Udon Thani Travel Guide

Introduction to Udon Thani Udon Thani is a major city in northeastern Thailand, serving as a transportation hub and tourist center for the region. It offers a rich blend of natural landscapes and profound historical and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination to experience the charm of northeastern Thailand. Transportation Guide • By Air: Udon Thani has its own airport. Flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok take approximately 1 hr 30 mins. • By Bus: From the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), take a northeastern line bus. Options include regular buses, air-conditioned buses, and 24-seat sleeper buses. The journey takes about 6–7 hrs. Recommended Attractions • Ban Chiang National Museum: The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum houses numerous artifacts that tell the story of the ancient Ban Chiang people. There is also a souvenir shop selling related items. Opening hours: 9am–4pm daily. Admission: THB 150 for foreigners. • Na Kha Fabric Market: This is Udon Thani's famous indigo-dyed fabric market, founded by the Ban Na Kha Fabric Association. Over 30 shops sell various products made from this fabric, such as shirts, pants, skirts, scarves, cushions, and souvenirs. Opening hours: 8am–8pm daily. • Nong Han Lake: Covering an area of over 36 sq km, the lake is rich in fish, birds, and aquatic plants. From December to February, the lake is covered with blooming red lotus flowers, a truly magnificent sight, earning it the nickname "Red Lotus Lake." Boat trips are available for a closer view of the lotus flowers, taking approximately 1 hr 30 mins. Opening hours: 6am–5pm daily. • Nong Prajak Park: Located in a swamp area, the park features a small island in the center, a significant landmark of Udon Thani. Locals often come here for exercise, walks, and to enjoy the scenery. The bridge connecting the island to the fountain clock tower offers stunning views. The central island is planted with various flowers and ornamental plants, making it a great spot for photos. Opening hours: 6am–8pm daily. • Phu Foi Lom: Located in a national nature reserve at an altitude of around 600m, Phu Foi Lom enjoys a cool climate. Its name comes from a type of lichen called "Foi Lom." It has been developed into an ecotourism destination, surrounded by mountains and rich in vegetation and flowers, making it ideal for camping and stargazing. Opening hours: 6am–8pm daily. • Si Sieng Khon Village: This tourist village is surrounded by the lush mountains of the national park. It is also the source of the Huai Pong Waterfall, and the stream below the waterfall provides water for agriculture. The village boasts beautiful scenery, with a stream flowing through it. The climate is pleasant year-round. During the colder winter months, the community organizes driving tours. Opening hours: 7am–4pm daily. Recommended Restaurants • Aroi Dee Vietnamese Restaurant: With a 30-year history, this restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for two consecutive years (2023–2024). The restaurant features simple and comfortable decor and offers a diverse menu, including Vietnamese sausage, fried spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese pancakes, and various fresh vegetables. Location: Phan Phao Road, Mak Khaeng, Udon Thani. Opening hours: 9:30am–6pm daily. • Matchaphat Restaurant: A 42-year-old restaurant with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and beautiful scenery. You can sit by the lake, enjoy your meal, and experience the joy of feeding the fish. The restaurant specializes in cooking local river fish with rich flavors. Recommended dishes include sour curry with black fish, steamed catfish, boiled catfish, multi-flavored fried fish, and grilled river prawns. Location: Udon-Nong Khai Road, Udon Thani. Opening hours: 10am–9pm daily. • Dose Factory: From selecting coffee beans to roasting and brewing, every detail is meticulously handled to ensure the purest and best-tasting coffee. Location: Na Lai Xuan Road, Mak Khaeng, Udon Thani. Opening hours: 7am–4:30pm daily. • Twosons Cafe: Featuring a simple yet stylish wooden design, this cafe offers a wide variety of savory and sweet food and drinks. Don't miss the delicious bread and cakes baked fresh daily by the owner. Location: Udon Dusadee Road, Ban Dung, Udon Thani. Opening hours: 8am–8pm daily (closed on the fourth Thursday of each month). Shopping Recommendations • Na Kha Fabric Market: You can buy local indigo-dyed fabric products, such as shirts, pants, skirts, scarves, cushions, and souvenirs. Travel Tips • Best Time to Visit: Udon Thani has a tropical monsoon climate, warm and humid year-round. The dry season, from November to February, offers relatively lower temperatures and is the best time for tourism. • Cultural Experiences: As a cultural center of northeastern Thailand, Udon Thani has many traditional handicraft shops and art performances, offering opportunities to learn about local culture and art. • Accommodation: Udon Thani offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Udon Thani and enjoy a memorable journey!