Explore Udon Thani, a vibrant city in northeastern Thailand, where rich cultural heritage meets modern amenities. Discover ancient temples like Wat Pa Ban Tat and Wat Pothisomphon, or delve into history at Muang Udon Thani Museum. Relax in Nong Prajak Park, known for its serene lake and jogging trails.
Don’t miss tasting local delights such as Som Tam Pla Ra, Gai Yang, and Pla Pao, showcasing the region’s flavorful cuisine. Easily accessible by plane, bus, or train,
It welcomes visitors with its warm hospitality and diverse attractions, making it a must-visit destination in Thailand’s Isaan region.
Overview of Udon Thani:
Udon Thani is an important regional hub that connects northeastern Thailand with the rest of the country. There is a lot of things to do here such as strolling at Phu Phra Baht Historical Park and exploring the history and culture in the museums and temples.
This city has its own airport and it is also well connected to nearby cities by road and train.
Things to do:
1. Nong Prajak Park:
It is the largest municipal park in Udon Thani The major attraction of this park are the four yellow plastic ducks floating on the lake. This park was named after the founder of the city, Prince Prajak Silapakom. Early in the morning and in the evening you can see the locals jogging and cycling on the tracks.
In the east of the park you can find the children’s play area. Near this area there is an open gym. It opens daily from 4 am to 8 pm. The admission to this park is free.
2. Wat Pa Ban Tat:
This temple is the home to the venerable Than Achan Maha Bua Nanasampanno, one of the most respected monks in Thailand. This temple has 2 floors. On the upper floor, you will find the temple’s large principal Buddha image and serves as a study hall for monks.
The lower hall serves as a dining and preaching hall. The outer large hall serves in the accommodation of the pilgrims coming to attend merit-making ceremonies. It opens daily from 6 am to 8 pm.
3. Muang Udon Thani Museum:
This museum holds great historical importance. It was built back in the 1920s Here in this museum, you can explore articles related to heritage, history, archeology, art, culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Udon Thani people.
This museum opens daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Admission to this museum is free.
4. Wat Pothisomphon:
It is a 20th-century temple located in the center of Udon Thani. It has a large ordination hall in the Central Thailand Style. Behind the temple, you will find a Buddha statue which is about 1,300 years old.
This temple also has a bell tower and adjacent chedi both painted in white. In the premice, you will find many sculptures related to Buddhism and Southeast Asian mythology.
The top room of this temple features the shrine of Lord Buddha and on the walls, you can see the paintings depicting a significant part of the Lord Buddha’s life. This temple opens from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Food to try in Udon Thani:
1. Som Tam Pla Ra, Gai Yang, and Khao Niao:
This dish contains pounded papaya salad with grilled chicken and sticky rice. It is one of the most popular and most consumed dishes in Thailand.
It is a main course dish that you must try once. You must taste this dish at Som Tam Je Kai.
2. Pla Pao:
It is a salt-crusted fish that is grilled over charcoal. The fish used are the freshwater tilapia. The fish is firstly gutted but not scaled.
Then it is covered with salt and then grilled over burning charcoal. This dish is served with garlic chili seafood dipping sauce.
How to reach Udon Thani:
1. By plane:
Udon Thani Airport is the main airport. It serves about 50 flights to Bangkok. You can also reach Udon Thani from Chiang Mai, Loei, and Phuket.
To get to the city center you can get a limousine service for about 80 Baht per person.
2. By bus:
There are four bus stations here. The main bus station is the City Center Bus Stand, Station 1 or BKS Station. The other two bus stations, Bus Station 2, Bus Station 3 are located on the north side of the city.
The 4th bus station is Nakhonchai Air Bus Terminal located opposite to the army hospital. To Udon Thani you can get a bus from Loei, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and other nearby cities.
3. By train:
The main train station is easily accessible. It is located close to the main tourist area and Central Plaza shopping complex.
Trains to Udon Thani run daily from Nong Khai, Laos, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Bangkok.
How to reach Udon Thani from Laos by bus:
Laos is about 75.6 km away from Udon Thani. You can easily get a bus from Laos to Udon Thani at Vientiane Talat Sao Station that will drop you at Udon Thani central bus station.
The journey will take about 3 hours and will cost you about $8 to $10.
