Things To Do
in Udon Thani
Udon Thani is a bustling city located in northeastern Thailand. It is known for its vibrant markets, delicious street food, and friendly locals. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, Udon Thani offers opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside and experience traditional Thai culture.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Nong Prajak Public Park where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The serene lake and beautiful gardens make for a perfect morning atmosphere.
Visit the Udon Thani Museum to learn about the local history and culture. The museum houses fascinating artifacts and exhibits that offer insight into the region's past.
Wrap up the day at the bustling night market. Try local street food and shop for unique souvenirs in a vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the ancient ruins at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the rich history of pottery and civilization that dates back thousands of years.
Head to Wat Pa Phu Kon, a stunning temple complex located in the mountains. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful architecture provide a perfect setting for reflection.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Isaan dishes. Engage with the local culture and enjoy the flavors unique to the region.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Thailand.
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions, including festivals and local cuisine.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including national parks and scenic landscapes.
- Fewer tourists, offering a more authentic experience of Thai culture.
- Growing expat community providing support and resources.
- Limited access to international amenities and services compared to bigger cities.
- Public transportation may not be as developed, making it difficult to navigate without a vehicle.
- Less job opportunities for foreigners, particularly in certain fields.
- Extreme weather conditions, including hot summers and rainy seasons.
- Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken among locals.
Best Activities in Udon Thani
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A popular place for walking, jogging, and picnicking with a lake, pedal boats, and a variety of trees and flowers.
Explore ancient rock formations, prehistoric cave paintings, and historical monuments while enjoying hiking and nature.
Visit a beautiful temple complex surrounded by natural scenery, ideal for peaceful meditation and scenic walks.
Relax by the lakeside, take a boat ride, or enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding vegetation and birdwatching.
Learn about ancient civilizations and excavated artifacts while strolling through this UNESCO World Heritage site's outdoor museum.
Spend time in nature by trekking, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic views of Udon Thani's landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Udon Thani with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Udon Thani
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic park with a lake, gardens, and walking paths that offer great views and photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and mountains, providing excellent photo opportunities for nature lovers and hikers.
Features a series of wooden walkways and viewpoints that provide breathtaking views of the Mekong River and the surrounding landscape.
Food in Udon Thani
Udon Thani Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy minced meat salad typically made with pork, chicken, or fish, mixed with fresh herbs, chilies, and toasted rice powder. Best enjoyed at Torseng Restaurant or Jua Deua Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A popular spicy green papaya salad with a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Try it at Tam Mark Keun or Kob’s Kitchen.
Grilled pork skewers served with sticky rice, a ubiquitous street food option available throughout Udon Thani.
A light and flavorful vegetable soup made with local herbs, often featuring pumpkin, bamboo shoots, and various green leafy vegetables. Sample this dish at Rimfangkhong or Ranjitar.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Udon Thani better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant street market offers a wide array of street food including grilled meats, noodle dishes, and traditional desserts. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of Isan cuisine here.
A bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, exotic spices, and ready-to-eat local delicacies such as grilled fish, larb, and various noodle dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Udon Thani, it's important to show respect to elders by using polite language and bowing slightly when greeting them.
When entering someone's home or a temple, it's customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
To show respect for Thai culture, especially when visiting temples or local communities, it's important to dress modestly by covering shoulders, chest, and knees.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Udon Thani with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Udon Thani
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly practiced in Udon Thani, Thailand. In most cases, service charges are included in the bill, so additional tipping is not expected. However, if exceptional service is provided, a small tip of 20-50 baht may be given as a token of appreciation.
In Udon Thani, Thailand, cash is the most commonly used form of payment, especially for smaller transactions. However, major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in larger establishments such as hotels, upscale restaurants, and department stores. It's advisable to carry cash for day-to-day expenses and smaller vendors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Udon Thani.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Udon Thani with comfortably warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity. While outdoor activities may be limited, the countryside becomes lush and green, and the rice paddies are at their most vibrant.
Udon Thani at Night
Hiking in Udon Thani
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park known for its stunning limestone mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views.
This national park features hilly terrains and is ideal for hiking, with well-marked trails and opportunities to see unique wildlife and plant species.
A large public park in Udon Thani that offers walking paths and trails suitable for light hiking, with beautiful lakes and views of the surrounding area.
Located near Udon Thani, this sanctuary provides various hiking options, allowing visitors to explore the natural wildlife and scenic landscapes.
An expansive national park with hiking trails through forests and hills, ideal for nature lovers and hikers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Udon Thani through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Udon Thani by plane.
The main international airport serving Bangkok and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, located approximately 570 km from Udon Thani.
Another major airport in the Bangkok area, this airport primarily handles low-cost carriers and is situated around 600 km from Udon Thani.
A smaller international airport located in Nakhon Phanom Province, approximately 150 km from Udon Thani, serving domestic and limited international flights.
Also known as Wattay International Airport, located in Vientiane, Laos, this airport is around 220 km from Udon Thani and offers international flights.
Located in northern Thailand, this airport is about 750 km away from Udon Thani and serves as a major gateway for flights to and from northern Thailand.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Udon Thani, closely related to the Lao ethnic group of neighboring Laos.
A significant portion of the population, including both ethnic Thais and those from other regions of Thailand.
A notable demographic group, often with ancestral ties from Chinese immigrants who settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A smaller ethnic group comprising individuals with origins from Cambodia.
Includes various other ethnic groups and migrants from regional areas and neighboring countries.
The Soul of Udon Thani
Discover the essence of Udon Thani through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional combat sport and martial art known for its striking techniques involving punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
A widely played team sport where two teams compete to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net.
A traditional Southeast Asian sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball and using feet, head, knees, and chest to hit the ball over a net.
A popular team sport in which two teams try to score points by throwing a ball through the opposing team's hoop.
A racquet sport played with a shuttlecock; it can be played in singles or doubles format and is well-liked in Udon Thani.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Udon Thani.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Udon Thani's traditional cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, many restaurants and cafes in the area offer vegetarian and vegan options such as tofu-based dishes, vegetable stir-fries, and fruit smoothies. Look for 'Jay' or 'Mangsa' dishes, which are typically meat-free.
Being mindful of gluten-free dietary needs, several restaurants in Udon Thani provide gluten-free alternatives, such as rice-based dishes, salads, and soups. It's recommended to communicate your dietary requirements clearly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Udon Thani with these cultural adventures.
