This northeastern Thai city has red lotus lakes, ancient rock paintings at Ban Chiang, and a large US Air Force base from the Vietnam War era. Markets and temples dot the center.
Udon Thani, a major city in northeastern Thailand's Isaan region, lies 450 kilometers from Bangkok. You can explore the 5,000-year-old Bronze Age pottery at Ban Chiang archaeological site, take early morning boat rides through pink water lilies at Nong Han Lake, or join locals for morning exercises at Nong Prajak Park. The city's streets come alive at night with markets and food stalls where you'll find authentic Isaan dishes like som tam and grilled chicken.
Getting to Udon Thani
You can reach Udon Thani by air from Bangkok (1 hour), Chiang Mai, or Phuket through Udon Thani International Airport. Regular trains connect the city with Bangkok and Nong Khai. The city has two main bus stations - the central station near Central Plaza mall handles most regional routes.
Moving Around the City
Three main roundabouts along Highway 2 help you navigate: the clock circle, fountain circle, and Prince Prajak Circle. Local songthaews (converted pickup trucks) run set routes throughout the city for 8-10 baht per trip. Tuk-tuks are available, and the train station has a fixed-price board to eliminate haggling.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Located 35 kilometers east of the city, Ban Chiang is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing Bronze Age artifacts. The museum displays pottery with curved patterns, bronze tools, and burial items from settlements dating back 5,000 years.
Pink Water Lilies at Nong Han Lake
Between December and February, millions of pink water lilies bloom across Nong Han Lake's 36-square-kilometer surface in Kumphawapi District. Take an early morning boat ride to see the flowers open with the sunrise.
Parks and Recreation
At Nong Prajak Park, you can walk or jog around the central lake. Local residents gather here morning and evening for aerobics sessions with Thai pop music. Nong Bua Public Park has walking paths around its pond, popular among morning exercisers.
American Influence and History
The U.S. Air Force operated a base here until 1976 during the Vietnam War. Many locals learned English during this period, and today Udon Thani maintains strong American connections with an active expatriate community.
Food and Markets
At the night market near the train station, you'll find local Isaan specialties including som tam (papaya salad with chilies, lime, and fish sauce) and grilled chicken with sticky rice. UD Town Food Center brings together various food vendors under one roof. Korean BBQ restaurants throughout the city let you grill meat at your table.
Day Trips from Udon Thani
Take a 45-minute train ride to Nong Khai to see the Mekong River and the Saturday Walking Street market. Cross the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to reach Vientiane, Laos's capital, about 90 minutes away. Six daily buses run directly to Vientiane's Morning Market.
