Udon Thani (อุดรธานี, also Udorn Thanee) is a city of 131,000 people (2019) in the Isaan region of Thailand. Often referred to as Udon or Udorn (อุดร), the city should not be confused with Ubon — Ubon Ratchathani in southeastern Isaan.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Founded in the 1890s by Prince Prajak Silapakom, Udon Thani is the 7th largest city in Thailand. Udon had a USAF airbase during the Vietnam War that increased its wealth and importance. Surrounded by one of the major agricultural areas of the country, Udon Thani has become a regional hub for agriculture, commercial distribution, shopping and a fledgling tourism industry. The airbase closed in 1976, there was a U.S. consulate until 1995, and there is still a Voice of America radio station. Because of this American presence, many Thais were well-paid and learned English, making them more marketable to foreign labour recruiters.
Navigation around Udon Thani is made easier by three large roundabouts on the central road, Hwy 2: the clock circle, the fountain circle and Prince Prajak Circle. It's also possible to orient yourself with Central Plaza or Nong Prajak Park. There is a bypass road that goes around the city. The main bus station, near Central Plaza has a taxi stand. The simplest way is just to use Grab ride-hailing service, which works in Udon as well, prices start from 60 baht even for a shortest ride, and increase pretty quickly afterwards.
1 Ban Chiang (About 35 km E of Udon). Ban Chiang, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, gained international attention after the discovery of ancient burial grounds, pottery, tools, and evidence of early metallurgy, revealing a sophisticated prehistoric culture that thrived more than 5,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the Ban Chiang National Museum, which showcases many of the remarkable finds, including red-painted pottery and bronze artifacts. The excavation pits, preserved under protective structures, offer a rare glimpse into the region’s ancient past. The site is easily accessible, with both inter-village songthaews and regional buses stopping near the Ban Chiang turn-off.
Daytrip to Nong Khai. Catch a 45-minute train at either 08:34 or 11:42 to Nong Khai for 11 baht. Either catch train back at 13:03 or catch a mini bus back for 50 baht. Every 30 min from bus station. If you wish do rent a car, there many car rentals agencies available in Udon Thani, such as UD Car Rent, Avis, Budget. (updated Oct 2021) Major Cinema. Watch a film at Major Cinema in Central Plaza. Some movies in Thai and some in English so choose the appropriate showing. 1 Nong Prajak Lake Park. Daily, 04:00-20:00. A large recreational area within the city and the primary site for locals to exercise and chill out.
Street vendors abound throughout the city. Satay, noodle soup (beef, pork, chicken and duck are common), pad Thai, som tam, grilled chicken, meat on a stick, various sweets and rice dishes are available at nearly all times. Udon Thani has a large range of buffet restaurants including Korean-style cook-it-yourself BBQ in a raised dish over a charcoal burner in the centre of your table. 1 Bongkotch Restaurant (ร้านอาหารบงกช) (at the top of Soi Suphanthanit). Popular Thai restaurant with good food and low prices. From 40 baht.
Udon Thani has a variety of karaoke bars, beer bars and Western bars. "Farang bars" tend to be concentrated in the area between Central Plaza and the railway station. Bars close sharply at midnight as the police are strict. Police set up roadblocks at the hour to look for drunk drivers. If you are driving a motorbike and over the limit it will cost you a night in a very uncomfortable Thai jail, most of the next day, and 3,000 baht. 1 Day and Night Bar Complex (next to the Pannerai Hotel). 12:00-00:00. About 17 beer bars in this open air, but covered, bar complex. 2 Nutty Park. L-shaped alley containing a dozen or more small bars popular with tourists and expats.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Udon Thani typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 26 rainy days.
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