There are many places to visit in Ubon Ratchathani, my favorite place to count down for a new year in every year without feeling bored is Pha-Taem. Pha-taem is known as a place for “COUNTDOWN TO THAILAND’S FIRST SUNRISE” because Ubon Ratchathani, furthest east of the country, is the first province in the kingdom to greet the sunrise.

Pha-Taem National Park is located on the bank of the Mekong River, Khong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani. Pha-taem is well-known by its Prehistoric Paintings, you can know from its name; Pha Taem is the name of the painted cliff; the word "Pha" meaning cliff and "Taem" referring to painting. Its painting was date back to 3,000 to 4,000 years before recorded history.

On the end of the year, many activities are available there for the tourist to do for offers a truly unique cultural experience. As night begins to fall, drive to the top of Pha Taem cliff where the evening’s feast features the traditional I-san style set dinner known as palaeng. Folk music, cultural performances and folk entertainment maintain a lively scene as guests are entertained as they await the Countdown and hold their all night vigil to greet Thailand’s first sunrise. The vigil ends with merit-making.

There are also other places to visit around Pha-taem like rock formation, rock cliff (some with ancient wall paintings), rock pillars, caves and waterfalls. Taking a boat ride on the bordering Mekong River is a good way to view the beauty of the park.

Credits : http://www.tatnews.org 

http://www.trekthailand.net/north-east19/index.html