Udon Thani

Introduction

You can explore Udon Thani, a prominent city located in the Isan region. As one of the major cities in this area, it is recognized alongside Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen as part of the "big four of Isan."

Before you go

Prepare for a climate that transitions from dry and very warm winters into a hot spring. During the monsoon season, you can expect heavy rain and slightly cooler daytime temperatures, though the nights remain warm.

You will find a region shaped by its history as an agricultural hub and its past connection to a nearby airbase. This history fostered a local population with strong English skills, contributing to the area's appeal for international residents from Europe, Australia, and North America.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Udon Thani Airport, which receives daily flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Loei, and Phuket. Upon arrival at the airport, you can choose between a limousine service (minibus) that provides drop-offs at your chosen location, or a ride-hailing service like Grab. While bike taxis are available for solo travelers, they cannot accommodate more than one person. If your journey continues toward the border, a dedicated bureau in the arrivals hall sells minivan tickets to Nong Khai.

For those traveling by land, several bus stations serve the city:

• The City Centre Bus Station is located near Central Plaza and serves routes to Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and various points to the east.
• The Northern Bus Station on the western outskirts handles arrivals from Loei, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.
• Bus Station 3, situated off the ring road, accommodates third-class buses from Nong Khai.
• The Nakhonchai Air Bus Terminal provides first-class and VIP options for travel to Bangkok.

Getting around

Navigating the city is made easier by three large roundabouts on the central road: the clock circle, the fountain circle, and Prince Prajak Circle. You can also orient yourself using landmarks like Central Plaza or Nong Prajak Park, while a bypass road circles the city.

You have several options for local transport depending on your preference for speed or convenience:

• Grab ride-hailing services are available throughout the area, including a motorbike option that is convenient for solo travelers.
• Tuk-tuks, featuring locally made motorcycles in the front, are common in commercial areas; ensure you negotiate a price before starting your journey.
• A network of numbered pick-up trucks called songthaews provides bus-like transportation across the city.
• Traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxis, known as samlors, remain available on the streets.
• For independent travel, you can rent bicycles near Nong Prajak Park or choose to rent a motorbike or car for more comfort.

Where to stay

You can find a wide range of accommodations in town depending on your needs, from budget-friendly options to more upscale stays. For those seeking value, several hotels offer basic fan or air-conditioned rooms near the central bus station or within walking distance of local markets and shopping centers. Some establishments provide additional amenities like bicycle rentals, while others are situated in convenient locations near transit hubs and lively areas with bars and pubs.

For a more relaxed experience, you can choose from mid-range hotels featuring garden settings, swimming pools, or proximity to scenic spots like the Red Lotus Lake. Some of these options offer larger suites or cottage-style accommodations with private living areas. If you prefer a more secluded stay, private pool villas and traditional Thai houses in the countryside provide catered services and fully serviced holidays.

• Options near transit hubs include properties close to the bus and train stations, some offering convenient access to nearby shopping centers and hospitals.
• Properties located near the Red Lotus Lake offer a more tranquil atmosphere with garden settings or cottage-style accommodations.
• Some locations provide additional amenities such as bicycle or motorbike rentals, on-site laundry, and breakfast included in the stay.

Food & drink

You can find a wide variety of street food throughout the city, where vendors offer staples such as satay, pad Thai, som tam, grilled chicken, and meat on a stick. Noodle soups featuring beef, pork, chicken, or duck are common options, alongside various rice dishes and sweets. For a different experience, you can visit buffet restaurants that feature Korean-style cook-it-yourself BBQ served in raised dishes over charcoal burners.

The local dining scene offers diverse choices for your palate:

• Maeyaa is an established institution known for its extensive ice cream selection and air-conditioned dining.
• Fuzzy Ken's serves a hybrid of Thai and Western dishes while also functioning as a bookshop and shop for hard-to-find Western foodstuffs.
• The Good Corner Restaurant and Bar offers pizza, breakfast, and Thai food in the Nutty Park area.

What to see and do

Explore the ancient history of the region at Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can view prehistoric pottery and bronze artifacts in a national museum. Nearby, visit the Phu Phrabat National Park to see sandstone edifices and Bronze Age cave paintings along a scenic ridge line. If you prefer nature, head to the Red Lotus Lake for a boat ride through fields of red hardy water lilies or visit the Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm to see various orchid species. For a peaceful retreat, the Wat Pa Phu Kon temple complex offers a serene atmosphere with its blue-roofed hall and large reclining white marble Buddha set against a backdrop of lush greenery.

Experience local culture and scenery through these activities:

• Stroll through Ban Nakha to find hand-woven silk and cotton garments.
• Visit Nong Bua to see Chinese pagodas and the dragon pole by the lake.
• Explore the trails and waterfalls of Phu Foi Lom Eco-Park or visit the nearby Khumpahawapi wetlands, where you can see a long-established troop of monkeys.
• Relax at Nong Prajak Lake Park, a large recreational area where you can walk along paved paths, cycle, or watch locals exercise by the water.
• Take a train to the neighboring city of Nong Khai for a day trip.

Three days in Udon Thani

Day one, you begin your journey in the city centre. You can navigate the local area by taking a tuk-tuk or using the City Centre Bus to reach your first destinations.

Day two, you explore the surroundings of Prince Prajak Circle and find relaxation at Nong Prajak Park.

Day three, you prepare for your departure from Udon Thani. You can make your way to the Northern Bus Station or the Nakhonchai Air Bus Terminal to catch a ride toward other regions.