Udon Thani

Udon Thani (อุดรธานี), often called Udon or Udorn, is the seventh-largest city in Thailand with a population of around 131,000. Founded in the 1890s by Prince Prajak Silapakom, it sits in the heart of the Isaan region in northeastern Thailand. The city's modern growth was accelerated by the presence of a United States Air Force base during the Vietnam War, which brought wealth, infrastructure, and a lasting American influence. The base closed in 1976, and a U.S. consulate operated until 1995; a Voice of America radio station remains. Today Udon Thani is a regional hub for agriculture, commerce, and a growing tourism industry, with a notably large expatriate community of over 5,000 from Europe, Australia, and North America.

The climate is tropical savanna. Winters (Nov–Feb) are dry and warm. The hottest months are March–April, with average daily highs of 36.2°C. The monsoon runs from late April to early October, bringing heavy rain and slightly cooler daytime temperatures.

The city is laid out along Highway 2, with three large roundabouts — the clock circle, fountain circle, and Prince Prajak Circle — serving as landmarks. Downtown centres on Central Plaza and Nong Prajak Park. The railway station and main bus station are within walking distance of the tourist area.

By Plane

Udon Thani Airport (UTH IATA) is 4 km from the city centre. Several airlines operate 50-minute flights from Bangkok — Thai Airways from Suvarnabhumi (BKK), and Air Asia and Nok Air from Don Mueang (DMK), with fares from 500 baht if booked in advance. Direct flights also connect from Chiang Mai, Loei, and Phuket. A shared minibus from the airport costs 80 baht per person. Grab ride-hailing costs around 150 baht to central Udon, while motorbike taxis are about 60 baht. Some taxis wait at the airport unofficially, charging 200–400 baht.

By Train

Udon Thani Railway Station is conveniently located near Central Plaza. Daily daytime trains and three overnight sleepers run to/from Bangkok (scheduled 9 hr 25 min, often longer). Trains also connect to Nong Khai (45 min, 11 baht) and across the Friendship Bridge to Laos. Connections to southern Isaan (Buriram, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani) can be made via Nakhon Ratchasima.

By Car / Road

Udon Thani has four bus stations. The City Centre Bus Station (Station 1, BKS Station) is near Central Plaza with frequent services to Bangkok (Mo Chit, 8 hr, 454 baht regular / 606 baht VIP), Khon Kaen (90 min, 80 baht), Nong Khai (1 hr, 50 baht), Sakon Nakhon (3 hr, 100 baht), and Vientiane in Laos (2 hr, 80 baht). Nakhonchai Air operates from its own terminal on Tahan Road with VIP buses to Bangkok. From Chiang Mai, overnight buses take 10.5 hr (666 baht). From Pattaya, buses run at 08:00, 18:30, and 20:55 (636 baht VIP).

Udon Thani is navigable on foot around the city centre. Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) follow numbered routes for 8–10 baht per trip. Tuk-tuks (locally called Skylabs, built from adapted motorcycles) are plentiful; negotiate before riding, typical fares are 30–50 baht. Grab ride-hailing operates widely, with motorbike Grab from 60 baht and car rides from about 100 baht. Samlors (bicycle taxis) are available but declining. Bicycles rent for 20 baht/hour at Nong Prajak Park. Motorbike rentals are available from Jenny's Motorbike Rental and other shops. Major international car rental companies have desks at the airport.

• Nong Prajak Park — the largest park in the city, centred on a lake with walking paths, exercise equipment, paddle boats, and a large statue of Prince Prajak Silapakom. Popular for evening strolls and jogging.

• Ban Chiang — a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 35 km east of Udon, this archaeological site features Neolithic-to-Iron Age remains and the Ban Chiang National Museum with its famous red-painted pottery and excavated burial pits.

• Wat Phothisomphon — a striking modern temple with an enormous white Buddha statue visible from much of the city.

• Udon Thani City Museum — housed in a colonial-era building, covering the city's history from its founding through the Vietnam War era.

• Central Plaza Udon Thani — a large shopping mall that also serves as a city landmark and meeting point.

• Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) — Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake, about 45 km south, covered in thousands of pink lotus blossoms during the winter months (Nov–Feb).

• Walk around Nong Prajak Park — the lake loop is a favourite local activity, especially at sunrise and sunset.

• Explore the expat social scene — Udon Thani has a lively bar and restaurant scene centred on Soi Sampan and the area around the main bus station.

• Take a day trip to Ban Chiang — the UNESCO site makes for a half-day cultural excursion.

• Visit the night market — near the train station and Central Plaza, with food stalls, clothing, and local products.

• Cycle the city — flat terrain makes Udon Thani bicycle-friendly; rental bikes are available at Nong Prajak Park.

Isaan cuisine dominates, known for its bold flavours of chilli, lime, fish sauce, and fermented fish (pla ra). Sticky rice is the staple.

• Som tam (green papaya salad), larb (spicy minced meat salad), and gai yang (grilled chicken) are ubiquitous street-food staples.
• Khao niew mamuang (mango with sticky rice) is a popular dessert.
• Night market stalls — dozens of vendors around the train station serve fresh grilled meats, som tam, noodle soups, and fried rice from 30 baht.
• Soi Sampan restaurants — a concentration of Isaan and Thai restaurants, many open-air, with dishes from 50–150 baht.
• Ruan Phae — a well-known local restaurant serving Isaan classics, located near Central Plaza.

Vegetarian options are available at dedicated jay (vegetarian) food stalls; look for yellow signs.

Tap water is not potable; stick to bottled water. The local drink of choice is cha yen ( Thai iced tea) served sweetened with condensed milk. Fresh fruit shakes (nam pan la-mai) are widely available at market stalls. Beer bars and pubs cluster around Soi Sampan and the expat areas, serving Thai beers (Singha, Chang, Leo) and imported brands. For a local spirit, try lao khao (rice whisky) — drink with caution and mix with soda.

• Budget: SPM House — basic rooms near the train station, from 300 baht/night. Asia Backpackers — hostel-style accommodation, dorm beds around 200 baht.
• Mid-range: Udon Thani Boutique Hotel — clean rooms with A/C and breakfast, 500–900 baht. The Pannarai Hotel — contemporary rooms near Central Plaza, 800–1,200 baht.
• Upscale: Century Udon Thani Hotel — a 4-star hotel on Nong Prajak Park, rooms from 1,500 baht. Charoensri Grand Royal Hotel — long-established hotel near the bus station, 1,200–2,000 baht.

• Udon Thani Night Market — near the train station, selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and street food.
• Central Plaza Udon Thani — the main shopping mall with international brands, a cinema, and a food court.
• Soi Sampan — a market street with souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, and local snacks.
• Local specialities — Isaan silk and cotton textiles, handmade brooms from Ban Dung, and Phu Thai woven goods.

• Ban Chiang (35 km east) — UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site with the Ban Chiang National Museum.
• Nong Khai (55 km north) — charming Mekong River town and gateway to Laos via the Friendship Bridge.
• Khon Kaen (125 km south, 90 min by bus) — the commercial centre of Isaan, home to Khon Kaen University and museums.
• Vientiane, Laos (2 hours by bus) — the laid-back Lao capital across the Mekong, with Buddhist temples and French-colonial architecture.
• Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake (45 km south) — the Red Lotus Sea, best visited Nov–Feb when the lotus blooms.
• Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (90 km west, in Ban Phue district) — unusual rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings.