Udon Thani, a city in Thailand that may not be widely known by tourists, offers a captivating experience for anyone who visits. Located in northeastern Thailand, the Udon Thani region is rich in culture. The magnificent temples, such as Wat Phothisomphon and Wat Pa Ban Tat, provide a deep insight into spirituality and the art of traditional Thai architecture.
In addition to its cultural heritage, Udon Thani is also mesmerizing with its natural beauty. Nong Prajak Park, a beautiful city park, provides the perfect green environment to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
In addition, Udon Thani hosts several famous festivals in Thailand, including the Red Cross Fair that is held in July. The festival features traditional games, cultural performances, and a large market selling local products, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people in Udon Thani.
With its blend of cultural charm, natural beauty and lively festivals, Udon Thani offers an unforgettable travel experience. The city not only captivates through its cultural heritage, but also showcases the natural beauty and warmth of its people, making every visitor truly feel at home.
Udon Thani has a bus transportation system that connects to major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok. There are two bus terminals in Udon Thani, the new bus terminal and the old bus terminal. The new bus terminal is located on the Udon Thani ring road, serving buses traveling to cities in northern Thailand. Meanwhile, the old bus terminal located in the city center serves as the national bus terminal serving buses coming from all over Thailand. Bus tickets in Udon Thani cost around 8 Baht for one trip.
Udon Thani is famous for its archaeological attractions, especially Ban Chiang village, which plays an important role as the site of the world's first Bronze Age civilization believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago. In addition, Udon Thani is also famous for its natural attractions and local products such as Pha Khid, a patterned silk fabric. Geographically, the city is located on a plateau about 187 meters above sea level, with most of its area covered by fields, forests, and hills. The presence of Phu Pan Mountain and the Songkhram River add to the province's main attractions.
Nong Han Lake is a must-visit tourist attraction in Udon Thani. The beauty of this lake is further emphasized by the charm of pink lotus flowers that adorn its surface. When exploring Nong Han Lake, you can enjoy its beauty by riding a boat while capturing moments through photos to share on social media.
Another interesting destination is Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden, which is famous for being the first orchid-based perfume producer. From November to February, you can see the hybrid plant Codariocalyx Motorius Ohashi Leguminosae, a plant that can 'dance' to the rhythm of music. The plant will respond to high-pitched sounds, with some of its leaves moving back and forth.
For history buffs, the Udon Thani Museum is a destination worth visiting. Housed in a colonial-style building from the 1920s, originally a girls' school, the museum now showcases a diverse collection ranging from geology to handicrafts.
In the vibrant city of Udon Thani, there are several colorful restaurants that are worth a visit, one of which is Arunee Namnueng. Having operated for over three decades, this culinary restaurant proudly boasts the prestigious MICHELIN award. A must-try dish here is the Nam Nueng or eel meatballs, which are served with a sweet and sour sauce that enhances the flavors.
Krua Khun Nid, which also received a MICHELIN award, has been a local favorite for over 40 years. The restaurant offers classics like fried pickled fish, crispy tilapia with garlic, and knife fish cakes wrapped in banana leaves.
Lastly, treat yourself to the famous duck noodles that have been popular for 30 years and still going strong today, the Peng Duck Noodles. This restaurant specializes in delicious duck dishes, which are slow-cooked for 8 to 10 hours. Besides enjoying the famous duck noodles, you can also experience their delicious duck rice.
Determining the ideal duration for a vacation in Udon Thani can vary depending on your personal preferences and itinerary. However, spending around 2 to 3 days in Udon Thani is sufficient to explore the city's famous attractions, such as Wat Phothisomphon, Wat Pa Ban Ta, Nong Han Lake, Nong Prajak Park, Udon Thani Museum, and Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm.
Allocating 2 to 3 days of your holiday in Udon Thani allows you to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the city at ease without feeling rushed. In addition, during this time, you can also enjoy local specialties at some of the city's famous restaurants.
Despite being in the same country, Bangkok and Udon Thani are quite far apart, about 560 kilometers by road, with a travel time of about 8 hours. One of the best ways to reach Udon Thani from Bangkok is by airplane, which takes about 1 hour. Traveling from Bangkok to Udon Thani by airplane can start from Bangkok Airport, Thailand, to Udon Thani Airport, Thailand (UHT), with ticket prices around 2,700 Baht.
Travel Tips for Udon Thani