock formation along the Mekong River, 45 minutes from Smile House. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Isan,” this popular spot features clear turquoise pools perfect for swimming in the dry season, and rugged cliff edges ideal for picnics and watching sunsets over the Lao border.
• Ubon Ratchathani Night Market: Located 10 minutes from the hotel in central Ubon, this bustling market is the best place to sample authentic Isan street food—from grilled chicken and som tam to sweet sticky rice with mango—and browse handwoven silk textiles made by local artisans.

Travel Tips

Visit between November and February for cool, dry weather perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Book your room during the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival in July well in advance, as accommodation fills up quickly across the city. If you don’t have a car, the hotel can arrange affordable shared tuk-tuk transfers to regional attractions, or rent you a motorbike for the day. Don’t leave without trying the som tam and larb from the street food stalls a 5-minute walk from the hotel’s entrance—they’re some of the best in the region.