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Udon Thani, or by its shortened and common name Udon, is a large and important city in Thailand. It is located in the north of the country and connects Thailand to the neighboring country of Laos (which is 70 kilometers away). Many travelers visit it as a stopover on the way to Laos, but it is definitely worth a visit even if you don't intend to leave the country's borders.
After many years in which the province was abandoned, the city began to grow and attract a large and diverse population. In the last century, during the Vietnam War, the American government established a large base in the city. This is how he actually turned it into a multicultural and diverse city with residents from neighboring countries - Vietnamese, Chinese and more.
Besides its rich military past, Udon is an important historical stronghold. This is one of the oldest cities in the country (and even in the world). Archeological items from the Bronze Age (which began about two thousand years before the Christian era) were found there and there are even remains from the age of the dinosaurs! Beyond that, the city has many unique architectures and important historical sites such as Buddhist temples and ancient caves.
Udon has a wide variety of accommodation options, in different budgets - from cheap guesthouses for backpackers to luxury hotels with private pools. Most tourists choose to spend the night in the city center, in the area called "Soi Sampantamit" (on Farang Street). Mainly due to the convenient proximity to the train station and buses. The area is full of places to stay, western restaurants and bars. Accordingly, it is crowded and noisy. Additional guest places are scattered all over the city, in more peaceful places. If you chose to stay there, you can get around using the city's accessible transportation network.
Udon is about 560 kilometers from the capital Bangkok. Since it is considered a central city, getting to it is accessible and convenient. There are various transportation options - train, bus and flight, from almost anywhere in Thailand.
Udon Airport is south of the city, a few kilometers away. Many low-cost flights of the well-known Thai companies - Nok Air or Air Asia - arrive there every day. from Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and of course From Bangkok. From the airport you can get to the city center by minivan (60 baht per person), taxi, or songthaew number 15 (30 baht per person).
Udon has two main stations, one in the city center (the old station, Terminal 1) and another one near the city (the new station, Terminal 2). From the new station you can take a tuk-tuk to the city center at a cost of about 150 baht.
Buses from Bangkok to Udon depart from Morchit Terminal in Bangkok every hour, from 6:30 AM to 22:45 PM. The trip takes 8-10 hours and costs 500-700 baht (the price increases for a night trip).
From (or to) Chiang Mai there are buses that arrive at Terminal 2. There are several such trips during the day. The trip takes about 12 hours and costs 700 baht. Another option is a night bus that leaves at 17:45, 18:45 or 20:45 from Central Plaza.
There are trips to the bus station in Terminal 1 from many other destinations throughout the country - Chang Ray, Phuket, Khorat, Rayong and more, about which you can get updates from the local agencies.
Udon train station is located next to Terminal 1 bus station. From (or to) Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok there are four trips per day, which will cost depending on the class you choose (200-1500 baht). This train journey takes 12 hours and has two stops in Khorat and Khon Kaen.
The city center is called "Udon City" and is the center of affairs, culture, leisure life and commerce. If you choose to stay in the tourist area, in the city center, it is likely that you will hardly need to use the city's means of transportation.
To move around the city there are many options: tuk-tuk, motorbikes for rent, taxis. It is worthwhile and easy to haggle over the prices (which are pre-set very high for tourists). In addition, the city is networked with buses, which are a convenient and very cheap means of transportation. However it can be a bit confusing if you don't speak Thai.
The most recommended time To make a trip to Udon is in the months of November to February, in the dry and cool season of Thailand. In the months of March-April, the weather in Udon is very hot, and from May to October, a lot of rain falls in the area and there are lightning and thunder storms (especially in August).
At a distance of 55 kilometers from the city, there is a well-known and very impressive archaeological site called Ban Chiang. It presents prehistoric remains thousands of years old, ecological and cultural finds from the early settlement in the area.
Another fascinating site in the area is the historical park "Phu Phra Baht", which is 67 kilometers from Odon. It is a pastoral trekking site with special rocks, caves with ancient wall paintings and a beautiful landscape.
"Phu Foi Lom Eco Park" It is a beautiful and rich natural park located about 40 kilometers southwest of the city and is a popular camping site.
Within the city limits you can find green urban parks such as "Nong Prajak Park", which is a good place to relax on the grass, have a picnic or go for a walk in nature.
Of course you can't do without some museums. In Udon there is a national museum that is definitely worth a visit, especially at the beginning of your trip in the city. The museum is located in a historic building that was once used as a royal residence. It is a heritage site with impressive architecture and contains a beautiful collection of exhibits, which will help you understand the history and culture of the place better.
In Udon Thani you can try a lot of delicious street food. The city has plenty of markets and street food stalls that will serve you traditional Thai food throughout the day and night. In addition, the city has a nice selection of restaurants of all kinds. Due to the foreign settlement in the area, the Vietnamese style of cooking is particularly prominent. Many of the restaurants in the city are open air, offering fun seating inside a green garden. It is a local and highly recommended restaurant "Rabeang Pochana" Located near Prajak Lake (on Saphakit Janya Rd.).
If you are less into traditional food, you should visit the Charoensri Complex area, especially Prajak and Pho Niyom streets. There you will find bars, restaurants and western cafes that serve Italian food, steaks, hamburgers, etc.
Udon has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the entertainment for tourists is in the Charoensri Complex area, where you can find many Irish bars, 24/7 restaurants and dance parties that go on until dawn. Some recommended places for a night out in the area are: Aussie Pub & Restaurant which is on the street Teekatananon, Mr Tong's located on Prajak Street andIrish Clock which is on Sampantamit Street.
Close to the train station there are also cool night markets, where, among other things, you can taste the slightly dubious national dish: fried insects. The nearby "Centre Point" area hosts live performances during the weekends. If you are looking for an entertaining experience on Watthana and Adulyadet streets there are many karaoke bars.
As in any big city in Thailand, Udon has a lot to buy and everywhere. Udon is famous mainly for textile production, and especially for silk products. To observe the production processes of the silk, i.e. the weaving women during their work, you can visit the nearby village of Na Kha, which is the source of the city's unique products.
For more western shopping or stocking up on essentials, wander around the city center and the Charoensri mall located in the area. This is a huge, indoor and air-conditioned shopping complex, where you can buy anything you can think of - clothes, electronics, souvenirs, cosmetics, etc.
Udon Thani is a large and important city in northern Thailand that connects Thailand to Laos. Many travelers visit it as a stopover on the way to Laos, but it is definitely worth a visit even if you don't intend to leave the country's borders.
Udon is about 560 kilometers from the capital Bangkok. Since it is considered a central city, getting to it is accessible and convenient. There are various transportation options - train, bus and flight, from almost anywhere in Thailand. You can find the details of all options on the website.
Udon has a wide variety of accommodation options, in different budgets - from cheap guesthouses for backpackers to luxury hotels with private pools. You will find the best and most recommended places on the site.
On the Simple Thailand website, we have compiled for you the most recommended places to stay in Udon Thani, including the possibility of quick booking in a few clicks. You are welcome to take a look at these places on the website and reserve a place for yourself.